How a former mental health practitioner mastered the art of whimsical baking
In short: Before becoming a household name for her adorable, animal-themed bakes, Kim-Joy Hewlett navigated extreme social anxiety and selective mutism. Her journey from a psychology student to a celebrated baker and cookbook author reveals how a pursuit of sweetness can serve as a powerful tool for social connection.
Born around 1991 to an English father and a Malaysian Chinese mother, Kim-Joy's childhood was marked by a move from Belgium to London when she was five. Her path to culinary fame was not a natural progression; her family did not bake much, and she turned to baking during her university years as a way to socialise more. Her mother originally moved to London for her studies before being deported from Belgium. This period of transition shaped her early years in the UK.
Her professional background is rooted in mental health. Following her sociology BA at the University of Bristol and psychology MA from Leeds Beckett University, she served the NHS as a psychological wellbeing practitioner. In that role, she managed as many as 150 patients at a time. She previously held a position working within a care home. This experience preceded her clinical work for the National Health Service.
Kim-Joy rose to prominence during the ninth series of The Great British Bake Off in 2018, where she became a runner-up. She was celebrated for her 'intense commitment to cuteness' and a unique ability to create whimsical, colorful designs without being overly sweet. She later won the Bake Off's New Year 2022 special. She competed against fellow contestant Jon Jenkins during her victory in the 2022 New Year special. This win solidified her status as a baking star.
Beyond the oven, Kim-Joy has expanded into literature and gaming. She has authored several cookbooks and a graphic novel, 'Turtle Bread'. In 2022, Skybound Games released 'Kim Joy's Magic Bakery', a cooperative card game inspired by her whimsical aesthetic. She also works with Wren Bakery, an organisation providing training for unemployed and underemployed women in Leeds. The card game was created by designer Ben Kepner and illustrated by Linda Van Den Berg. She is also known to be an enthusiastic board gamer.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Kim-Joy
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