Name: Jody Hall
Pronouns: she/her
Instagram: @cupcakeroyale
Favorite Sur La Table tool: I love the basic flexi spatulas/scrapers. I don’t like to waste a drop and these are the perfect tool with a nice bend that is durable and stands the test of time!
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“A little cupcake can go a long way in sharing gratitude and helping to comfort others.”
That’s the philosophy of Jody Hall, activist and founder of Cupcake Royale, the nation’s first cupcake-exclusive bakery that’s become a Seattle staple since opening its doors 22 years ago.
“I’ve loved baking since I was a young girl. I think my mother instilled this in me as she was a great cook and baker and had a great sense of adventure in her cooking,” she explains.
“Outside of that, I loved the idea of baking and sharing your
creations. Such a simple act can spark connection and bring comfort and joy to those you share with. That idea was foundational to me starting my first business, Cupcake Royale.”
That spark of joy, comfort and connection is essential to who Jody is and how she approaches each new recipe.
“Cooking is my love language–I come from a big family who gathered often around holidays, birthdays and family outings. Food always played a central role, and it was fun to participate and imagine the joy I could spark with my contributions.”
And nothing matches Jody’s passion quite like the cupcakes that her and her team craft.
“Everything at Cupcake is about joy and celebration.
My greatest joy in the 22 years is probably the time when I outed myself as a lesbian business owner in a big way: in 2009 I was heartbroken by a young man’s suicide after being cyberbullied for being gay. At the time, we just had a kid of our own, and this act truly broke my heart.
I worked with Dan Savage of the column “Savage Love.” Dan had just launched the It Gets Better Project to help struggling queer youth realize that life will get better–to find your community because you’re not alone.
We worked with IGBP to launch “the GAY” cupcake and donated $1 of every cupcake sold to this organization and in June 2009, we were able to raise $10,000.
Many of my peers said I shouldn’t mix business and politics, I thought otherwise. I took a bold leap in doing this and have zero regrets. It allowed me to be out and open beyond just my circle of friends and it created a lot of love for me and the company.
I think it’s important to take a stand for what you believe in.”
Even, Jody explains, when doing so can cause others to lash out at you.
“When we sold the GAY cupcake, I definitely got my share of threats and hate mail. But I wouldn’t change a thing in retrospect.”
It’s that self-assuredness that Jody carries with her in everything she does–from baking to advocating and, yes, even imagining her perfect dinner party guest list:
“Billie Eilish because of her fierce, unapologetic style and her brave songs and lyrics about mental health. I think she’s an inspiration for girls and the queer community to show it’s okay to be who you are.
Willie Nelson. Another renegade who creates beautiful music and lyrics and has been an advocate for all kinds of people, showing us that we all want to love and be loved and that’s what matters most.
My best pals Kim Malek, the founder of Salt & Straw and Cheryl Rucker.
Kurt Cobain: He and Nirvana created such an enduring legacy that continues to flourish. He too was an advocate for so many.
And finally, Jeff Bezos, to discuss how he could use his wealth to advocate for a vibrant arts culture in Seattle that would bolster and bring our community together. And [all the ways he could] enrich our city with a tiny fraction of his wealth.”
Jody had one last spark of joy for our readers:
“I think a lot of people get overwhelmed by making a signature recipe. My advice? Make it communal and enlist help from a pal, your kids or even your new favorite crush.
If it’s not perfect, take note for next time and remember, you’re making memories along the way!”
Hungry for more? You can get a taste of all the joy Jody and her crew are baking up, stop into one of their Seattle cafes or pick up locations! Or, brew up some joy with Jody’s other venture, Wunderground Coffee!
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