Baking Her Way to Independence
Johana is dedicated to developing her skills as a baker. Her journey in the culinary world began in 2022, when she started selling her homemade cupcakes at the Warrandyte Market. What began as a passion has since blossomed into a promising path of personal growth and employment.
For the past two years, Johana has been volunteering at the Now and Not Yet Café in Warrandyte to enhance her commercial baking skills. During this time, she has worked hard to refine her techniques, taking on new challenges with enthusiasm and trying out different flavour combinations. The café environment has provided her with the chance to build not only her baking abilities but also her confidence and connection to the community.
In March 2024, all of Johana’s hard work paid off when she was offered 8 hours a week of Supported Employment at the café, a significant increase from the 2.5 hours of paid work she was previously doing. This milestone is a testament to her dedication and the progress she has made in her journey. Now, Johana works two days a week at the café, creating a variety of delicious cakes, a task she has grown to love. Her attention to detail and commitment to quality have made her a valued member of the café team.
In addition to her work at the café, Johana continues to sell her cupcakes at the Warrandyte Market once a month. She takes great pride in this part of her business, carefully preparing each batch of cupcakes to share with the local community. Her monthly presence at the market has allowed her to showcase her creativity and passion for baking, while also providing her with a growing sense of independence.
Johana’s journey is one of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Her progress from a market stallholder to a commercial baker with supported employment is a shining example of how passion, dedication, and support can lead to incredible opportunities. We are incredibly proud of Johana’s achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in the world of baking.
Follow Johana on Instagram to see the latest updates of what she’s making and selling @joeyslittlekitchen
