Jen Stewart-Holliday is not your average 23 year old. She’s a senior at ISU majoring in Environmental Health with a minor in Biological Sciences. Jen has had a passion for baking ever since she was young and about two years ago she decided to turn her passion into an amazing and selfless cause. Jen set up a Facebook page called Simply Treats in hopes to fundraise for different charities. She bakes all kinds of yummy treats and donates 100% of the profits to charity! She bakes all kinds of treats such as cupcakes, cake pops, cookies and more.
Her Campus: How long have you been baking?
Jen Stewart-Holliday: My grandma taught me to bake when I was really little…like 3 years old. Like most kids (I think), I started baking with mom and grandma in the kitchen. Grandma taught me to make everything from scratch just like her mom and grandma did….plus a few tricks she learned along the way.
HC: When did you decide to turn your hobby into a means for donating to charities?
Jen: I started my Facebook page back in May 2012.
HC: What can you tell us about your Facebook page?
Jen: All of the proceeds from the various fundraising items I have available go towards the Relay for Life (April 25-26 @ ISU QUAD! – Ask me how to sign up!). Baking is something that I love to do, and it can also be a stress reliever at times too. So I figure if I get enjoyment out of making all these treats that I will never eat, why not put them to good use?
HC: What was your inspiration for starting Simply Treats?
Jen: Initially I started this page just so my family could see the different creations I have made over time from my actual job as a cake decorator and from bake sales I have done for fundraisers. Eventually, I had McLean County Relay for Life fundraisers, school bake sales, family bridal showers and baby showers, etc…..various events family and friends wanted my help. My main focus has been Relay for Life, but I will have certain fundraisers/times of the year when they will benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital as well as Breast Cancer Research (i.e. October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month). Overtime, I have been able to post various photos of projects and treats I have made for various events/reasons, and NOW I can showcase a wide variety to help increase awareness and fundraising efforts.
I have chosen Relay for Life as my main organization to donate to because I have had several members of my family whom I have lost to cancer. I have had cancer as well, but luckily it was caught early enough so treatment was easy. I feel as though cancer has become such a commonality anymore that there must be a cure or a way to fight off the disease. I would rather put my fundraising efforts toward an organization that has made a difference in the lives of so many people (as well as my own family). The American Cancer Society, sponsor of the Relay for Life, has helped my family though the hardships of facing cancer and this is me helping to fight back.
Again, I do not claim to be a business at all. I have simply used the resources I have (social networking) and what I know (baking and being “artsy”) to try to increase my audience to spread the word and hopefully raise funds while I am at it.
HC: What kind of treats do you offer?
Jen: I mostly do cupcakes just because I think they are adorable, but most people I know do not like to eat a big ‘ol piece of cake. I also adore cake pops. I have not been able to get too many good pictures of those since they are usually gone before I have the chance. I have made awareness ribbon sugar cookies, as well as a variety of gourmet flavored cookies. I have made chocolate covered strawberries and cherries as well. The more “fun” I make a treat the more interested people seem to have in it. I have tried to make a variety of things based on the current fundraiser and the seasonal ingredients at the time.
HC: I also saw on your Facebook page that you make jewelry… how does that tie in to your fundraising efforts?
Jen: A very good friend of mine was battling cancer, and she lost her hair due to her treatment. She did not feel beautiful and didn’t like going out. She didn’t wear much jewelry, but I made her a bracelet and some of those flower barrette/hair pins for her to wear with her scarf on her head. It made her light up just to receive a simple gift, and it made me smile seeing her wear them proudly when she went out and even when she passed. The bracelets, to me, are a symbol of hope, strength, and courage. Cancer is not one color, and it affects everyone differently. That’s why I have made some with many colors, one specific color, and with personalized charms.
I had someone recently want angel wings, another wanted initials of her grandfather, and another wanted a flag because her father was a veteran. The bracelets serve as a way to preserve a memory as well as our own strength to carry on….to Celebrate Remember and to Fight Back.
HC: What is the pricing like?
Jen: It depends. I usually do strawberries, which will run around $20 for 1 dozen. I have simply covered them in chocolate, and I have decorated them (drizzle, sprinkles, and other toppings.) Certain ones (i.e. berries) a little more just due to their high price normally. This is also based on availability/seasonality of ingredients.
Cupcakes will run around $25-$30 per dozen for complex flavors, such as peanut butter cup or green tea pistachio. This is simply due to the more detail, time, effort, and ingredients. More basic cupcakes such as strawberry fields/strawberry shortcake, chocolate, or vanilla, would be $10 per dozen.
Bracelets are $8-$9 each. If someone would want one that is personalized with more charms/lettering the price will vary based on the special order.
Again, when I am doing fundraisers with these, all of the profits benefit the corresponding organization.
HC: Are you hoping to open a bakery or wanting to continue baking as a fundraising hobby?
Jen: Honestly I love doing what I do as a cake decorator, but I would rather make a bigger difference by working out in the field with my major/minor. Then I was a little kid, I believe around the age of five or so, I do remember talking to dad and wanting to open up a bakery or restaurant. He loves to cook as well, and he taught me more about cooking food versus baking goodies. I have worked in the food business for a while, and I know how much work goes into running one. Although my childhood dream may not become a reality, I still plan to continue baking as a hobby. I absolutely love it, and I like making food that looks beautiful and delicious.
HC: How does someone go about ordering treats/jewelry?
Jen: If anyone is interested in taking a look at the Facebook page for photos of what I have made, they can visit: https://www.facebook.com/STFundraising. If they want to place an order, they can send a message on that page. If I now I have a fundraiser on a certain date (i.e. bake sale or Relay for Life), and I have photos of what will be made, I will post that on the page as well so people will know about it. I have been able to raise extra funds that way by “pre-selling” prior to the event. It also helps because I don’t run out too early. J
So if you’re looking for some treats of gifts to give to loved ones, friends, or professors, skip on the chain stores and get treats or bracelets from Simply Treats for a great cause!