Hi! I’m Mary Jo. Call me MJ.
Mom. Business Owner. Wife. Community Leader. Baker?
2020 was a tough year. For everyone. Everywhere. Like a lot of people, while we were hunkering down in March of 2020 due to COVID, I turned to baking and Netflix. And Netflix shows about baking. And baking while watching baking shows on Netflix. At first it was just effing Carol Baskin, but then I was entranced by Sugar Rush, The Chef Show, and of course, The Great British Bake-Off. It was fascinating to watch ingredients change depending how they were worked, what quantities were used, and even what order they were combined and blended.
I worked in my kitchen making breads, cakes, rolls, and cupcakes. Treats that nourished and delighted my family, but also had an impact on my emotional state and wellbeing. Kneading breads became my therapy and the process of baking and creation was helping me get through the pandemic and every twist and turn it brought. I didn’t understand it then, but this started my journey to learn about mindful baking and using it to overcome a series of challenges thrown at me in 2020 and 2021. Car crashes, ER visits, elections, and cancer - and baking was there to see me all through it.
About MJ
Making Vdolky - or Czech Frycakes - for Christmas Eve 2019.
I live in the Chicago area and grew up baking for family holidays with my Mom. We are Bohemian and Kolace, Vdolky, and Christmas Twist bread was always on the holiday menu. Baking has been a source of connecting with family and finding quiet and focused time away from the stresses of work and life.
I started to explore learn more about how baking is a mindful practice during the chaos of 2020. Then in April of 2021, I entered pastry school to learn more about techniques and the science of baking.
Professional Life
I am a civil engineer by education and early work experience. I’ve worked on stormwater and floodplain management project my whole career, from consulting to 10 years in the federal government. I started my own consulting business in 2016, working with federal government programs related to flooding. In 2017, I got political and ran for office. I just finished my 4-year term as Township Supervisor and started a new 4-year term as a Trustee for my Village Board.
Family Life
I’ve been married for 20 years to an amazing man and fellow band nerd that loves and supports me through all my professional and political exploits! We have 3 boys who are 8, 10, and 12 - and are the most fun and loving kids I could possibly imagine. We all enjoy most of my baked treats together - although my pickier eaters sometimes prefer Oreos or Chips Ahoy to Mom’s cool cookie creations.