This is a story with a happy ending.
I bought The Bakehouse in 2016 two years after I moved from Los Angeles to New Orleans. I spent a very memorable year living in the French Quarter where Tron became the unofficial mayor of Royal St. He’d lord over the block on his second story balcony where tourists would stop, point, and take his picture from the street. Honestly, it was the respect he deserves.
Living in the French Quarter was like living on Main Street in Disneyland. Everyone is on vacation. The vacation where they hope to lose themselves to the streets. Lordy do they lose themselves to Bourbon Street specifically. I remember walking down the street with a package of toilet paper from the grocery store, hearing someone say “people actually live here” as I passed. It was A TIME, God bless my heart.
Tron and I moved to a more reasonable neighborhood, the Irish Channel, where Tron became just a good ol’ neighborhood cat, spending the days fighting other cats under the house only to return home with dirty fur and an empty belly. He’s not much of a hunter. I saw him catch a bird, gently place it down on the patio rug, and watch it rouse and fly away. It was A TIME, God bless his heart.
To be honest, my second year in New Orleans is blurry in memory. I was busy going out, staying out, making friends. Turns out they were mostly the wrong friends. I was consumed in a relationship with a musician. Turns out it was the wrong relationship. Listen, I can make a wrong thing right for a while but not forever.
With hindsight I know that through my early years in New Orleans I was ready to make the next big moves in my life, but, whole-heartedly, I was scared to make them alone. I was just like, waiting for the right man to come along so I could start my life. And that life would be easy, right? GIRL WHY? I was stalling as though I hadn’t fully started my life on my own.
When I bought The Bakehouse, it was a distinct threat to my wrong relationship. I remember my boyfriend at the time saying “If you buy this house, our relationship won’t go anywhere.” Sir, don’t threaten me with a good time. Can you imagine that I stayed in that relationship for several more months? Shamefully, I did. But trying to grow and make myself small at the same time. I’ll tell you what – it didn’t work. It was a disservice to myself.
The first time I walked into The Bakehouse I thought of you. I ran my hand across the cool marble island and thought, I can invite people over to bake with me, and I think they’ll come. I signed on the dotted line a few weeks later, despite the threats to my fragile relationship. I’m proud of myself, still.
In a lot of ways The Bakehouse became OUR house. The three bedrooms, giant kitchen, and 13 foot dining room table were more than I needed for myself, yet it was all mine (and mostly the bank’s). It didn’t feel right not sharing The Bakehouse with you. Every recipe came from this kitchen to yours and that filled my heart. So many of you gathered around the kitchen island to learn how to make biscuits, and pie dough, and Drake on Cakes, and the way we made friends, and drank champagne and laughed. I just preheated the oven, but y’all made it The Bakehouse. These past seven years go down as the best years of my life, when I realized I didn’t have to wait any longer to make my own dreams come true. Every one of you that came to The Bakehouse helped me make my dreams come true. It’s incredible, really.
I’ve been slowly leaving The Bakehouse for a year now as true love has lured me over to Texas. I’ll tell you what I tell everyone in Texas – I wasn’t born here but I got here as soon as I could. Texas resonates with me here and now. Also, I’m head over heels for the most handsome Texan whom I don’t have to be small for so… it makes all the sense in the world. But I’m terrible at goodbyes so this particular goodbye has been a year in the making. Even still, I’m more of a “see you down the road” kind of lady.
The new owner of The Bakehouse dropped by this week to pick up a package she had delivered here before the house is hers. I figured she was excited to use her new address and I can’t fault her. It felt like an illicit meeting, the way she knocked on the door unannounced. I think realtors try to keep owners and buyers apart, lest they mess with a good thing – contractually, and all.
The way her eyes lit up when she came into The Bakehouse, moving boxes and all, gave me the chills. I could see all of the excitement and possibility I felt years ago first walking into the space. It was there all over her face. She could see her happy life there. Without know it, she gave me exactly the peace I needed to move on from the house I hold so dear. I’m so grateful to pass it on to her.
One of life’s important skills is to know when the party is over. For me, the party in New Orleans is over here. But WOW, what a bash! What a blast! You, YOU, helped me exceed my dreams. You helped me grow here.
There’s nothing, really, to be sad about. There’s great memories to hold dear. Don’t worry, I’ll just go build another Bakehouse, Texas style. I’ll get Tron a cowboy hat because he’s still along for the ride. That’s the happy ending.
Thank you for being here with me. Thank you for coming to New Orleans to bake around the marble island with me. Thank you for taking those virtual classes from your own kitchens for those weird years we were locked inside. We really dang did it, friends.
Love you.
xo Joy
111 Responses
I’m so happy for you, Joy! I look forward to seeing what the future holds in Texas. Hugs and kisses to you & Tron!
<3
I remember your tiny little kitchen in Venice beach wherethe magic began; Tron sitting faithfully by. Good luck on your next adventure! Minnie the cat and I will be watching your new adventure unfold.
Ohhh this made my heart ache in the best way possible.
I’m a little sad but thrilled for you! I live in Texas and have for most of my life. My family moved here when I was eight days old so, like you, I wasn’t born here, but got here as soon as I could!
We welcome you and look forward to your Texas adventures.
Change can be hard, and change can be beautiful. Congrats on those beautiful years in New Orleans and wishing you good things to come with your new move!
Joy,
Congratulations on selling the Bakehouse and on your complete move to Texas. You might be amazed at how many young friends we’ve impressed just by saying we were neighbors and across the fence friends with Joy the Baker.
All the best,
Al and Maureen
Joy!
It’s been beautiful watching you pursue your dreams, make mistakes and get back up again. Thank you for sharing bits of it with us. I started reading as a young 13 year old gal all inspired by your courage, adventure, humor and love for your family. Now that 13 year gal’s all grown up and so so nervous about her first big adventure on her own. Thanks for the reminder to chase those dreams and bring others along for the ride, make new friends, move on from the ones that take you where you don’t wanna be, and live life to the fullest. Despite all the craziness around us, life is still a wonderful, beautiful, amazing gift and we ought to make the most of it:)
Welcome to Texas Friend! We’re glad to have you.
Wishing you nothing but happiness, joy and love in your new chapter in Texas. (And also, now that you’ll no longer be living in New Orleans, I won’t have to worry about you from afar whenever a hurricane threatens it)!
I moved from the Irish channel to Texas too. I bet you will love Texas too. Very different from NOLA…you can still visit of course?
Awww! Welcome to Texas, Joy and Tron! :)
Sorry, Joy. Mistake: . . . about that character, not necessarily out of the story by the end, but what they may gonna’ be doing., just use them so can know where they went, how it all turned out for them.
Shelby
Virginia
#! Rule of Writing: Don’t put a character in unless you somehow take them out by the end. Where is Tron now?. I hope in Texas with you. Thanks for everything during all this time. I am eighty-three years old, hope am still around when you get going again. Happy days, good health, joy!
Shelby Staples
Virginia
Congratulations on the next chapter! It’s wonderful when you get to be the author.
I look forward to your next adventure!
What a beautiful tribute to the space, yes, but also you and your accomplishments and memories. It’s so satisfying to be in love with our own lives and as someone who follows along but doesn’t often comment: I’m happy for you <3 . Many cheers to your new adventure!
Oh, I love this so much! Especially your honesty about your relationship that you had to be small for, and that we will do those things for a while but we will never be held down like that permanently. Can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds! Congratulations on starting that next chapter! Just remember that giving yourself to us is not the most important thing, being true to yourself and making yourself happy is. ??
On to the next adventure! What a beautiful tribute to the Bakehouse!
Wishing you all the best in TX ??
Can’t wait to read the next chapter.
Hi Joy, what a lovely read! I’m one of your UK readers and have been with you since Los Angeles! Happy future in Texas. X
This was lovely; bittersweet and uplifting all the same! Thank you, as always, for sharing your world with us. Best of luck with your new adventures! You deserve the best and more :)
Good on ya, Joy!!
Thank you for being an inspiration today and every day. Excited for your next chapter – the best is yet to be. Let me know when you want to take me up on my
Drake on a Plate dinner collab ???
Life is a journey and an adventure. Isn’t it grand?! Thanks for taking us along with you and sharing both food and stories to hold onto dearly. Best of luck in the new chapter for you. And Tron too.
Oh and lest I not forget the cowboy. Keep on dreaming.
I’m so excited for you on this new chapter! As a fan of yours in Dallas, I can’t wait to see what you have in store for the Lonestar state! I’m also a bit sad that an era is changing. Maybe sad isn’t the right word. A bit nostalgic for what was maybe? Don’t mind this feeler ? I have so much admiration and awe for your guts, grace and spirit ? I’m here for whatever you want to share on this journey. Joy the Baker is wherever she puts her mixer ??
I can’t wait to see what new recipes and adventures you bring! Congratulations and wishing you the best times ahead.
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your life, and home, with us for all these years. Much love to you on your next adventures! ??
(Ugh, ignore those errant question marks at the end!!)
Thank you for sharing this space with us. I signed myself and a friend up for a class on a whim and it was such an amazing experience. Can’t wait to see what you do next. :)
Oh Joy.
I’m so very, very happy for you. And proud of you, which feels weirdly both appropriate and inappropriate.
Thanks for bringing us along. We’ll be here for the next chapter.
Best, always.
It’s bittersweet, but mostly sweet. I always dreamed of making a trip to New Orleans and being able to join a live class at the Bakehouse. Alas, it was virtual buche de noels and cinnamon rolls for me. Best wishes for the next chapter. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Welcome to Texas!
I am a follower and dedicated Texan loving your recipes and cooking them for my fam since the Bakehouse days.
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Congratulations on a new chapter of your journey.
I’m looking forward to all the goodness that comes next!!
This IS a story with a happy ending! My only regret is that I never made it to the Bakehouse from TN for a live event, but I loved every virtual class and referred to your NOLA travel guides on multiple occasions. So excited to see what’s next for you!
Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute. I am such a super fan of yours and have kept up with you from afar since Portland. Keep it up, Joy. I love that you are out there doing you.
Love this! Life is full of different chapters. It’s been fun seeing you live life in New Orleans. Can’t wait for the next chapter. Best to you!
What a time!!!! Here’s to your Texas era, may it be all you wish for x
What a beautiful tribute to The Bakehouse! I’ve been following you since FOREVER, and I’m so happy for you and your future Texas-size endeavors!
Grateful for all the times we had here! You know I support growth, my friend. Glad you’ve landed where you need to be. ??
That was supposed to be a heart, not question marks. :)
I’m so happy for you, and excited to see the great things that lie ahead xx
You’re an inspiration to us all, Joy! You keep dreaming big, and we’ll keep cheering you on.
Sending you all the love! Big change is exciting and scary and wonderful and new and bigger, but sometimes smaller, than we think.
??????????
This was so touching and really resonated with me as someone who has never lived in New Orleans or Texas, and has never owned a bake house, but was once (more than once) too long in the wrong relationship, and at least once, believed that I was waiting for my life to start instead of living it. Cheers to both growing and feeling settled! All the best to you on your next endeavor.
Just today my handsome Califianian and I and deciding if we want to pull the trigger on a project that is a bit of a stretch but ticks all the boxes for our dreams. Your post was a great example of how and when and most importantly with whom to build dreams with. Projects come and go, but the right person is what is really what it’s all about. Bakehouse was about us, and we will gladly follow you to Texas.
<3 Best of luck in your new endeavors in your new state! Congratulations for allowing yourself to grow into something else (“bigger” better, in your words). I’ve done a similar thing, so I know what you’re talking about. Enjoy ? your new you and the life you’re building to go with it! ?
Chills. I am so happy for you Joy! What a beautiful love letter to the Bakehouse NOLA and your time there. We love you! Thank you for sharing.
I am an old woman re-learning to be my own woman and I thank you for showing the way. Onward to the next adventure!
You continue to be such an inspiration, love everything about this!
Lovely. Good for you. Best of luck with whatever comes next.
Welcome to Texas! And Cheers to the next chapter in your life! ?
Susan
Congratulations on being a strong independent woman! It is a challenge at times but you have persevered and I can’t wait to share your Texas adventures and food! You will do and be awesome! You are following your light. ?
I was so sad the time I visited New Orleans and you weren’t hosting any events at the Bakehouse that week. It was always one of my dreams to go. Maybe I will make it to an event if you open one in Texas. Thank you for all you do, Joy! I am a long time reader and lover of your blog and recipes. Cheers to the next chapter!
What a journey. Thank you for letting us listen and read your happy and challenging events. You are a part of my Sunday reads and I always learn or discover something new. Onwards and on to your next story
Big Hugs
Teresa
What a beautifully reflective post for a fantastic chapter in your story! Even though I never made it to the Bakehouse (I wanted to but timing was never quite right), I felt sad when you announced you were selling. I still had hoped I’d be able to take a class with you. But, I think truly the way you’ve approached this is a master class in adapting and changing. I won’t get this perfectly but I believe you said something along the lines of “I have to sell my first dream house to make my current dream house come true”. As someone who struggles with change and is on the precipice of her own next big chapter, I have admired your process and it will stick with me for a long time. Big thanks to the NoLA Bakehouse for its service! As Jill noted above, can’t wait to visit the Texas Bakehouse!
So excited for you! Can’t wait to see more Texas (and Tron) adventures!
Congratulations Joy! Can’t wait to bake with you in the Texas Bakehouse.
So many changes! A beautiful article. Enjoy and embrace the next part of your adventure. The Bakehouse will live on with all of us! Where there is Joy, there is the Bakehouse.
Beautiful Joy! Can’t wait to see what the Texas life brings you besides happiness with that handsome fella.
I love this ?? I always wanted to come to a bake house in New Orleans with you, but I can’t wait to join in Texas! Happy for you!
I was reading this post in the early morning from my kitchen while licking the beater from making blondies with the leftover Halloween candy, and I thought “this is just how Joy would do her morning. I’m totally an adult and can eat blondie batter for breakfast!” Haha! Enjoy your new adventures in Texas, and I look forward to all the new, inspiring recipes and tid bits that this new place will surely bring into my home!
What a gorgeous post. Captured all the feelings and growth you’ve so generously shared with all of us. Blessings always!
New Orleans was my place of birth through early adulthood. I left with the love of my life and never looked back. I didn’t have to look back because NOLA has a way of staying with you! She will always be a part of me, and now you! Good luck on your next grandest adventure!
Absolutely love this post and LOVE that you’re in Houston now, can’t wait for what’s next as I am here for all things JOY, thank you for allowing us to live life alongside you Joy!
Please let us know when/where in Houston to find your next offering?!
Don’t mind me crying over here – what a beautiful way to reflect on a space that had been so dear. We are so excited for this new Texan chapter ahead!
Such. lovely, honest, moving post.
I remember when you teased purchasing the BakeHouse and then you did.
You seem to be making your decisions with a clear head and full heart.
I imagine the soon to come Texas BakeHouse will be amazing.
Best to you, Tron and Will.
“I was just like, waiting for the right man to come along so I could start my life.”
-boy, thank you for putting into words, the 1st sixty years of my life.
Congratulations and much happiness to your new life in Texas.
I wish you joy and peace and love and growth in your new adventure. I’m so pleased for you, pleased that you recognise your innate ability to make new Bakehouse wherever your feet land. We are all with you, every step of the way! Thank you for talking about so much that resonates with me, that clarifies things for me in my life….I’m very grateful to you.
All the best wishes to you, Joy xx
Home is the person ( or people) not the place. Wherever your heart lies, there is home. Wishing you all the best in Texas. Really? Texas? ???
Thank you for sharing your story from the beginning. Unfortunately I never got to visit the Bakehouse but in my mind I did. I was sad to hear you were leaving for good (cause I still wanted to get there for a baking class) but this story truly has a happy ending and I’m very happy for you.
Xoxo
So SO happy for you and your new adventure! I’m grateful I could be a part of and enjoy some of that Bakehouse magic a few years ago.
I’m also thankful for YOU, your recipes and all the inspiration I got from you during all these years so far and will in the future.
Wishing you all the best, Joy! Rooting for you, always! Can’t wait for what the future unfolds!
Lots of love from Canada,
Ania
I’ve loved watching all of it Joy. My heart fills up in anticipation of your next adventures.
I’ve loved all your recipes and reading about your life since your podcast was recommended to me circa 2012. On other recipe blogs I skip the narrative content but not yours! I feel like I’ve been on the journey with you. I know you’ve been here for a year already, but welcome to Texas! Come teach a class at the Fort Worth Central Market!
This is fantastic! Love following along – so happy for you & and what’s ahead!! Great memories made in NOLA and more to be made in Texas ??
All the best to you and appreciate you taking us with you! Welcome to Texas!
Where in Texas?
I’m from Katy (west of Houston)
Such a nice closing to this chapter of your life. In many ways, you remind me of my daughter. I’ve followed you from California to NOLA, and thoroughly enjoyed your writings and recipes. Very best wishes to you as you start the next chapter of your life with someone special by your side. Much love, Pat
I’ve been following you since you lived in Venice (me keeping my eyes peeled for you as I wandered around the Westside) and I remember when you moved to Nola I thought it was so brave. You just picked up and moved across the country by yourself! I know there is more to moving across country, but dang! I was so impressed. I’ve loved watching you grow the bakehouse and listening to your words and recipes and joining a virtual one when we were all indoor cats. I’m excited to watch the next phase and I love the green wall in your TX place. Thanks for bringing us along on your adventures and for being a real person who lives here and spirals and bakes and and and. Go Joy!!
This is such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing it with us. I’ll carry your wisdom about knowing when the party is over with me for a long time. I hope you enjoy the feeling of having both feet in one place!
So thrilled for you, Joy. Thank you for sharing this adventure with us! Been following along basically since the beginning and can’t wait to see what you get up to next. Sending all the love to you and can’t wait to check out the new Bakehouse when it’s ready :)
The tears are rollin’ on this read!
What year were you first featured in Sunset magazine? THAT’s how long I’ve been with you. My sister too.
The Bakehouse brought literal Joy/joy into our homes taking “those virtual classes from [our] own kitchens for those weird years we were locked inside.” For my kids too.
Now, by coincidence or kismet, my daughter goes to school there. I guess you know what that means for The Bakehouse Texas?
ROAD TRIP!
Wishing you ALL the best.
“Encouraging someone to be entirely themselves is the loudest way to love them.” (Kalen Dion) Thank you, Joy, for so eloquently doing that for yourself and thus inspiring so many other women to do the same. I honestly believe it is when we are truly ourselves that our lives manifest what we truly need. Your story is bright testament to that truth. Thanks for sharing your story. Here’s to many more beautiful chapters.
I learned how to make biscuits with you and @mississippivegan on that island. What a magical place. New Orleans will miss you. Texas is lucky to have you!
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Thank you for inviting us into your home and sharing all your baking know-how with us.
I can’t wait to keep baking with you in your new Texas adventure.
Joy,
I have followed you since 2009 and I was at the Bakehoise once when you had a sale in 2021. It was really lovely! Thank you for sharing how you are continuing to build a life that represents who you really are. I hope to visit the Texas Bakehouse when it opens and meanwhile I’ll keep following your adventures (with Will and Tron) and baking your recipes. Wishing you happiness!
Joy – long time reader here. I just want to say how wonderfully this was written and I wish you all the best for your next chapter in Texas! Life really is an up and down adventure and appreciate you sharing yours :)
I think I’ve been reading JTB since the very beginning of the blog and damn if you haven’t become an amazing writer too! This was beautifully written. Here’s to a great new chapter in Texas!
Love this ?
I meant’Love this!’
Dear Joy, I’m SO happy for you. Thank you for bravely sharing your feelings and life experiences. You are important to so many. Welcome to Texas, Joy! Enjoy!!
All the best Joy to you. Love prevails!
We will miss you in New Orleans but see you soon in Big Texas!
Sad I never made it to the Bakehouse-New Orleans, but thankful I’m a Texan. Looking forward to the Bakehouse-Texas! Proud of you!! Proud of you for being brave and leaping AGAIN! Proud of you for following your own journey unapologetically!
We really dang did it, friend! Love that. Joy, you have a way with words. I did truly enjoy those virtual classes. And hoped to bake with you in person one day at the Bakehouse, New Orleans. I guess I’ll change that wish to Texas. Wishing you smooth sailing in your happy move! xo
Joy.. I have enjoyed following along with your journey in New Orleans and looked forward to your Sunday updates on recipes, travel and life in general with Tron.. Wishing you all the best in Texas and can’t wait to see what’s next for you.
JTB It has been a fantastic journey watching you, Tron and The Bakehouse grow together! The challenges you have faced and conquered all the while letting us come along for the ride (literally on the bikes!) are why so many of us tune in every time we can. A true friend embraces another friend when they make hard decisions and shouts encouragement. You undoubtedly have many friends shouting loud for you! Go tackle Texas JTB!
Joy,
Best wishes to you and your new love! You are the sunshine everyone needs in their life. Your humor, your insight, your wisdom…thank you for sharing your life with us. It’s an honor to “know” you even if you don’t know (some of) us. You deserve all the best! Please keep us posted from Texas, we love to hear from you!
Lisa in Miami
Joy.. I’m so excited for you and admire you for following your heart in taking this next step! I feel like we’re friends and we’ve never met. You are so so genuine, and while I subscribe to many blogs, yours is the one that just feels best and I can’t wait to read. Oh…!!! I made the Sunday morning blueberry muffins 2 days in a row. Omggggg they melted in my mouth! And sooo easy! Safe travels and LET IT BE TEXAS!
XO Noreen
What a beautiful post Joy. Yours was the first cookbook I picked up in 2012 when I decided to start baking after graduating from college. I’ve loved being apart of your journey from California to New Orleans and now to Texas, all while being on my own journey. I can’t wait to see what you do next and thank you for letting us be apart of it!
I recently told myself something similar…that’s it’s ok to move to your next dream and let the memories of the current one propel you forward. New Orleans always has my heart but I’m a native Texan and Texas will always be home. I hope you enjoy it here…it’s a big state with so much to explore. Come visit McKinney sometime. We have the loveliest downtown and the people are the best. Wishing you all the best and excited to follow your journey!
Congratulations sweet Joy!! Wishing you nothing but ALL THE BEST THINGS in Texas!!
Joy! Now I’m crying. I loved watching you thrive here and you will thrive in Texas too. And… since I’m working on a memoir, I just want to place a little spark here which is, when do we get to read your memoir? Let’s go write them together somewhere. So happy for you!
Watching you grow in New Orleans has truly inspired me to live my life now, instead of waiting for a partner to share it with. If that person comes into my life, I want my life to already be complete. As sad as I am to see this chapter end for you, I am excited to see where your next (current?) chapter brings you!
What a joy the Bakehouse was and what a joy this new chapter is for you!
I’m glad I got to make pie dough there that one time and meet Tron, of course. ?
Godspeed to you!
You’re a very special young lady, Joy, and you deserve it all! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you through “Let It Be Sunday”—and I know I’m not alone. The very best to you always—and that includes your Mom and Dad and, of course, your man. Keep in touch—don’t let that change ? ??
You’re a very special young lady, Joy, and you deserve it all! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you through “Let It Be Sunday”—and I know I’m not alone. The very best to you always—and that includes your Mom and Dad and, of course, your man. Keep in touch—don’t let that change ? ??
Wow Joy, wow. You go and live a great life! We will all be cheering for you.
Congratulations! So beautifully written. All the best. Look forward to hearing about your life in Texas! ?
Oh gosh. I’m a little teary. Happy for you, but still a little teary.
I never visited The Bakehouse, but just knowing it was there was special. Congrats on your next chapter, and love, in Texas! I’m from a place like TX, and when baddies like you arrive it means we’re making progress.
My God bless you as you begin this new journey! Texas needs you and your beautiful disposition. Not to mention the delectable food you shall surely create.