“I am moody and messy, I get restless and it’s senseless.” -Ashlee SimpsonGrowing up my mother would describe me as a moody teenager who was always on the brink of an existential crisis. Constantly in deep thought, and yet only scratching the surface of who I am. Later, accountability was a concept that I struggled with for my entire twenties. It took me the better part of ten years to realize that I am both the protagonist and the antagonist in my own story, and it is beneficial to become self-aware so that I could get out of my way. While perfect happiness does not exist, we can collect little gems along the way that manifest joy in our worlds and make us better versions of ourselves. This is the only way to be mentally healthy: taking the good with the bad and deciding each day to be a better you. Good Mood Treats was developed out of a need for me to fulfill my true purpose, become balanced, and add happiness to other people’s lives. It truly makes me feel fulfilled when I can contribute goodness to the world. Maybe it’s because I am an Aquarius, or because my childhood trauma has led me to be a people pleaser in my adult life. Whatever the case may be, I am at my best when I am making other people happy. My healing process has many ugly days, but without these tough days, I wouldn’t be able to appreciate the beautiful discoveries. I started baking because it helped to slow down my thoughts and pour a piece of myself into something good and pure. Making cookies and cupcakes isn’t just something I do so I can post cute Instagram photos, it is a mindfulness activity that helps alleviate my anxiety and brings grounding into my regimen. I focus on one thing at a time, step by step, until it is complete. Throughout most of my life, I always had issues finishing projects, but baking allows me to use my creativity to create something delicious. The best part is that I can share this love of baking with my son, and nieces. Baking and mental health seem like two very unusual combinations, however, that is the alchemy of me as Baker Jo. As someone who constantly navigates through mental experiences, I am grateful that I can transfer my love and happiness into each of the treats I create. I hope that with every treatment, you can feel the love, passion, and gratitude that goes into each bite. I aim to change the narrative around mental health and stop the stigma. Sweet treats offer sacred moments of happiness in many people’s lives, so by combining quality ingredients with a love to help people.