Julia Galluccio spoke with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about serving as the owner of Wonderfully Made Bakery, which is based in Sparta, New Jersey.
Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Julia Galluccio.
Wonderfully Made Bakery was created from her long-time love of baking, creativity, and the belief that everything we do should be done for a greater purpose.
The name comes from Psalm 139:14 and serves as a reminder that every person is created with intention and worth. That truth shapes how this bakery is run, with the hope that even one person feels encouraged through what Julia does.
What inspires you each day as a baker?
What inspires me most each day is connecting with new people. I absolutely love baking, but to me, it is even more exciting that I get to be a part of the meaningful moments in people’s lives. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, special event, or a simple pick-me-up, I love knowing my treats can bring joy.
How did Wonderfully Made Bakery come about?
I’ve been baking since I was a little girl, and it has always been something I naturally loved. For a while, I worked in graphic design, and although I enjoyed the creativity, sitting at a desk staring at a screen all day drove me absolutely crazy. I started praying for something that gave me more purpose and more freedom, instead of feeling like my whole life revolved around what hours I was working that day. From that point, doors started opening like crazy.
It took a lot of work and faith in the process and still more to come, but I never doubted that this was the direction I was supposed to be going in.
A big part of that shift for me was my faith, and realizing I didn’t just want to use my skills for myself, but to serve people in a more intentional way. So I went for it, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
How does it feel to be an entrepreneur in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
Being an entrepreneur in the digital age is honestly a mix of really helpful and a little overwhelming at times. I love that I can use social media and online tools to share my work and reach people I would’ve never connected with otherwise.
It definitely makes starting and growing a small business more accessible in a lot of ways. At the same time, it can feel like there’s pressure to always be “online” or constantly growing in followers to be seen as credible. I’ve had to remind myself to focus more on the quality of what I’m creating than the numbers behind it. Overall, I’m grateful for it because it’s given small businesses like mine a real chance to grow in a very visible way.
What do your plans for the future include? Where do you see your bakery in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see Wonderfully Made Bakery growing into something that still feels personal, but a little more mobile and flexible. I don’t picture a traditional storefront for myself, because I really value the ability to move, travel, and work in different spaces. My goal is to have a mobile setup, like a trailer, that allows me to bring the bakery to events, markets, and different communities.
I want the business to support a lifestyle that doesn’t feel restrictive, but instead gives me room to live fully outside of work as well. More than anything, I just want to keep growing in a way that stays true to why I started in the first place.
How does it feel to be the older sister of actor Jake Galluccio? (Was he an influence on you or vice versa)
It’s the best! We are very close, so I’m always proud of him, and love that we always support each other in what we do. Jake Galluccio is the best.
What is your advice for young and aspiring bakers (who want to open their own small business)?
My biggest advice is to just start, even if it’s messy at first. You don’t need perfect equipment, a perfect kitchen, or perfect timing to begin. I started with a half broken KitchenAid mixer from the 1970s, and it still got the job done.
Focus on practicing consistently, but don’t burn yourself out in the process. Take every opportunity to create something, even outside of formal orders. Going to Christmas dinner? Bring themed cupcakes. Big family dinner? Bring a cookie tray.
This not only gives you the opportunity to practice, but also the chance to document what you’re doing. People love seeing the process just as much as the final product.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success to me is a balanced life. In my opinion, it’s never about money or status, but about feeling steady and moving with purpose. I want to be doing work I care about without it taking over my entire life.
I also value having time for the people I love and the ability to actually be present with them. If those things are in place, then I consider that a success.
What would you like to say to our readers about Wonderfully Made Bakery? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
If even one person gets a box of sweets and it makes their day a little better, that’s really all I’m going for. Good dessert, good mood, job done.
To learn more about Wonderfully Made Bakery, check out its official website and follow its Instagram page and TikTok.
