Joni Harris’ love for baking started when she was a youngster watching her mother make cakes. The scent of a pound cake baking in the oven filled their home with the aroma of vanilla. Today, Harris uses her culinary talent creating scrumptious sweets in her bakery, “KayBri Desserts”.
How did you initially start baking and decorating cupcakes and cakes?
“While attending graduate school, my roommate suggested that I take a cake decorating course. My roommate knew how talented I was at baking and insisted that I use the cake decorating course as an opportunity to take my decorating skills to the next level.”
What made you decide to open a bakery?
“While my daughters were growing up, I noticed that there were not any local bakeries that made specialty cakes from scratch. So, I baked my daughters cakes myself. I later started baking for family and friends and events. It was not long before I was baking for weddings, parties, family reunions and sporting events. I had a love for what I was doing and it inspired me to start my own bakery.”
How long have you been in business and how did you come up with the bakery name?
“I originally started my business 20 years ago out of my home. At that time my business was called K & B. Later, I opened a store front and changed the name to KayBri Desserts. The bakery is named after my two daughters Kayla and Brianna.
What makes your desserts different from other bakers and where do you get your recipes?
“My cakes are made from scratch ingredients and are fresh baked daily. The recipes are from my family”.
What is the most rewarding aspect of creating?
“Each client is special. When I do an order, it is important that they are pleased with my work.”
Do you share your craft with others?
“I plan to teach some cake decorating classes at my bakery soon.”
Any new plans for your business?
“We will have a new website soon that will allow customers to order online. We are also looking at shipping options this year.”
KayBri Desserts delivers fresh pastries every first and third Thursday to BBTCAC. Their website is kaybridesserts.com.