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An Inspired Chat with Joyce Watts of Downtown

Joyce Watts shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Joyce, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My normal day starts very early in the morning, I try to start my day on a positive note with lots of energy, so when I greet my customers, I am here for them. My work day starts off with baking and planning for the upcoming week, music helps me stay focused and on task, so at any given time if you were in the kitchen with me I would be singing and maybe dancing.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Joyce Watts, the founder and head baker of Boujee Baker KC, a Kansas City-based bakery where we believe that every bite should feel like a warm hug from home. At Boujee Baker KC, we specialize in handcrafted, baked goods made from traditional recipes and the freshest ingredients. What makes us truly special is our dedication to creating nostalgic flavors that bring comfort and joy to our community. Whether it’s our ooey gooey butter cake, zesty lemon bars, or custom catering for your special events, we pour love and care into every creation. Right now, we’re excited to be expanding our catering and wholesale services and connecting even more with local customers who appreciate homemade quality and personalized service.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how I see the world happened during a community event where Boujee Baker KC was catering. As I watched people from all walks of life come together around the food we’d prepared, sharing stories, laughter, and genuine connection, I realized how powerful something as simple as a homemade meal can be. It reminded me that food isn’t just nourishment for the body—it’s nourishment for the soul and a bridge that brings people closer. That experience deepened my belief that kindness, care, and community are at the heart of everything we do. It’s a reminder that no matter our differences, we all crave connection and comfort—and that’s the beautiful, unifying power of sharing a meal.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: Be gentle with yourself. It’s okay to make mistakes, to take your time, and to not have everything figured out right away. Your worth isn’t measured by perfection or how fast you succeed, but by the love and passion you bring to everything you do. Trust your journey, embrace the ups and downs, and remember that every step—no matter how small—is part of the beautiful story you’re creating. You are enough, just as you are.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
The ideas I rely on most that aren’t my own come from the incredible people around me—my husband, my family, my team, and especially our wonderful customers. Their feedback, stories, and unique perspectives inspire me every day to refine our recipes, create new offerings, and improve the experience we provide at Boujee Baker KC. I believe that great ideas often come from listening deeply and embracing collaboration. It’s this collective creativity and shared passion that help shape our bakery into a place that truly feels like home for our community.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people remember me as someone who baked more than just delicious treats—I hope they tell a story of warmth, kindness, and connection. I want to be remembered as a person who poured love and care into everything I did, who brought comfort and joy to others through simple, homemade goodness. More than the cakes and cookies, I hope the story is about how I made people feel seen, valued, and at home. If my bakery, Boujee Baker KC, leaves behind a legacy of community, heartfelt service, and the magic of shared moments around the table, then I’ll know I’ve done something truly special.

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Makayla Leon’

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