Lucy Jones – Mrs Jones The Baker

What’s your favourite place on the Northern Beaches?
Oohh I’m spoilt for so many beautiful choices, but probably snorkelling at Shelly Beach. It always amazes me seeing all the sea life there so close to the beach.

Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I never qualified as a baker or a pastry chef. I just learnt my skills through working with hugely talented people in some of the best pastry kitchens in the world.

What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Have a piece of Mrs Jones the Bakers flourless chocolate cake!!

It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
At the moment watching my two sons play AFL for the Manly Bombers.

If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
Food of course…to cook dinner for my family.

Business

How did Mrs Jones the Baker happen? How long have you been operating?
My husband Barry and I were both trained as pastry chefs all over the world and Barry comes from a family business of bakeries in North Wales. Almost 7 years ago, Mrs Jones the Baker was created by us.

Best business experience?
Being part of the community where our shops are, getting to know are regulars and growing a team of amazing employees who share our passion to be the very best we can be.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
In another life I would love to have been a nurse or a midwife.

Best part of your job or most enjoyable part of your job?
Seeing the shops full to the brim with all our freshly baked goods. It looks and smells amazing and I know our incredibly hard working team has been up in the very early hours busy creating this and setting up the shops to look their very best. I always feel very emotional about what we have achieved as a team and how stunning it all looks and tastes.

Most stressful part of your job?
Presently writing the rosters!! Staffing has been challenging over the last 3 years and it is very hard to find replacements especially front of house staff. Businesses everywhere are in short supply.

Weirdest thing that has ever happened at work?
I am really not sure.

What’s the best part of working on the Northern Beaches? Why did you chose to work here?
It’s an amazing privilege to work so close to home. After years of commuting to the city and Greater Sydney; a 10 minute drive to work is a huge benefit to our quality of life.

Personal

What would you rate 10/10?
Mrs Jones the baker of course!!

What is the best advice you’ve received?
To run a business properly you must be working full time in it.

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?
My son passed his driving test. I am no longer a taxi service!!

Greatest strength?
Ability to work hard.

Greatest weakness?
Ability to work hard.

What’s your most treasured possession?
My family

What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Spending quality time with my family and friends and making memories.

How do you switch off?
I think when you own and run a business you never properly switch off .

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate!

Who’s your personal hero?
My husband Barry. Always there for me and is my biggest supporter.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a great wife, mother, friend and cake maker!!!