Flour Power & Frosting Dreams: How Justin Ellen Whipped Up a Baking Empire Before 21

In a world full of cookie-cutter careers and perfectly frosted expectations, Justin Ellenburst onto the scene with a whisk in one hand and a wild dream in the other. At just 18 years old, he skipped prom, ditched graduation, and stepped straight into the heat of the Netflix kitchen on Is It Cake?—and let’s just say, things have been rising ever since. With charm, creativity, and a piping bag full of ambition, this New Jersey native is flipping the script on what it means to be a young Black entrepreneur, one layer cake at a time.

Long before the cameras rolled or celebrity clients came calling, Justin’s magic was blooming in the heart of his family kitchen. Under the loving (and unrelenting) guidance of his grandmother—who believed in baking from scratch, always—Justin learned that flour, butter, and sugar were more than ingredients; they were tools of tradition, joy, and expression. That homegrown love quickly evolved into a full-blown business.

Everything Just Baked, Justin’s thriving brand and baking blog that’s stirring up kitchens everywhere. From vibrant cupcake tutorials to decadent layer cake how-tos, his content is as playful as it is practical. Launched in January, the blog now welcomes over 60,000 monthly readers looking to turn their ordinary baking into something extraordinary. With a wink and a sprinkle, Justin’s helping the world see that scratch baking doesn’t have to be scary—it can be a little messy, a lot of fun, and absolutely delicious.

But this isn’t just a story of sugar and spotlight. Justin’s business mind is just as sharp as his piping skills. From crafting cakes for industry icons like Mary J. Blige and Latto to being highlighted for his early financial success, his career is rising faster than a double-yeast brioche. Still, he remains grounded—choosing to pour back into the community by teaching classes and encouraging bakers of all ages to get their hands a little floury.

Justin Ellen is baking more than cakes—he’s baking change, confidence, and a whole new definition of what a young entrepreneur can look like. As we celebrate Black Business Month, his story reminds us that legacy isn’t about age or accolades; it’s about impact, heart, and daring to show up fully in your passion. From his grandmother’s kitchen to the global stage, Justin’s journey is a sweet swirl of grit, grace, and a whole lot of buttercream.

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