Meet Joyce Hetherington | owner, Kneaded by Lady J

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joyce Hetherington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joyce, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a creative type and someone who is passionate about food ,a history in the club industry, and a social person I had always wanted to have my own restaurant or lounge type of place. The risk was too high. Then came covid, as I baked occasionally prior, my love for cooking was the savory side, then a friend asked to start a 2 week journey with her to make sourdough. this was in the middle of lockdowns, we face timed 2x a day, to maintain our starters. finally, were ready and we mixed our first loaves together again on face time. After that, I was hooked! baking bread connected me spiritually with my mom and had become a creative outlet and emotional outlet. As I continued on this bread journey, as I learned, and baked, I was more intrigued. and so was everyone on Facebook! I thought, shouldn’t we all go back to a time when you bought fresh, bread from a bakery, without chemicals and synthetic modifiers. I did some research and found a local mill that stone grounds wheat, leaving in the flour ALL of its bran, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, if we are going to eat carbs they may as well be beneficial! Taking that Idea, and with supplementing with cheese and charcuterie boards, and baking classes, I put together a plan and jumped into this dream! (the baking classes are amazing, I love being able to teach my knowledge and share my passion for such a primal food.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Im most proud that I have not only found my medium, but I have turned it into a successful business that continues to adapt and grow. being an artist sometimes we have to create using different material, in my case I started as a photographer, then metals. after having kids, and staying home I was able to be in the kitchen. When the pandemic hit and I dabbled in bread, it was instant passion. I had many many challenges to overcome it is not easy process, and I had to make sacrifices such as family time, vacations and friends. at the time Nj did not allow cottage laws, you were not allowed to bake and sell items from your home, this also meant that financially this would be a huge risk. I followed my heart, my dream and my passion, and Im so glad I persevered and keep pushing through. No one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow but I know that as long as Im happy and and excited when I get up in the mornings I know that is spiritual success, Im doing what Im most passionate about, not many people get to say that and Im beyond grateful everyday! Im also grateful that I can be a positive influence on so many others including my children. to show them my passion and my why, to make sacrifices, and teaching them that we are cable of anything if we truly want it. Every step of the way I have learned something new, and I continue to learn daily, whether is a new bread recipe, savory creation, an event, what’s trending, or a situation we may be dealing with, we can’t grow if we don’t learn. learning helps us adapt, do better and go further and to succeed spiritually.
Kneaded by lady J is is an artisanal bread company specializing in sourdough, and edible works of art. My flour is stone ground and sourced locally. Its beneficial to your gut health, naturally fermented, and leavened. we cater small bites and , everything is made from scratch, we also offer baking classes and bake and sip parties, birthday parties and board building workshops.
we, love educating our customers on all the benefits of the wheat we use, including ancient wheats such as Einkorn and Emmer. we also design breads using all natural coloring like beetroot, and spirulina. we try to accommodate all requests so if you don’t see it we will make it to order. One of my greatest joys in life is to bring people together, with my food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
my Mom, she was the biggest influence, she also was an Artist and chef. she was my greatest mentor and is my inspiration. my husband Bob,and children, Logan and Maddox, for their continuous support and love. My dad, the great problem solver, listener and friend.
Marisa tanner, without her support I wouldn’t have not gotten to this point! my team, who helps me through each day.
Fran and family at Castle Valley Mill- you’re flour is my lifeline!
Literally ever single relationship that I have made on this journey!

Website: www.kneadedbyladyj.com

Instagram: @kneadedbyladyj

Facebook: @kneadedbyladyj

Image Credits
Kneaded by Lady J photo of me credit: Tori Sikkema Photography