Joy is my middle name. Literally. And there is nothing more in this world that I want to do than spread joy and care for others. Since pre-school, I have always been entrepreneur-minded. My earliest memories trace back to when I was 5 years old. I would create books with crayons and computer paper, staple them together, and then sell them for a quarter to my unsuspecting peers. To diversify my portfolio, my cousins and I would collect fallen acorns, color them, and add them to our product catalog. Once I was in fourth grade, a friend and I “cleaned” my parents’ basement to open our very own dog-sitting business. Imagine my disappointment when my parents wouldn’t let me go through with the idea!

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Fast forward to my teenage years, where my creativity began shining through. On top of caring for others and learning the language of animals, I picked up a hobby in photography. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was handling photo sessions of friends and family members, under the name of Joyful Memories. Unfortunately, the editing process felt long and arduous and I shifted my focus elsewhere.

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Eventually I attended college and, for my career, I wanted to care for medical patients. First, I began as an EMT, and shifted later into nursing, where I still spend part of my time working. While providing care to patients is rewarding, I still want to spread joy in so many other ways. This is where baking comes in. Not only does it bring me, my family members, and my friends immense joy, but it is a tradition passed down from my grandmother, to my mother, and now to me.

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Each cookie is baked with joy from my heart, and that is a gift that has been given to me from so many elements in my personal life. I have spent a lot of time volunteering with organizations like Camp Christian, Alternatives. Yes, and Beverly’s PGH. Nature instills joy into my heart, and you might see me on hiking trails or kayaking on the lake, or maybe even settling down with a nice book after a long active day.

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Not to sound cliché, but joy has been “baked” into every part of my being, and I am blessed, every single day, to share that massive feeling with others. I am looking forward to spreading that joy with you, and I challenge you to spread joy by sharing Joyful Rides Co cookies with someone you know!