Barney’s Bakery: from passion to profession

Jessica Woodward, a lifetime resident of Harrison County, has always enjoyed baking cookies but around her late teen years she discovered her love for baking in general. “I have been baking cookies since I was a young child,” she said. “My mom and grandmothers all baked so I had a lot of influence and practice. I was 16 when I decorated my first cake for my best friend’s surprise Sweet 16.”

Now she’s the proud owner of Barney’s Bakery.

“I wanted my hobby to be my job but I did not want to work for someone else and give up my creative freedom,” she said. On Jan. 29, 2023, she officially started the business.

She shared that the name is a family heirloom in a way. Although “Barney” has been a nickname that’s continued through many generations, she said that she specifically used it in memory of her dad.

Woodward bakes out of her home and enjoys the support and encouragement of her family. “I have a house full of boys – my husband and three sons. My husband has always been one of my biggest supporters. They all certainly enjoy leftovers and taste testing. I frequently ask my kids for input on what I am making. Who will be more honest than a child?”

She offers a variety of products including cake, cupcakes, cupcake cakes, cookie cakes, and several types of cookies. She’s limited only by skill level and cottage food laws, which are laws that allow bakers to sell low-risk products out of their home without government oversight. Many bakeries started out selling from their homes and it’s been proven safe for consumers.

On most Fridays, you can also find Woodward’s Treat of the Week for sale at B’s Bouquets and Gifts on Lincoln Avenue in Cadiz.

Woodward stays active in the community as much as possible. She’s taught a couple Mommy and Me classes and has done a class with the Girl Scouts. “I volunteer for Icing Smiles, an amazing non-profit that provides dream cakes, sibling cakes and cookies for medically fragile children. They also provide celebratory cakes for milestones like remission. I also try to donate to community events and fundraisers when my schedule permits.”

She has also participated in Career Day for a second grade class and she donated baskets of goodies for a recent dinner benefit. She hopes to be able to offer more class options to the public in the future.

To see all the options for baked goods that Woodward offers, visit her online: Instagram – Barney’s Bakery. You do not have to join Facebook to view the business page: www.facebook.com/BarneysBakery.

She described the future of the bakery as “Promising,” and said she will continue learning new skills and offering new products. Currently, she’s just started offering a new dye-free line of baked goods. Be sure to check out Barney’s Bakery next time you need a great cake or some delicious cookies.