ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: MAY 2023
Kennedy Moody is a 26 year old Toledo native who turned her childhood baking tradition with her grandmother into a business. Joy Marie’s Kitchen was founded 3 years ago and the journey has not been easy. Kennedy found she had to believe in herself to make her vision of creating a bakery come to life. Today, Joy Marie’s Kitchen offers cake, cookies, pies and more which now can be shipped directly to you. Kennedy exemplifies all qualities of an uprising stalwart and her sweet treats will go great with the warm spring weather.
1. What was your inspiration for starting your business?
The inspiration for JoyMarie’s Kitchen came from the bond I share with my grandmother. Growing up, we created so many memories baking in her kitchen. The most cherish-able memory we shared was our passion and skill for baking. My grandmother also had her own baking business at one point, but she only processed orders for close family and friends. The memories we created in her kitchen and the tradition she started is what I want to continue to share with the world.
2. Tell us about your training/experience in your business field.
I have a Bachelors in Fashion Marketing and Management, which doesn’t have much to do with the baking/food industry. However, my degree does help me understand the business and marketing aspect of the industry. My business and marketing knowledge has helped structure my business plan, appeal to my target audience, know my profits and losses, understand where there’s room for growth and opportunities, network with other entrepreneurs, and more. Baking, on the other hand, is a skill I learned from my grandmother. She taught me the basics and shared a lot of her recipes with me. I continue to master my craft and expand my knowledge.
3. What makes your business unique?
JoyMarie’s Kitchen creates an experience that takes you back to your grandmother’s kitchen. We create this experience through the presentation of our products, our interaction with customers, and with the authentic taste of our sweets. In our kitchen, you are guaranteed to get a taste of traditional desserts with our spin. You’ll be able to taste tradition, history, love, and passion in each exclusive JoyMarie’s Kitchen product.
4. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years, JoyMarie’s Kitchen will be doing incredible things. We will have multiple storefront locations. Our food truck will be ready to travel and serve the community. We will have active partnerships with businesses and brands. We will continue building a strong following from all of our social media platforms. Our blueprint will be present nationally.
5. What has been your greatest accomplishment and why?
My greatest accomplishment thus far has been receiving recognition from my peers for my hard work and dedication. Getting others to take you seriously and understand this is not a hobby can be extremely difficult. It means the world to me that my peers recognize my passion and vision. It reminds me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. Seeing how far I have come after 3 years is also an accomplishment. At one point, I did not know how to present my business to the world. Now I have my products recognized weekly and I am very proud of my growth.
6. What has been your greatest failure and how did you grow from it?
My greatest failure has been doubting myself and my potential. At one time, I did not have the self motivation to grow my business due to fear. I was afraid of the unknown and to ask questions. I had to self reflect, tap into my full potential, and remember why I started my business in the first place. I started baking because it’s fun and I am talented. My baking talents are worth sharing with the world.
7. Would you consider yourself successful?
I consider myself successful because I believe it’s a mindset. I am big on words of affirmation, manifesting, and claiming what you want in life. I know I am not fully where I want to be, however I know God has everything I need already in my grasp. Most importantly, I know I am walking the path to reach my highest potential and I am not afraid of putting in the groundwork.
8. Who is your support system and how do they support you?
My support system consists of my family and friends. More specifically, my parents, Tony and Natanya Moody, my siblings Davon Features and Madison Moody and numerous friends. My family and friends have all helped with my events, made purchases and referrals, shared my post, given ideas, and overall motivated me. One of my biggest supporters is my boyfriend, Kenny Jones. When I had the idea to start my business Kenny was the only one who truly believed in my vision. Everyone thought it was going to be a side job. However, Kenny believed in the goals and still supports me today.
9. What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur?
The best advice I would give to young entrepreneurs is to believe in yourself. When you have a dream or a vision nobody is going to believe in your vision more than you. You have to make others see your vision through your hard work. Nothing worth having comes easy or without hard work. Don’t sit back and expect things to happen, you have to do what needs to be done to make it happen.
10. Why should people support your business?
When you shop with JoyMarie’s Kitchen you are supporting a local business. Shopping locally helps generate a healthier economy and community for our city. You are getting the best homemade desserts, supporting a dream and helping continue a legacy. A legacy that will support generations to come and impact the world. Starting this month we are now shipping orders nationally so JoyMaries Kitchen is never too far away. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok and place a catering or small order today!