JK Delights

JK Delights’ SpongeBob Themed Chocolate covered strawberry deserts.

“It all started with the fruit!” Jesse Cano said of Jk Delights, a small business made up of the strong power couple Kimberly and Jesse Cano. The duo started their sweet treat business around 2014 and have been thriving in their community ever since. Although their online Instagram business caters to their community of East Los Angeles and their loyal clientele, they’ve managed to make their business a success.

“We honestly started this because I was bored at home,” Kimberly Cano said. 

JK DELIGHTS logo.

At the time Kimberly had to quit her job and take a break from school in order to take care of her father who had fallen ill. She would spend most of her day alone as her husband Jesse would be at work most of the day, until one day a person asked if she could make a fruit plate.

From that day on, Kimberly Cano realized that this was something that could be cultivated into a little extra money. Growing up in East Los Angeles and coming from a big family, the Canos were very family-orientated and wanted to be able to not only support themselves but their family as well. 

JK DElIGHTS - Naruto themed chocolate covered strawberries.

“My goal was to have financial independence, in order for me to be able to support my family when they needed it. I wanted the financial freedom to support my family more than myself,” said Kimberly.

Kimberly Cano, 32, is currently managing the business alongside her husband, Jesse Cano, 30, while Kimberly goes back to school. Since Kimberly’s return to school, their business has been financially affected as her focus has shifted. 

“It’s been such a struggle to go back to school and keep my business going. I’m trying not to post as much either because my focus is school– if I'm going to school I’m not going to get mediocre grades, I’m not trying to waste anyone’s time,” Kimberly Cano said.

“They aren’t afraid to be persistent. I believe they have the potential to grow their business and do big things. I want the very best for them; they deserve the world. They are both very hard-working humble people,” said sister-in-law Clarissa Sierra. 

The couple has received a tremendous amount of support from their family - which keeps them well-rounded even when times get tough.

Returning client Suzie Ortiz has been supporting Jk Delights since 2016. Ortiz has continuously bought from the couple during holidays and special events. 

“Each order has been sweet and memorable. My son's graduation 2018 and 2020 cake pops, each one was so detailed and color coordinated with a touch of her signature decorations,” Ortiz said. “Their Thanksgiving and Christmas cocoa bombs filled with Abuelita chocolate, their ‘Decorate Your Own Cookies’ for Christmas and Easter; the kids love those. The frosting is always in its own bags along with sprinkles, so there’s no mess. Unless they [the kids] decided to throw a few sprinkles at each other.”

JK DELIGHTS - Harry Potter themed chocolate covered strawberries.

 Ortiz is an avid supporter of Jk Delights and always feels valued as a returning client.

Even with the support of family and all-around responsibilities the couple carries, it becomes a struggle to take time for themselves.

 “I’m slowly learning that it’s okay to be selfish with myself,” Kimberly Cano said.

 With the pressures of having to balance life, work and school, sometimes the Canos face the challenges of feeling like they’re not doing enough. With all the time they have in a day, it makes them feel as though they could be doing more for their business.

Despite the trials and tribulations, the Canos are very supported by their loved ones.

“I’ve never met a couple that goes above and beyond like I said in the other question before. They actually take the time to make their work unique and customizable and thoughtful for their clients,” Crystal Sierra said, Kimberly Cano’s sister.

When it comes to a small business like this, it’s easier for people to think it's a “one-man band,” but the reality is, it takes a lot of teamwork. 

“People think it’s all me but it’s not. I come out with all of the content and design ideas but my husband does a lot of the prep work for me. He bakes the cakes, rolls the cake pops, melts the chocolate, the simple things which help me get other things done while I take the time to eat, I don’t know what I’d do without his help,” Kimberly Cano said. 

Growing up in East Los Angeles comes with the stigma of worrying about societal stereotypes. Stereotypes such as the girls in the family getting pregnant at a young age and the boys becoming gangsters & cholos. Kimberly and Jesse Cano broke those odds and didn’t give in to those stereotypes. The couple also faces stigmas of gender roles within their marriage, but their small business and the way they attempt to balance it, helps them push away all that is being forced on them.

With having to balance so many responsibilities, the couple realized how hard it is to have a business from home. 

“You have things going on in life, with so many new things coming up. It’s all an investment because you have to worry about family all while worrying about supplies you need. When you work a 9-to-5 job, you have everything there; you just show up and don’t have to worry. It goes down to having to make sure you have everything you need. That's the hardest part,” Jesse Cano said.

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