Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Jones.
Hi Kristine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The journey of kj Bake House started when I was a teenager working at a family-owned Italian bakery in Boston, MA, where I grew up. I enjoyed talking with customers and seeing the excitement in their eyes when they saw and tasted the delicious pastries we served. My love for making people happy grew stronger as I continued to work in the hospitality business. I eventually landed a role as a cast member at Walt Disney World, which cultivated my skills as a performer, an artist, and a perfectionist. I worked as an actress at Walt Disney World for 20+ years and was awarded the prestigious Walt Disney Legacy award. To celebrate, my husband, Ritchie, surprised me with a trip to Paris and a private baking class, which re-ignited my passion for baking!
Between working and taking care of my family, I focused on developing new baking skills. I loved baking so much, I enrolled in Culinary Arts school part-time. I may have been the most-senior student in the program, but I was probably the most determined, too! I had a dream in my heart, and I was going to turn it into a reality! Providing family and friends with good food made with love is a simple concept, and it has always been my driving force. Through my cooking, I have expanded my circle of friends to literally everyone. I get online orders from neighbors, professionals, and even tourists, which makes me proud and happy, and fills my heart, because I am doing what I love.
Being a cast member at WDW was truly a magical experience for me. It was simultaneously great fun and hard work, as we were expected to make every visitor’s experience the best it can possibly be. In retrospect, it was great training for starting kj Bake House. Yes, I work hard, but I still get a thrill out of making people happy and from knowing that they enjoy what comes out of my kitchen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
LOL, it’s hardly been a smooth road, but we all learn and grow from our experiences, and hopefully we can enjoy the ride along the way. I once heard a quote that said, “Adversity introduces us to ourselves,” and through my fair share of difficulties, I learned that I am a survivor. I never give up, and I try to see the lesson in every struggle. Also, my positive outlook helps me have fun and enjoy life to the fullest!
The pandemic hit us hard, and we needed to limit our interactions with the outside world, especially because my mother lives with us, and she is considered “high-risk”. Like many people, we were struggling to adjust, but then I learned that many of my neighbors couldn’t even go shopping for groceries, and I thought they might appreciate some of my home-cooked meals. I started cooking for them, and the response was amazing! That’s when the idea for “Lunch Box Fridays” was born. My goal was to feed people and let them know they are special and loved. We call the lunches “Happiness in a Box,” for obvious reasons.
Check us out on Facebook! Each week, I post an “entertaining” video about our upcoming menu, and we track the responses. Customers either pick up their lunch boxes, or we’ll deliver. At kj Bake House, we have genuine intentions to provide delicious home-cooked meals and pastries that make people feel good. We follow COVID protocols, and we gladly accept love offerings (donations) to help further spread the love to others in need.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At kj’s Bake House, we like to have fun, so we put an artistic spin on everyday items. Our cakes are baked to perfection with creamy sweet goodness in every bite. Our lunch boxes are fresh and delicious and are often packed with an extra surprise. We offer gourmet sweets and old-fashioned treats. We use wholesome ingredients and every item is made with L-O-V-E. That’s what sets us apart. Our customers can taste the love, and it keeps them coming back for more!
Our cakes have become the most popular item. We create a range of cakes from decadent (our chocolate and peanut butter cake literally has its own following) to light (our key lime cake is a lighter alternative to the pie). These cakes are so good, clients often order them for special occasions, like weddings, showers, anniversaries, which of course, we decorate extra special.
I am so excited to be opening a kj Bake House location in Orlando soon! Until then, with the help of my family and friends, I continue to hone my baking skills, expand my name recognition and following through social media, and pursue my dreams of baking items made with L-O-V-E!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Our motto is “made with love,” and we take that very seriously. We never compromise and only use the freshest ingredients. And, we create each item individually, so our customers receive food that is happiness in a box and specialty cakes that are made with love.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
kj’s Bake House 2021.
