SWEET Cakes JA is a name often tucked quietly in the credits of wedding features and birthday celebrations, its creations stealing the spotlight while the artist behind them remained in the shadows. That artist is Sachane Campbell, humble, meticulous, and as delicate in spirit as the intricate designs she bakes and decorates.

The journey to Sweet Cakes JA began as a family tradition, baking fruitcakes each Christmas for friends, family and a few corporate clients. But unlike many bakers who grew up covered in flour, Campbell never spent her childhood in the kitchen. Instead, she grew up watching her grandmother bake every Christmas, a ritual that left her curious rather than skilled.

“I grew up seeing my grandmother baking; at December time, she actually gave me her recipe,” she shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. “The other cakes I do, I had to do some classes.”

It wasn’t until after completing university that Campbell’s intrigue became action. Wanting to master the craft she had admired for years, in 2018 she began formal training, and by the following year she was already putting her new skills into practice. Starting small, she introduced decorated cupcakes to the same corporate clients who once bought her family’s Christmas fruitcakes, tailoring each design to reflect their brands. From there, the business transitioned to full cakes and custom décor, catering to birthdays, weddings, corporate functions, and personal orders. By January 2020, on the cusp of the pandemic, Campbell officially registered as Sachane’s Sweet Cakes Limited, and trading as Sweet Cakes JA, moving it from a seasonal family tradition into a year-round operation under her leadership. Still a side hustle while she maintains a full-time job, Campbell describes the venture as one built on balance.

“The volumes are not quite there, and it’s comfortable to do after work,” Campbell noted.

The excitement of formalising the business was quickly dampened when lockdowns and restrictions on large gatherings slowed orders to a halt. But Campbell did not step away. Instead, she used the time as practice, refining her skills, experimenting with new designs, and studying industry trends.

“We had to use that year as a practice run,” she recalled with a laugh.

Though the business didn’t begin from an early passion for baking, Campbell’s fascination with the artistry of cake design pushed her further into self-directed research. She spent hours studying techniques and experimenting with more complex designs, determined to refine her craft beyond what she had learnt in class. Still, she admits that cake design is a precise and demanding skill. Not every idea can be executed to perfection, and some requests have proven especially challenging. In those cases, Campbell has chosen to be transparent with clients, declining orders when she felt she could not fully deliver their vision.

“Of late, a lot of clients are going on AI and designing their own cakes and would send you, but you may not be able to replicate an AI (artificial intelligence) cake, so that’s where we draw the line,” she told the Sunday Finance.

Though the business slowed at the height of the pandemic, by 2023 Sweet Cakes JA had picked up momentum and moved into profitability. The market for designed cakes is competitive, but Campbell sees that as a positive, noting that competition “keeps everyone on their feet” to offer quality services.

Asked about challenges, she pointed instead to milestones, highlighting the brand’s growing visibility on both social and traditional media, including invitations to appear on television to discuss her work. Today, Sweet Cakes’ core clients are the casual market, with steady orders throughout the year for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. Orders are managed primarily through the company’s website, www.sweetcakesja.com, and its Instagram page, which has grown to more than 16,000 followers. While maintaining steady growth, Campbell is also turning her attention toward giving back, with plans to mentor and train younger bakers interested in learning the craft.

From left: Co-founders of Sweet Cakes JA Kayla Robinson, Syddy Robinson, and Sachane Campbell.

Sweet Cakes JA designed this custom birthday cake for Andrae Artwell, CEO of Artwell & Co Fine Jewelry & Piercing Limited, reflecting his brand’s signature luxury with edible chains, diamonds, and sleek black detailing.

A timeless three-tier wedding cake by Sweet Cakes JA, finished in ivory tones and adorned with elegant sugar orchids.

Sweet Cakes JA created this custom birthday cake, styled with a modern black-and-white theme and accented with photo collage details to celebrate the occasion.

This money-stacked birthday cake by Sweet Cakes JA was designed to impress, featuring edible dollar bills, metallic accents, and bold statement details fit for a grand celebration.

Blush elegance. A delicate pink ruffle cake topped with roses and carnations, bringing romance and charm to the table. A Sweet Cakes JA creation.