January’s Cake Decorator Spotlight
Hi friends! I am thrilled to be featuring Jujhar Mann, @mannandcobakeshop from Surrey, BC, Canada, for January’s Cake Decorator feature. He recently opened his new bespoke bakeshop and specializes in Wedding & Custom Cakes, Pastries, & Desserts. Read on to learn more about Jujhar and his favorite cakes!
Hi Jujhar! Can you share some about yourself?
Hi!! I am a 23-year-old Pastry Chef from Surrey, BC, Canada. Mann and Co Bakeshop specializes in delicious wedding cakes, celebration cakes, and desserts with a flair for French and Asian influences. What started as an Instagram page as a home baker, just for fun, quickly became a full-time career as a professional. I hope to inspire other young males to follow their passion and dreams because you never know what can happen.
How did you become a baker/caker?
My love for baking started when I was in grade 4. My obsession began from watching baking shows, and all I knew was that one day I wanted to become a pastry chef. Growing up, all I watched was baking shows or crafty shows as that’s all I have been interested in since day one. As a South-Asian male, baking isn’t something supported in my culture as a career path, so I knew this would never do. In 2018, after completing my first year of university, it was very stressful, and I needed a creative outlet to express myself, so I finally started baking. I started a hobby page on Instagram just for fun, and in January 2019, this hobby became a small business. Fast forward to 2020, I completed the Great Chocolate Showdown on Food Network Canada, and my love for baking grew. In 2021 during Covid, I was finishing the last semester of my marketing degree, and because of Covid, my university classes were online. I could also attend pastry school during this time and learn from world-renowned party chef Amaury Guichon. I completed pastry school in March 2021 and my bachelor’s degree in April 2021, and I knew this was what I would be doing forever. Our storefront recently opened in December 2022.
What are your go-to tools when designing a cake?
My go-to tools are a turntable, an offset spatula, and a tall cake smoother (the one that is squared off in the bottom, haha). The essential tool, I would say, is an offset spatula. It’s versatile, and much can be done with just that tool.
Do you have a favorite cake style?
I love anything elegant. My cake style always makes everything modern and elegant with some traditional accents. I love lots of gold and designs with a bold accent, whether it’s a unique statement piece in the middle of the cake or a statement tier in color.
Where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to decorating cakes?
I love cakes that are very dynamic and showcase movement. I draw inspiration from everywhere, especially from clothing and fashion. For my recent favorite wedding cakes I’ve made, I was inspired by a model wearing a choker necklace and used that as inspiration for staggered gold tiers.
What do you love the most about your job?
What I love the most is that it’s always so much fun! I love meeting new people and learning about their celebrations. I aim to put a smile on whoever I meet and bake for. I love learning something new daily and continuing to challenge myself to grow.
What is the most significant accomplishment to date of your baking career?
My biggest accomplishment is competing in Food Network Canada, learning from Amaury Guichon, and opening my dream Bakeshop. I am very excited and super nervous about this new chapter of my life. I know there will be many ups and down, but I’m ready!
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to own a cake studio?
Yes! Be patient, always be open to feedback, and constantly challenge yourself. Never fear failing because your failures will help you learn and become a better artist. Always strive for the best and best proud of your creations. Your journey is going to be beautiful and unique, so never compare it to anyone else’s 🙂
For 2023, what do you hope to accomplish for your cake business?
I want to improve on streamlining my business and have organized systems in place. My dream is to have or be part of a baking television series. I had so much fun competing and would love to host, judge, or create one! I also would love to collaborate more with other small businesses, start teaching classes, and start a cake decorating program with the City Of Surrey for youth 🙂
Do you have any hobbies?
Honestly, I don’t think I have many hobbies. Growing up, from a young age, I started working with my dad (a plumber), and shortly after, I had my first retail job, and in university, I started baking. I haven’t had many opportunities to explore as life has been very busy, but I love anything creative. I love designing anything, so hoping to get into interior design in the future.
What is your favorite food?
I love Italian and Indian food; always super delicious and flavourful!
Mann & Co Bakeshop Cakes
Black Floral Tiered Cake
Gold Arched Birthday Cake
Spring Floral Wedding Cake
Floral Beauty Square Tiered Cake
Baby Bear & Hot Air Balloon Shower Cake
Steak Dinner Cake
Gray Marble Tiered Cake
Gorgeous Textured Tiered Cake
Dholki Cake
Peppa Pig Birthday Cake
Vintage Sweet Sixteen Cake
Winnie The Pooh Baby Shower Cake
Stunning Gold Wedding Cake
What an inspiration. Thank you, Jujhar, for sharing your beautiful creations. I wish you continued success with your bakeshop! Visit Jujhar at @mannandcobakeshop and website for more wonderful cake inspiration.
