Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie McRae
Hi Julie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi, my name is Julie McRae, owner of CBJ and Company. we specialize in custom wedding cakes. CBJ and Company started out in 2010 as Cupcakes by Julie, selling gourmet cupcakes at Farmers Markets and to family and friends. In 2012 I unveiled St. George’s first Cupcake Truck at the Blue Angels Air Show. Cupcakes were the trend and my little business took off! I knew the trend would end so I began brainstorming ideas on how to continue to build and grow my business. I started teaching myself how to make and decorate cakes and by September of 2013 I had my first tiered wedding cake! I began building relationships with vendors in the wedding industry and providing beautiful wedding cakes for all of Southern Utah! Wedding season I can have up to seven weddings in one weekend. Life gets hectic during those weeks but I love the opportunity to serve all the wonderful couples who are getting married!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any journey, there are so many ups and sometimes a few downs! Cake trends are always coming and going. There are times when trying to figure out a new technique can be extremely frustrating. I have to remind myself it’s a bump in the road and reach out for extra help! Social media is amazing and I have been able to find cake designers all over the world who are so kind in sharing their knowledge!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always been a creative person, it’s my outlet. I love to socialize and serve my community. My career has provided me all of those opportunities! I work from home which allows me the flexibility to be present for my kids and husband. Creating cakes is such a creative outlet for me! My favorite is when a client gives me some examples of a style and give me creative freedom.
Ever since I was a kid, I was the social butterfly, loved being around all my family and friends. Gathering people together fills my cup and makes me happy! In 2020, after the Covid shut down, a girlfriend and I decided we wanted to host a Witches Night Out for Halloween. We sang, danced and had yummy food and dessert with about 30 friends. The following year we were asked if we would be doing it again! Needless to say, it’s now tradition and every year on the first Wednesday in October, CBJ hosts Witches Night Out for women to gather and have a night out! We started with 30 witches and last October, we had over 300! It’s a beautiful thing to see so many women come together to celebrate one another!
My heart is always looking for ways to serve others and give back. I feel so blessed in so many ways and providing a service to someone in need is so important to me. Throughout the year, my family and I find little ways to share something good. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas. We didn’t know how we could help provide relief, but felt we needed to do something. We hosted a bake sale and all the proceeds went to help a single mom rebuild her preschool. This bake sale set things into motion and now, every December, CBJ hosts a Bake Sale and all proceeds go to help a family in our community who is struggling in some way or another. I am so lucky to have a front row seat in watching our community come together and make a difference for a family.
I am very proud of the trust and loyalty my clients have in me and CBJ.
What makes you happy?
My family makes me the happiest! Being a mom and wife is the hardest and most rewarding job! I wouldn’t trade those titles for anything. I have a wonderful husband who supports my crazy ideas and business. He also serves his community as an LEO of 17 years. My three kids are definitely the best and know how to make me laugh like nobody else can. I love watching them grow, learn and become responsible, honest humans!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cbjandcompany.com
- Instagram: @cbjandcompany
- Facebook: Julie McRae
