Joy's Delightz

A Sweet Delight Built on Love, Family, and Community 

Behind every successful small business is a story that inspires, and for Jackie Ross, founder of Joy's Delightz, that story revolves around family, passion, and the power of strong connections. Launched in December 2022, Joy's Delightz has quickly grown from a kitchen-table concept into a thriving home bakery, delighting customers with cakes, cookies, mini bundt cakes, and more. Jackie’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community spirit, all of which are central themes in her business and her mission.

From an Impromptu Idea to a Flourishing Bakery

The origin of Joy's Delightz is as heartwarming as the treats Jackie creates. One evening, her daughters, Jocelyn (nicknamed Joy) and Madison, playfully suggested the idea of starting a business during a conversation about saving for their future. What began as a lighthearted remark quickly turned into a serious commitment. Thanks to the encouragement of a friend, Jackie registered Joy's Delightz as an LLC and began the incredible journey of entrepreneurship. From the very start, Jackie involved her daughters in the business, teaching them the intricacies of baking and showing them that dreams can turn into reality with effort and dedication. "Joy's Delightz really comes from my girls and their belief in this idea," Jackie recalls. It’s a family affair from top to bottom, with each member contributing to the business's growth and success.

A Lifetime Passion for Baking

Jackie’s love for baking has deep roots. Her mother’s kitchen was where Jackie learned the magic of baking while absorbing valuable life lessons in fractions and measurements. For her, baking has always been tied to joy and learning. "I used baking to teach my daughters math," Jackie shares, blending her professional background in statistics with her passion to educate and empower. This heartfelt connection to baking informs the experience and flavors that Joy's Delightz offers today, giving every dessert a personal and nostalgic touch. Jackie continues to draw inspiration from her mother’s recipes, including her signature sweet potato pies, which remain a cherished addition to the Joy's Delightz menu.

The Role of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce

Jackie credits much of her business’s growth to her membership with the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (VABCC). "It’s the best membership dues I’ve ever paid," she says with enthusiasm. The Chamber has provided her not only with knowledge and resources but also invaluable networking opportunities. Through VABCC programs like the Business Accelerator and speed networking events, Jackie has built a strong foundation for her business. She praises the Chamber’s support, citing it as a "roadmap to success," and shares how the community of like-minded entrepreneurs has motivated her to aim even higher. Jackie recounts how one event led to multiple bookings for her desserts, proving the tangible benefits of joining a supportive organization.

A Vision for Growth

Joy's Delightz initially started as a home bakery, offering only a small selection of baked goods. Today, the business has expanded to include a specialty drink and dessert trailer, marking a significant milestone. Jackie is brimming with ideas for the future, envisioning a fleet of Joy's Delightz trailers and trucks serving the DMV area and beyond. Her ultimate goal? To develop the business into something sustainable that benefits not only her family but her community. Jackie dreams of transitioning from being an owner-operator to managing a team of employees who share her commitment to excellence and joy. She imagines her trailers, employees, and baked goods reaching markets as far as North Carolina while maintaining the high standards Joy's Delightz is known for.

Balancing Business, Family, and Life

Running Joy's Delightz is a family effort, and Jackie is deeply grateful for the support of her husband and daughters. She balances her full-time job in Washington, D.C., with the demands of the business, reserving evenings and weekends for baking and planning. Time management and teamwork are crucial, and Jackie ensures her family carves out downtime to avoid burnout. "My girls are still teenagers," Jackie admits, "and their interests change. But even when their focus shifts, I’ve committed to keeping this business growing." Her discipline and determination set an inspiring example for both her daughters and other entrepreneurs.

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To small business owners considering joining organizations like the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, Jackie offers this wisdom: "Going into business is not something you should do alone. The power of connections and investing in your knowledge is what helps you grow." She believes partnerships and networks are essential for success and praises the Chamber’s inclusive culture, which fosters collaboration rather than competition. Jackie’s advice to fellow Black entrepreneurs is rooted in her lived experience. "We’re not competing against each other, but lifting each other up to thrive in the marketplace," she emphasizes.

A Sweet Future Ahead

What began as a mother-daughter dream has evolved into a rapidly scaling business with a solid future. Jackie’s passion for baking, her dedication to her family, and her strong community connections continue to fuel Joy's Delightz as it grows beyond her initial vision. With plans to expand her trailers, hire employees, and continue blending heart and flavor into every dessert, Jackie Ross is proving that success is a recipe for joy, hard work, and staying true to one’s values. The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight Jackie and Joy's Delightz as a shining example of what Black-owned businesses can achieve with the right support and determination. Stay tuned for updates from Joy’s Delightz, and don’t miss their specialty desserts and signature sweet potato pies. Jackie’s story is a reminder that when passion meets purpose, the possibilities are truly endless.