Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Macarthy.
Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began baking when I was young, learning from my grandmother and mother. Baking became an outlet for me, a way to share my love with others. After my girls were born I started baking their birthday and event cakes. I went to work as a school librarian in 2008 and even received Knox County Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2017, but I kept my love for the science and creativity of baking. My orders became bigger and more frequent. I started an official cottage industry business in 2008, and in 2018 changed the name to Better When Baked. In 2020 I started teaching pastry classes at The Cutting Edge Classroom, and in 2024 I won Knox Stars Best Bakery. I am still a school librarian as well. Books and baking are my passions and I can’t choose. 😊
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been times where I doubted my skills, that my efforts as a baker, instructor or librarian were not good enough, especially after the life change of a divorce. I think many makers go through an imposter syndrome. Attending Maker City Summits helped with that. The continued support of my community has helped, bolstering me up when the doubt creeps in. Feeling pulled in multiple directions can at times be draining, but my love for all my jobs helps with the occasional sleepless night.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My specialties and loves as a baker are two fold: creative flavors from scratch and preserving cultural recipes. I’m known for cakes and cupcakes, but I enjoy so much more. One of my favorite things is for someone to request a recreation of a dessert from their memories – grandmother’s babka, Japanese cheesecake from a special trip, Nona’s pastel de nata. I’m privileged to honor tradition, to provide a memory, not just a dessert. I’m honored to be self taught, with guidance from family, to see no limits on flavor and recipe.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m happy to be part of a creative community. There are many talented people in this area, and we each have our niche. Knoxville has the ability to be open to so much, and I’m proud to be a small part. My bakery brings me joy, if not a few extra calories, lol, and I’m thrilled to be sharing that joy with others. I also enjoy using my gift to support local fundraisers, including Knox Rocks POTS, Dogwood Elementary School, and Fun With Friends Helping Hands Holiday event. Hopefully there will be a brick and mortar some day, but for now look for me and let me share my passion with you. My slogan is Baking is Love made Edible, and I feel that with every baked item I share.
Pricing:
- Cupcakes start at $36 a dozen.
- Custom cakes start at $3.50 a serving
- Cookies start at $16 a dozen
- Contact me for custom pricing and orders
Contact Info:
