Well, if you look on my driver’s licence the name printed is Joanne, but those who know me always call me Joey. I have been told that my real official name is Mom (says my oldest son…..kids!!!) and I also go by Nana and that, by far, is my favourite title!

Now, for a little bit about me. I have had many careers, Waitress, Stay-at-Home- Mom, Childcare Provider, Real Estate Assistant, Administrative/Executive Assistant, Human Resources Officer, and Manager just to name a few. Looking back though, I don’t think there was ever a time that food or creating food didn’t play a significant role in my life. As a little girl I watched Graham Kerr (the Galloping Gourmet) with my Mom and then as a teenager I watched Ruth Fremes on What’s Cooking. I bet they had no idea they were pioneers of the food movement! I couldn’t get enough of them. I would read cookbooks and cooking magazines incessantly – to this day I can’t pass by a magazine rack if there is a food magazine on it – that’s my kind of literature! As I got older and became a Mom of 4 children the challenge to cook something for them could sometimes be frustrating but when I hit that sweet spot, when I made something that they enjoyed, well that just inspired me to want to try and create something else. Although, let’s be real, if I were being terribly honest, coming home after work (including a 1-hour commute both ways) and having to create something edible for 4 different palates there were times I felt like banging my head against the wall. Thankfully, I could always count on my hubby – he is always happy to try my food! All-in-all, I realize now that it didn’t matter what I was doing in life, cooking and baking always had and always will be significant to me.

Finally, the opportunity to truly embrace my passion came after leaving the Public Service at the end of 2012. The following year I trained at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa in the inaugural program for Boulangerie, graduating with highest honours. With the support of my family I was able to work really hard and nurture my passion and, as a result, I was the recipient of the “Outstanding Student Award” for which I am very proud. Starting a new endeavour at any age can be a little intimidating but I would encourage anyone to follow their dreams. All you need is a can-do attitude.

Since 2014 I have been busy creating and testing products, learning new techniques, and discovering just how passionate I am about producing quality products. My wonderful family (and some very willing neighbours) are always there to try anything I create. Honestly, every day I need to pinch myself because I think I get to create wonderful things and the feedback I get (usually very positive) just inspires me to create and try more and more new products – how much better can it get? Well it does, because I am fortunate to be able to share my products with my customers at the Kemptville Farmers’ Market May through October as well as those throughout the year.

My philosophy is pretty simple – use quality ingredients, if possible, source locally and make everything, from start to finish, from scratch.

As I continue to grow and learn new things everyday, I hope I get the opportunity to share my passion for food by providing products for YOU and your family to enjoy.