How Cakes by Jane started…
Jane Tomlinson, Founder, 1950-2003
In 1974 Jane was recruited to cater Georgia’s Governor George Busbee’s inaugural reception for 5,000 people. In 1997, at the suggestion of many of her clients and friends, Jane decided to experiment with mailing out her delicious cream cheese pound cakes as holiday gifts for corporations and individuals. The first year went extremely well, and Jane offered this service again during the 1998 holiday season. After such an overwhelming response, Jane decided it was time to offer her mail order cakes throughout the year.
What’s happening today…
Meet Melissa of Cakes by Jane
Cakes by Jane has been providing Asheville locals as well as many folks across the nation with something delicious and comforting for decades.
Since Jane passed away in 2003, Melissa has continued operating the business based on Jane’s famous recipes and her own. She oversees the baking, packing and shipping of each cake. Melissa also handles and enjoys the business aspect along with sales, and marketing.
A true artist at heart Melissa is able to combine her two passions – art and food. At Cakes by Jane she is also in charge of every cake design that goes into the oven and out the door.
A Cakes by Jane pound cake is made without any preservatives or additives, Melissa prepares each cake with only the finest of ingredients. Because of the superb quality of the cake, it can last up to two weeks on the counter, one month in the refrigerator and one year in the freezer. Each wedding cake can also be made from the same tried and true pound cake recipe. Combine that with Melissa’s beautiful designs, and you’ve got yourself a work of art!
Melissa has brought and is bringing such wonderful things to her Cakes by Jane business, it’s her “labor of love”.
Since 2004 Melissa has made cakes for HGTV Dream Home giveaway, she has baked and decorated a glamorous birthday cake for musician Kenny G. She has made a life size slot machine cake for Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee. She has also been a part of many charity organizations in her community such as Eblen Charities, Buncombe County Schools, CarePartners, Mission Hospital, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
“I love the business I’m in and I am so very blessed to have it. The community has helped me continue Jane’s dream and make Cakes by Jane what it is today. I believe everyone needs to start family traditions, why not make yours a Cakes by Jane.”
For Melissa, one cake decorating class and many years in the food industry has expanded her career, following in the footsteps of a legendary woman she is a living legend herself. Melissa is making, baking and taking her cakes and talents to the next level. Order yours today!
