06/09/2026
I made the hard decision when I found out I was pregnant to pause Joyful Foods. My heart wasn’t in it anymore, not in the cooking or creating part, because that part of me will never truly die, but in doing it for others. I realized I didn’t want to spend my entire life pouring into events and not have the energy left for my own home.
The 18+ hour days were physically and mentally draining me. And I got to a point where I just wanted to cook for my family… the same meals I used to make for everyone else, but now for the people who actually matter to me the most: my husband and my son.
Today, I made my first meal since delivery: corned beef hash and homemade banana foster pancakes. Nothing fancy and no pretty plating, but it meant so much to me. My son was attached to me the entire time I cooked and that gave me a feeling no event ever has. It made me realize I made the right decision after months of questioning myself.
Joyful Foods isn’t gone forever. But when I do come back, it won’t be the same. Right now, I’m just here… feeding my home, holding my baby, and finding joy in a different kind of kitchen :)
