Barely Famous Podcast: "Say You'll Remember Me with Abby Jimenez" Summary

Release Date: April 18, 2025

In this compelling episode of Barely Famous, host Kale Lowry engages in an insightful and heartfelt conversation with Abby Jimenez, a renowned author and Cupcake Wars winner. The discussion spans Abby's journey from a struggling mother running a home-based cake business to a bestselling author, delving into her entrepreneurial spirit, creative process, and personal anecdotes that have shaped her literary success.

1. Introduction and Background

Kale Lowry opens the episode by congratulating Abby on her new book, Say You'll Remember Me. He shares his excitement about reading it quickly and discusses Abby’s diverse background.

Abby Jimenez introduces her humble beginnings, starting a small cake business in 2007 out of her home in Palmdale, California. Initially a means to support her family after losing her job while pregnant, Abby's venture into cake decorating classes at Michaels sparked her entrepreneurial journey.

[02:04] Abby Jimenez: "I started really humble beginnings out of my house in 2007. I was pregnant with my third baby in three years and I lost my job six months pregnant."

2. Building Nadia Cakes Amidst Adversity

Abby recounts the challenges of juggling motherhood and running a burgeoning cake business. Her resilience is highlighted as she navigated severe carpal tunnel from extensive cake decorating, leading to surgery and financial strain. This period of hardship became a turning point, inspiring her to expand her business despite the odds.

[03:42] Abby Jimenez: "I just tend to bounce back, you know, really quickly from things like that."

Kale connects her adversity to the grit required for writing, emphasizing how overcoming challenges provides unique perspectives.

3. Transition from Bakery to Authorship

Abby's success with Nadia Cakes caught the attention of television producers, leading to her feature on TLC’s Fabulous Cakes followed by her participation in Cupcake Wars. Winning Cupcake Wars provided substantial credibility, reinforcing her brand and opening doors in the literary world.

[10:58] Abby Jimenez: "I would never recommend going on a competition show. The stakes are very high. It was exhausting. I did end up winning, so..."

Kale observes how Abby integrates her baking background into her books, creating a unique crossover appeal that resonates with her audience.

4. Expanding Nadia Cakes Across the Country

Abby shares her strategic decision to relocate to Minnesota after a cross-country trip, seeking seasons and a more favorable living environment for her family. Establishing multiple Nadia Cakes locations required significant effort, including securing loans and managing credit card debt. Her husband's support was pivotal, transitioning from a full-time job to serving as CFO of the company.

[06:33] Abby Jimenez: "We opened our first bakery... Immediate success. People lined up around the building..."

Abby emphasizes the importance of empowering her staff, leading to high retention rates and allowing her to manage multiple locations effectively.

[19:46] Abby Jimenez: "If you empower people to do their job and support them... they're going to get more out of people and they're going to be happier working for you."

5. Journey to Becoming a Published Author

In 2017, Abby began writing as a hobby, initially producing a dystopian YA romance that she later abandoned. Through Critique Circle, she honed her craft, shifting to contemporary romance with strong dialogue and dual POVs. This pivot led to her first successful manuscript, Happy Ever After Playlist, which garnered positive feedback and secured her literary agent swiftly.

[24:21] Abby Jimenez: "I was just doing it for fun. Never in my wildest dreams, pun intended, for the new book, did I ever imagine that I would be a published author ever."

Despite initial rejections and pressure to conform to bakery-themed romances, Abby remained steadfast in her creative vision, ultimately signing with Forever Romance after her books were put up for auction.

6. Writing Process and Creative Philosophy

Abby discusses her disciplined approach to writing, producing one book per year to avoid burnout. She maintains a running Google Doc for ideas and juggles multiple projects simultaneously to ensure continuous creativity without overwhelming herself.

[37:23] Kale Lowry: "I love that process."

[37:27] Abby Jimenez: "I have a Google Doc, like a running Google Doc, like Book Ideas."

Her emphasis on authentic storytelling and strong female friendships enriches her narratives, making her books relatable and emotionally resonant.

[61:47] Abby Jimenez: "I really love a good friendship in the book because the friend can deliver things that the reader is thinking."

7. Impactful Personal Stories and Community Engagement

A standout moment in the episode is Abby's emotional reunion with her former teacher, Mr. House, whose mentorship profoundly influenced her writing career. This encounter, which went viral, underscores the lasting impact educators can have on their students.

[47:18] Abby Jimenez: "We gave him the full VIP experience... It was like, instantly I was like 16 again."

Abby stresses the importance of supportive communities, both among readers and fellow authors, advocating for uplifting emerging writers based on her own experiences.

8. Addressing Real-Life Issues in Her Books

Abby incorporates personal experiences and important topics such as kidney donation, anxiety disorders, and caregiving into her novels. Her commitment to authenticity is evident through her use of sensitivity readers and advisors to ensure accurate and respectful representation.

[54:00] Abby Jimenez: "I deeply believe in it... people are going to get them mixed up."

Her books not only entertain but also provide solace and recognition for readers facing similar challenges, fostering a deeper connection with her audience.

9. Future Endeavors and Legacy

Abby reveals plans for future books and the interconnected universe of her novels, highlighting her dedication to rich character development and expanding storylines. She also shares her excitement about nurturing her children's interests, ensuring they have opportunities she once lacked.

[71:10] Abby Jimenez: "Nadia Cakes, Maple Grove, Minnesota. Nadia Cakes, Woodbury, Minnesota. And we ship nationwide into Canada."

Her ongoing commitment to balancing her professional and personal life serves as an inspiration to listeners navigating their own paths.

10. Closing Thoughts and Advice

In her final remarks, Abby offers profound advice to women starting over in life: "Do what you love and then figure out a way to monetize it." She emphasizes resilience, passion, and the importance of maintaining joy in one’s pursuits without succumbing to burnout.

[70:23] Abby Jimenez: "I think you should do what you love and then figure out a way to monetize it."

Kale concludes the episode by highlighting Abby's multifaceted life and achievements, appreciating her candidness and the depth of her storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

• Abby Jimenez [03:42]: "I just tend to bounce back, you know, really quickly from things like that."

• Abby Jimenez [19:46]: "If you empower people to do their job and support them... they're going to get more out of people and they're going to be happier working for you."

• Abby Jimenez [54:09]: "I deeply believe in [organ donation]. And I thought, you know what would make this hero even sexier than he already is? If he donates a kidney to the heroine's brother."

• Abby Jimenez [61:44]: "I really love a good friendship in the book because the friend can deliver things that the reader is thinking."

Conclusion

Abby Jimenez's story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering passion. From baking the perfect cupcake to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with millions, her journey exemplifies the power of following one's passion and overcoming obstacles. This episode of Barely Famous offers listeners an inspiring glimpse into Abby's multifaceted life, her dedication to her craft, and the meaningful connections she fosters within her community.