Written by: Nicole Unice
An interview with Cara.
Overwhelmed? Let Cara do the baking!
I sniffed the baggie the bread came in. I actually lifted the bag to my nose and inhaled because it represented one of my great loves in life—fresh baked bread. And the bread from Cara’s Kitchen was everything I loved: caramel-ly crust, soft interior, and oh, the delicious smell!! But don’t just take my smell-obsessed word for it: Cara Joyner, a new mom and baker, has just begun her own business called Cara’s Kitchen.
I sat down with Cara recently to ask her about mothering, baking, and why she would ever cook low-carb.
Nicole: So baking…. Tell me about it…
Cara: I have always enjoyed cooking, but did not become passionate about it until after I got married. When I began paying closer attention to the labels on processed foods, I was inspired to start making our meals from scratch. I learned from other women, read everything I could get my hands and learned as much as I could from professional cooks.
What makes your company special?
Cara: My first commitment to my customers is that I will not sell them something that I wouldn’t feed my own family. I don’t use bleached flour and I work hard to stay away from preservatives. I won’t use ingredients that contain hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, etc. I also use a lot of fruit in my desserts and I always buy it fresh (rather than frozen or canned). I prefer to shop at stores that work hard to not compromise on the products they bring in through their doors. That is how I hope people will think of my kitchen – as a safe place where they can enjoy made-from-scratch food and trust where it came from.
How has your decision to start a baking business been influenced by being a mom?
Cara: Being a mom changes everything! It is the sole reason that I started my business. The original goal I had in starting Cara’s Kitchen was to be able to work from home while finishing school, enabling me to spend as much time with my son as possible. He challenges and inspires me everyday, reminding me to stand by the standards I’ve set for my food. Every step I have taken in starting my own business has been driven by my role as a mother.
You have several offerings on your menu that are low-carb. Why provide that?
Cara: Earlier in the fall, my dad was diagnosed with diabetes, which opened my eyes to a whole new world of dietary needs. I began making fresh breads and desserts for him using diabetic recipes that I could make my own. For people who are looking for foods with less carbs, I want to offer them food that they can enjoy and feel good about eating.
Finally, and most importantly, what do you want for Christmas?
Cara: What I really want is a cute coffee tumbler. With the busyness of life with a baby, running my own business and continuing to push through school, there’s just something soothing about carrying around a hot cup of coffee. I’m tired of borrowing my husband’s “man” tumbler that looks like I’m headed to work on a construction site.
Good thing I’m writing, because my mouth is full of bread. To check out Cara’s Kitchen, head over to www.caraskitchenrva.com. Mention RichmondMom in the notes section of the order, and get 10% off! (Excludes holiday deals already in progress).
Apple Coffee Cake SPECIAL
Made with fresh whole apples, sprinkled with a cinnamon, brown sugar topping and baked to perfection, this has been my highest selling item since I started baking.
$15 - 8”x8” cake
HOLIDAY SPECIAL – Apple Coffee Cakes are $13.50 until Christmas
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