Words June Murray Dagnall
Photos Wind Gypsy Photography
Some businesses are built around a carefully crafted business plan, while others begin with a single bite.
For Jodie, the baker and principal behind Oh My Cheesecake, it was the reaction she heard time and time again that inspired both her business and its unique and unforgettable name. Friends, family and even people who claimed they were not cheesecake fans would take a bite, pause for a moment, then exclaim: “Oh my, this is so good!” She explains that it happened so often that she decided to take those first words out of everyone’s mouth and make them her business name!
While Oh My Cheesecake may be new to the local food scene, the passion behind it has been years in the making. Jodie’s journey began in 2023, not with dreams of owning a dessert business, but with a love of baking and the simple joy of sharing homemade treats with the people she loves. Never wanting to show up to anyone’s home empty-handed, she was always bringing dessert.
One dinner invitation, however, changed everything. Wanting to create something special for the evening, Jodie decided on a decadent Nutella cheesecake with a cookie crust that climbed all the way up the sides, topped with a Ferrero Rocher chocolate crumble. It was the first time she had attempted that flavour, and the response was overwhelming.
That single Nutella cheesecake opened the door to endless creativity. Soon Jodie was experimenting with new flavours, perfecting recipes and surprising friends and family with each new creation. Those same friends soon began asking if they could purchase Jodie’s cheesecakes for birthday celebrations, family dinners and other memorable occasions. It was this encouragement that planted the seed for something bigger.
Today, Oh My Cheesecake is taking its very first steps as a business. Jodie has recently introduced her creations to the community through a local Facebook group and Instagram account, which she had hoped would let people know how to get in touch with her if they were interested in having a cheesecake made. The responses have exceeded all Jodie’s expectations, with people seeing the post and sharing it with others. The power of social media to spread the word about her business so quickly has been incredible, and the sweetest endorsement any new entrepreneur could hope for.
In the kitchen behind the creation of every cheesecake is Jodie balancing far more than mixing bowls and cream cheese! As a full-time employee and single mother of two, Jodie describes baking as the place where life slows down. In a very fast world, baking gives her peace and comfort. She loves the challenge of making something new from scratch and seeing the joy on people’s faces when they take that first bite!
Each cheesecake is handcrafted in small batches using fresh ingredients and plenty of creativity. Whether it is a rich chocolate creation, a fruity favourite or a seasonal specialty, every dessert is made with care. When the festive season arrives, customers can look forward to one of Jodie’s personal favourites, an indulgent Eggnog Cheesecake that has already earned an enthusiastic following among family and friends.
When asked what three words she would use to describe her cheesecake, Jodie replies without hesitation – creamy, dreamy and addictive!
Like many small business owners, Jodie is discovering that growing a business comes with its own challenges. The cheesecakes must remain frozen, so finding an affordable portable freezer for farmers’ markets has become her biggest obstacle to date.
Although still in the early stages of her journey, great opportunities are beginning to appear, showing evidence that Jodie has found the perfect recipe!
After all, when even self-proclaimed cheesecake skeptics can’t help but say “Oh My Cheesecake,” it’s clear these desserts are creating more than satisfied customers and are creating memorable moments, one delicious slice at a time!
Instagram – @ohmycheesecakeyyj or Facebook – Oh My Cheesecake.
