Monday, November 2, 2009

Hall of Fame {Baked by Joanna}

Welcome back! You're in for a sweet treat this week, so I hope you didn't eat too much candy over the holiday weekend ;-) Don't worry, it's ok to indulge a little, right? And who could resist the sweet treats this girl comes up with. Meet Joanna, the baker behind the Etsy shop aptly named, Baked by Joanna.

A baker at heart, Joanna has found the best way to express herself to be through her oven. Now, her virtual bakery is her creative outlet. Learn more about her below, and see first-hand what she's cooking up in her Dessert Lab.


What inspires you?
Luckily for me, I feel as though I have always been the creative type. My mom was just as creative and perhaps that was where it all began. She is a terrific cook and loves to create anything from crocheted blankets to jazzing up plain, old shirts. Growing up I participated in theater, the symphony, art exhibits and tons of other stuff just to always keep busy, and I loved it. I even worked in a bakery for a little while several years ago in Texas; nothing too big, but I had a great time and always loved having a finished product that people enjoyed looking at and eating. With all the creative and fun things I’ve done, it’s molded my craft into what it is today. I can find inspiration in everything, even imperfections…those are the best!
Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I would say that home for me, right now, is Tempe, AZ. With the support of all my friends here, how can I not feel like this is home? To top it off, I have the encouragement of my husband Ben and the love of my dog Halo to complete my family. Their support has meant the world to me and keeps me going. Originally, I am from Beaumont, TX.

Name something unique to where you live.
The Phoenix Suns are located here! I absolutely love this team and even have a Christmas tree that I put together, and handmade most of the decorations, every year. They are so exciting to watch and though they are not the same team today as they were when I first watched them, they are the team that made me love basketball.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
When I was little, I wanted to grow up and be an ice cream woman. I know, not so glamorous, but when you are 5 years old, it sounds great!

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Imaginative
What made you decide to open up shop?
I have a dream of opening up a bakery one day, by 30 I hope, and thought this would be a great way to get an idea of what it feels like to own one. Plus, I love the Etsy idea of selling all things handmade. It is important to me that we support the arts, local entrepreneurs and anything that allows us to express ourselves, so Etsy was a no-brainer when choosing a place to open a virtual bakery.

Who taught you to bake and when?
I actually taught myself. Growing up, we weren’t allowed any sweets really unless it was a special occasion and even then, it was store bought. I truly began baking probably about five years ago when I first started working in a bakery. With all the ingredients and tools at my disposal, I learned to primarily decorate baked goods while doing some baking on the side.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I can make my products reflect what I envision them to be. The best part, I suppose, is sharing my art with others so they can enjoy them.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
Well, like many, I still have a day job (marketing). I also go to school part-time. One day, I hope that I will be able to just focus on my baking and treats.
Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
7:30am Wake up and get ready for work.
8:30am-5pm Work my day job.
5pm-7pm Workout at the gym.
7pm-11pm A mixture of completing school work, making/eating dinner, bakery/Etsy stuff and then getting cleaned up for bed.
I am a busy bee.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I have really been eyeing this store on Etsy called Oktak. They sell framed pouches, like clutches almost, that are way too cute. They use very unique fabrics that I think completes their product line. I will be buying one in the near future!

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
That’s easy! Baking, spending time with my husband & dog and hanging out with my girls. Also, I love every Christmas when a few of my girlfriends and I get together to mass produce tons of baked treats for gifts…great times and memories.
Read any good books lately?
With school, I spend more time reading textbooks lately than books for fun. My favorite, though, is The Notebook. I loved it! In the future, I would like to read the Twilight series, so many people rave about it.

What is your most prized possession?
I would have to say that I would never be able to live without my cell phone. I know it’s materialistic, but it’s true. I use it as a PDA, to check the internet, make and receive calls and tons of other things. It keeps my life in order. I am lost whenever I forget it at home.

What are three of your favorite foods?
I love sushi, soft cheddar & jalapeño pretzels (with a side of cheese, of course) and all Vietnamese foods.
What would you like to learn to do?
I’ve never been rock climbing and would love to learn how to do that. (The rock climbing gym does not count; although, it is a lot of fun!)

What are you listening to right now?
The television is on, so of course, I am listening to the football game. Go Cardinals!

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
I would love to go to Greece. I never really had a reason why other than I think it would have great hiking and lots of cool architecture to see.

Joanna, thank you for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better. Best of luck with your new shop!

Don't forget to stop by Joanna's blog to stay up-to-date!

Time for a Giveaway!
This week's lucky winner will receive a dozen of Joanna's scrumptious cupcake lollipops! Sweet!!

All you have to do is comment on this post and tell us what your favorite sweet is. Please leave your name and Etsy username or email address along with your answer.

*Important note: This giveaway is open to residents of the US only.

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog and/or Joanna's Blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Baked by Joanna : 10 additional entries

(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, November 8th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, November 9th.

97 comments:

Strand Family said...

If it has chocolate, it's my favorite...but one sweet? I'd say devil's food cheesecake from Junior's in NYC
babystrand at gmail dot com

Strand Family said...

I follow your blog
babystrand at gmail dot com

Framed by Grace said...

I love cheesecake or a local fav is chocolate fudge pie!!
My etsy is rgupton79 and my email is rgupton79@msn.com

Framed by Grace said...

I follow your blog too!

Framed by Grace said...

I twittered this too...(you don't think I like chocolate do you? :) )

http://twitter.com/DramaCity

Abie said...

Favorite sweet!! So hard to choose.

Actually, my favorite sweet is called Ichigo Daifuku (http://japanesefood.about.com/od/japanesedessertsweet/r/ichigodaifuku.htm). I had it when I lived in Japan, years ago, and havent been able to forget it since!

abigail.lee {at} gmail.com

SewSweetStitches said...

Favorite sweet is peanut butter chocolate chip ice cream!
Fabulous interview!

My etsy id is SewSweetStitches

Unknown said...

I love a thick, creamy, homemade hot chocolate! My husband makes it the best:)

I follow both blogs!

sarsosariATgmailDOTcom

Lily said...

i love cheesecake, especially turtle cheesecake!
Lmhoot@flash.net

Monica said...

I love Carrot Cake!
Thanks!
Monica

Antonia said...

My favorite sweet at the moment, is Joanna's Lollipop Cupcakes. No kidding! The lucky winner is in for a treat...literally. I had the opportunity to try them a few weeks back and ended up placing an order to send to my sister for her birthday. As my sister described them, they are "Heaven on a stick" :)

Wehaf said...

I love red bean buns!

urchiken at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

My fave sweet is the chocolates in a traditional bridge mix. Thanks for the chance to participate!
Zoe0825@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm a new follower of your blog!
Zoe0825@verizon.net

Unknown said...

I Like Ice cream with coconut shreds!

unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

Start To Finish Supplies said...

Cute cupcakes. My favorite sweet is vanilla cake (or cupcakes) with vanilla icing. I am a plane jane and I love it!!

Etsy User: starttofinish

Start To Finish Supplies said...

I am now one of your blog followers!!

starttofinish

throuthehaze said...

my favorite sweet is Rugelach

Raelena
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

I follow your blog

Raelena
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

My favorite sweets are Twinkies and snickers. JD

SamneneD@aol.com

Nicole-Lynn said...

Great giveaway! My favorite sweet is freshly baked chocolate chip cookies! With Milk! :)

seasidesmitten@aol.com

Nicole-Lynn said...

I follow!

seasidesmitten@aol.com

Mrs. Olsen said...

Fresh, warm cookies are my favorite right now. I love any kind, but basic chocolate chips sound good tonight. rebolsen at gmail dot com

Kasie said...

My favorite sweets are cookies.. hands down! :)

Sheila said...

My favorite sweet is fresh brownies.

sricher721 at yahoo dot com

Art Kat said...

Im a super fan of cake batter ice cream from coldstonr! Or homemade confetti cake from the box

these look amazing, thanks for the chance

duhnellecarter [at] yah oo. com

Girl in the loft said...

Princess torte cake is my favorite!!! your pops look gorgeous :)

Aik said...

I love chocolate sweets!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I'm a follower.

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Escape said...

Your treats look so yummy!! Anything chocolate that isn't tainted by fruit (they shouldn't be allowed together!! LOL) is my favorite. :)

I've tweeted you at http://twitter.com/happyplacecreat and started following you.

Lisa V - iluvf14 (at) ymail.com

happyplacecreations.etsy.com
happyplacecreations.blogspot.com

Lisa said...

oh my gosh!! how cute! i love anything that looks like a cupcake, adorable!!

lmm_lisa@hotmail.com

Birdson said...

your a busy girl when do ya sleep? my fav sweet is cream cheese swirled brownies/with chocolate ice cream on top......birdson@roadrunner.com

Birdson said...

I follow U #1 birdson@roadrunner.com

Birdson said...

I follow U #2 birdson@roadrunner.com

Birdson said...

I follow U #3 birdson@roadrunner.com

Birdson said...

I follow U #4 birdson@roadrunner.com

Unknown said...

My favorite sweet is pumpkin cheesecake :)
efrafafuinle@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I tweeted this contest #1 ~ http://twitter.com/efrafafuinle/status/5393874667
efrafafuinle@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I tweeted this contest #2 ~ http://twitter.com/efrafafuinle/status/5393874667
efrafafuinle@gmail.com

Tamara said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tamara said...

My favorite sweet is brownies. Well let me specify, brownie BATTER is my favorite

etsy username: suger2020
email: marmeade0709 @ aol.com

Tamara said...

I follow both blogs

marmeade0709 @ aol.com

Angie said...

If it has Anything to do with cake or chocolate I love it. (oh wait cookies, candy. I guess I love it all!!)

AM said...

My favorite sweet is red velvet cupcakes.

Email in blogger profile.

AM said...

Also, I'm a follower of your blog!

Good luck everyone! =)

(email in blogger profile)

Anonymous said...

anything mint chocolate.yum!

bloggeraway@gmail.com

Nichola said...

TOFFEE!!!!!

nicholakleyle at hotmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

My favorite is white cake with buttercream frosting

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

SeekerofGrace said...

Turtle cheesecake!!!!

flyingajoshi@gmail.com

Chacoy said...

I am a sweet junkie, but these look "alomost" to cute not to eat!!!

Chacoy said...

+5 I follow:)

Army Wife Quilter said...

i love the cup cake pops they look so cute. sclinequilts@earthlink.net

the brown couch said...

Brownies

Deborah
comfortjoydesigns AT gmail DOT com

Michigan Addy Ready

rubynreba said...

My favorite sweet is fudge! But I actually do like anything sweet!

Heather said...

I love a yummy bread pudding with no raisins. :)

heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)comr

Rachelle said...

I am in love with sweets in general, but if i have to choose i would say German Chocolate cake, YUM!!! comment from email sprchel182@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

My favorite sweet would have to be these Lollipops on a Stick. I am fortunate to have a niece that lives in Tempe and is a friend of Joanna's. I purchased these and had my niece bring them back to me in Nebraska and fell in love with them. They are the best. My next favorite would be german chocolate cake.

I am a follower of Joanna's Etsy shop, and her blog. I have purchased from her Etsy shop and have recommended her on my facebook page.

eileenjanssen@yahoo.com

zachsgran said...

My favorite is Chocolate Fudge with black walnuts
zachsgran1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Clint and Jen said...

I love all things sweet, my favorite is the classic chocolate chip cookie.

Clint and Jen said...

I just became a follower of your blog. moodmissprude@aol.com
Love all the ideas.

Anonymous said...

My favorite sweet treat is Mars bars and red velvet cake. JD

SamneneD@aol.com

Monica said...

The pumpkin chocolate chip cookies sound sooo yummy!

I am following Joanna's blog now :)

Thanks!

Amanda said...

my fav sweet... probably hot crunchy apple crisp w/ ice cream!

prettyfnmess at gmail
http://kindovermatter.com

Amanda said...

i follow your blog!
prettyfnmess at gmail
http://kindovermatter.com

Anonymous said...

I love sweets! But my favorite of all time are the original vanilla with chocolate coating Klondike bars! LOL The cupcake lollipops look fantastically adorable and my daughter would be thrilled if I won them! Thanks for the chance!

Lisa said...

I like sweet things with depth, so coffee/green tea ice-cream, red velvet cake, and japanese cheesecake are all mm...-worthy.

Wendi P said...

Love, love, love chocolate. And coffee. And caramel but not necessarily together.

Nadia said...

Chocolate in any form!

klewald said...

What a tasty giveaway!
My favorite sweet is definitely fudgy brownies.. Mmm..

kaleighwaldmann at gmail dot com

Hope said...

I like just about anything chocolate, but especially French Silk pie. Mmmmm!
onepilgrim86(at)yahoo.com

anne said...

Chocolate! Red Velvet Cupcakes! Yummy!
annezenzer@optonline.net

Aleda said...

I'd have to say pretty much anything with dark chocolate in it, especially dark chocolate and mint. Mmm...

trixx said...

My favorite sweet treat are donuts. Oh just typing it makes me want to have one!

5X I follow your blog!

etsy: littlemissbee

Liz said...

Cake, in any number of flavors!

Ladytink_534 said...

I just adore cupcakes!
Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

Ladytink_534 said...

I'm a follower
Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anne said...

ice cream is my favorite.

Anne said...

I follow your blog.

Unknown said...

I love every type of sweets...
Pecan pie would be my favorite...
jswandrn at gmail

Jessca said...

I love cheesecake.
onwingsofsilver at gmail.com

zachsgran said...

I follow your blog
zachsgran1(at)yahoo(dot(com)

tmc480 said...

I love chocolate chip cookies
tmc480(at)yahoo(dot)com

tmc480 said...

I follow your blog
tmc480(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love cherry cheesecake
rjs682(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I follow your blog

Ms D said...

I follow your blog, shopwithmemama


entry #1


daxkimd@gmail.com

Ms D said...

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Ms D said...

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entry #3


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Ms D said...

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Tylerpants said...

My fave sweets are chocolate truffles. YUM! =9

5x entries: I'm a subscriber

tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Giveaway Lady said...

I love warm Cherry Pie right out of the oven:) Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks!!
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Giveaway Lady said...

I am also a follower #1

Giveaway Lady said...

Follower #2

Giveaway Lady said...

Follower #3

Giveaway Lady said...

Follower #4

Giveaway Lady said...

Follower #5 :)