HOWELL – At just 13 years old, Jazmine Maldonado defies the conventional image of a typical teenager. Instead of indulging in video games or social media, Jazmine works at her own business, creating tempting dessert treats.
Jazmine’s journey into entrepreneurship began at the age of 9 when she started making and selling slime. She then moved on to beading bracelets and offering them for sale. Jazmine’s latest venture has taken her in a different direction with skills she picked up at home.
The Howell Middle School North straight “A” student said she came up with the idea for “Heavenly Sweets” as a result of working with her mom in the family kitchen. Patricia made mouthwatering desserts that received high accolades from family and friends.
It wasn’t long before Jazmine decided the best way to quickly satisfy her personal cravings for cupcakes or cookies was to make them herself. She began baking (with supervision) at age 10 and then tried her hand at making chocolate-covered strawberries.
Some of Jazmine Maldonado’s Heavenly Sweets. (Photo courtesy Patricia Maldonado)
“My favorite time making cupcakes was for my dad’s 40th birthday,” shared Jazmine. “It was really sentimental, and I still remember their smell.”
Saying she’s “just a teen with a dream of heavenly sweets,” Jazmine sensed that most people appreciated treats that tasted great and looked too pretty to eat.
Jazmine began experimenting with chocolate as one of her initial interests. She used it to cover pretzels, fruit, and cookies. Saying that she has a great imagination all on her own, Jazmine also did some research for inspiration. The result has become a collection of masterpiece desserts.
Baking isn’t the only interest that takes up Jazmine’s time outside school. At Freehold Dance Academy of Performing Arts, Jazmine takes ballet, jazz and contemporary dance lessons. Beyond her structured lessons, she devotes additional time to practice at home and actively participates in dance competitions.
“She’s very talented,” said Patricia. “I am very proud of her.”
Jazmine earned first place for her solo contemporary dance performance. (Photo courtesy Patricia Maldonado)
More than anything, Jazmine had dreams of a solo performance that would require private lessons and entry and costume fees. It all added up to nearly a thousand dollars.
Realizing the financial obligations tied to the solo performance, Jazmine took matters into her own hands, determined to fund her dance aspirations by transforming her baking passion into a thriving business. Jazmine asked her mom to put pictures of her work on social media to see if it would attract attention.
“It’s something I really wanted to do,” Jazmine said. “I wanted to earn the solo myself.”
Some of Jazmine Maldonado’s Heavenly Sweets. (Photo courtesy Patricia Maldonado)
The influx of orders began almost immediately. Meanwhile, it’s hard to determine if people were drawn by Jazmine’s story or the aesthetic charm of her creations. Satisfied customers continue to rave about Jazmine’s work and her meticulous attention to taste and design.
Patricia manages the social media for Heavenly Sweets and also oversees the order processing. Apparently, Jazmine’s goal of making enough money to compete as a soloist wasn’t enough for the ambitious teen.
Some of Jazmine Maldonado’s Heavenly Sweets. (Photo courtesy Patricia Maldonado)
During her solo performance last weekend, Jazmine clinched the first-place spot in the Contemporary Dance category. Her captivating dance was set to the rhythm of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For.”
More information and samples of Jazmine’s work can be found on Heavenly Sweet’s Instagram account located here: heavenly_sweets333.
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