Like mother, like daughter

Henrico woman follows in mom’s footsteps as bakery owner, Food network contestant

A local woman is bringing her mom's legacy and sweet treats to Henrico and showcasing her talents to the world on a Food Network show.

After starting her career as a licensed cosmetologist, doing hair and nails, Kristen Gardner never expected that one day she’d own her own bakery, let alone star on a national television baking competition. But in a span of three days this month, she will have experienced both.

Gardner’s mother, Joy (previously a graphic designer and photographer) hadn’t predicted a sweet career for herself, either. But a project of making logos for businesses got her creating a whole business dedicated to designing logos on cookies, which introduced her, and soon her daughter, into the world of baking.

While initially uninterested in baking, Kristen Gardner found herself working at her mom’s new storefront bakery in Lynchburg, Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats. She credits her mother with teaching her everything she knows.

“I learned so much from her. My mom is self taught, and she's a smart lady. She's very smart,” Gardner said.

In 2018, the urge to sell the Lynchburg location and expand the shop brought Gardner to Henrico. Ultimately, the plans to sell fell through and her mother returned to her storefront. But Gardner wanted to stay.

She decided to relocate to Henrico and commute four days a week to Lynchburg to work with her mother. Henrico residents who tasted the sweets however, wanted to continue enjoying Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats, which compelled Gardner to begin dessert deliveries from Lynchburg to Henrico.

This long commute became exhausting for her, so Gardner began making treats in her own Henrico home and selling them at a local farmers’ market.

“When I was back and forth from 2018 to about 2019, I was getting tired of driving – very tired of it,” she said. “But I know that my mom has a really good product. I've seen her get very tired and want to give up so many times. I just wanted to be able to pick up the slack on one end and if she ever decided to give up – which I don't think she ever will, but if she ever decides – there will still be something here for her and for everyone else to enjoy.”

So Gardner established her own bakery business in 2019, Joy Jr. Treats.

“My parents are very proud of me right now, I've never seen my mom be so supportive,” she said. “When you go through life, you make your own decisions, and we sometimes choose some dumb stuff. But this is a moment in life where my family is actually proud of me and supporting everything I'm doing.”

Having learned from her mothers's both success and mistakes, Gardner is excited to embark on her own journey. She wants to continue and honor her mothers legacy, as well. Gardner brings to her new bakery, her mother’s menu items, delectable recipes and even unique peacock wallpaper found in the Lynchburg location.

“My mom and I, we’re a dynamic duo for sure,” she said.

Gardner is continuing the legacy in another way by competing on the Food Network.

Her mother first competed and won on Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge, which was the kickoff of her strong success.

Together, the dynamic duo competed on Food Network Canada's Project Bakeover, which aired in February. The experience made Gardner realize she wanted to compete on her own.

A lucky offer from a fellow gingerbread artist, looking for a co-baker, got her landed on The Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown, premiering Nov. 15 at 9 p.m. on Food Network.

Gardner had a great experience on the show.

“I have to say that I had a lot of fun,” she said. “I got to meet a lot of new people, I learned so much on the show and met some celebrities. I'm excited for everybody to see, because I really did have a lot of fun.

“But being on this show, I can tell a big difference in my confidence and having the confidence in my business and making sure that it's a good business, with a good product – it changes your whole outlook on yourself.”

Gardner held a soft opening of her business on Oct. 21 to celebrate the anniversary of her mom’s debut of Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats.

The grand opening of Joy Jr. Treats was Nov. 13, just days before her appearance on the season premiere of the Gingerbread Showdown. The storefront is located at 9070 West Broad Street in Henrico’s West End, and offerings range from cinnamon rolls and brownies to savory bites and tart drinks.

“I’m extremely proud of my daughter for sticking to her guns,” Gardner’s mother said. “She has the opportunity to spread as much joy as I do. I know she will do great things.”

Gardner said she's proud of her sweet success and hopes to continue treating her community as her mom always has.

“My mom's slogan or motto is to treat yourself and spread the joy, my motto is that I'm just here to spread joy. I treated myself and now I'm just here spreading the joy,” Gardner said. “I'm here to spread joy – that's my whole goal. And whether it be with treats or a drink, or even just a hug, that's what I'm here for.”