Once upon a time, in the bustling streets of Bulacan, Philippines, just outside Metro Manila, there lived a dynamic duo named John and Anne. Now, let me tell you, their love story ain’t your typical fairy tale. Nah, it’s something straight out of a feel-good, melo-drama-doc, with a sprinkle of entrepreneurial magic.
It all began in 2017, amidst the halls of Centro Escolar University (CEU), where fate intertwined their paths. John, a smooth-talking chef-to-be with a passion for culinary arts, crossed paths with Anne, a fiery future bakery queen with dreams as big as her heart. Sparks flew, and before you knew it, there was a baby bun in the oven and they were cookin’ up a storm together.
Filipino baked goods, with their unique flavors and irresistible appeal, have long held a special place in the hearts of sweet enthusiasts worldwide. From fluffy chiffon cakes to decadent ensaymadas, red velvet and ube, and their signature number birthday and pocky cakes, and cookies too!
All of these treats evoke a sense of home and comfort with every bite.
Chef Anne, with her culinary prowess and creative flair, tapped into this rich tradition when she crafted a special, customized ‘number cake’ for her father-in-law’s birthday. Little did she know that this seemingly simple gesture would catapult them into the spotlight. Believe it or not, that cake took them semi-viral online, igniting a frenzy of interest in their delectable creations and setting the momentum for their business and entrepreneurship journey.
Their passion for baking, coupled with their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, has propelled them to global recognition, proving that when love is baked into every treat, success knows no bounds.
Together, John and Anne have discovered that God truly is in the details, as they continue to spread joy, sweetness, and the power of entrepreneurship, one delicious creation at a time.
Fast forward to 2019…
…they’re standing at the altar, ready to say “I do.” But wait, there’s more! Along comes baby Johann, their bundle of joy, proving that love isn’t just about romance – it’s about family too.
Now, here’s where the magic happens.
Anne’s father-in-law aka, Pops blesses them with a wedding gift that ain’t your typical toaster – it was an oven!
Yup, you heard that right.
With that oven and a whole lotta love, they cooked up some entrepreneurship, and started Johanne’s Bake Shop right from their own kitchen. And let me tell you, folks couldn’t get enough of their gorgeous and mouthwatering treats.
But just when things were heating up, COVID-19 comes knockin’ on their door. Did they let it rain on their parade? Hell no! They took their business online, using Facebook, TikTok, and Shopee to spread the word and empower others in their community to chase their dreams too.
As their little home-based bakery business, Johanne’s Sweet Creations, took off, John and Anne found themselves overwhelmed with success.
What started as a humble endeavor blossomed into a thriving enterprise, with their delectable treats flying off the shelves. Soon, they were selling over 8,000 sweet and bread treats per month, becoming direct suppliers to prestigious establishments like Malacañang Palace and capturing the hearts of sweet lovers all around the Philippines.
Then, here comes baby Scharlett.
With the arrival of their princess, Scharlett, John and Anne’s joy multiplied tenfold, filling their home with laughter and love. Scharlett’s bright eyes and contagious giggles brought a new level of happiness to their family, creating cherished moments and unforgettable memories. As they watched their two precious children grow and thrive together, John and Anne felt blessed beyond measure, grateful for the gift of parenthood and the boundless love that filled their hearts.
Inspired to scale.
The word of their mouthwatering creations even reached across the oceans, sparking an emerging interest in the United States. With each treat they baked, John and Anne infused it with love, passion, unique styles, specialty number cakes, and a dash of Filipino flair, captivating taste buds and spreading joy far and wide.
As their popularity soared, they seized the opportunity to rebrand their business as Johanne’s Sweet Creations, cementing their status as one of the Philippines’ most beloved bake brands.
But the dynamic duo’s journey was just getting started.
In a serendipitous twist of fate, an unexpected opportunity arose for John and Anne -together- to take their talents to the United States as Resident Bakery Consultants. With offers in hand, they embarked on a new chapter of their journey, bringing the flavors, and the successful business model of the Philippines to a global marketplace.
Through it all, they never lost sight of what truly matters. Love, family, legacy, and the sweet taste of success.
So, as they continue to spread the spirit of Filipino joy and sweetness across the globe, in the United States, John and Anne’s love story reminds us that with a little bit of faith and a whole lotta love, anything is possible -oh, and an oven from Pops.
And that, my friends, is the sweetest Filipino love story you ever did hear.
