About

Welcome to Lady Pastry!

Hey there! I’m Victoria Hayes, the creator of Lady Pastry, and I’m so happy you’ve found your way to my cozy corner of the internet. Here at Lady Pastry, I pour my heart into every recipe, story, and crumb. My journey with food is grounded in the simple belief that anyone—yes, anyone—can make beautiful, delicious creations at home, and that recipes aren’t just instructions: they’re a bridge between cultures, generations, and memories.

My kitchen adventures have led to a few delightful milestones I’m proud to share: I’ve placed in the annual Home Bakers’ Showdown (finalist, 2022!), been featured in Sweet Eats Magazine, collaborated with beloved brands like Sift & Stir, and hosted a handful of sold-out pastry workshops in my community. But more than anything, it’s the emails and photos from readers who’ve recreated my recipes that truly warm my heart.

What have I learned along the way? That joy comes from sharing, mistakes are the best teachers, and the most memorable meals are made with a pinch of curiosity and a whole lot of love. Lady Pastry isn’t just a website—it’s an invitation to explore, play, and celebrate food together.

How It All Started

My love affair with recipes began in my grandmother’s sunlit kitchen, where Sunday mornings meant sticky cinnamon rolls, endless storytelling, and laughter echoing against the old tile walls. I was six when I first cracked an egg—and made a spectacular mess—but I was hooked. There was something magical about watching ordinary ingredients transform into something worth gathering for.

As I grew up, my curiosity only deepened. I started scribbling notes in flour-dusted notebooks, dreaming up flavor combinations, and baking for every family get-together, birthday, and rainy afternoon. What I love most about recipes isn’t just the end result—it’s the process of discovery, the patience, the way food brings people together.

Lady Pastry was born out of a desire to document my journey, inspire others to try new things, and create a space where everyone—no matter their experience—can feel welcome in the kitchen. Sharing my wins (and a few flops!) has helped me connect with so many passionate food lovers around the world.

Why You Can Trust Me

With over 14 years immersed in the world of baking and recipe creation, I bring a blend of personal, professional, and formal training to every post on Lady Pastry. My journey began at home, but I later honed my skills in culinary workshops, through professional mentorships, and by constantly experimenting with new techniques. I’ve taught classes, judged bake-offs, and attended more food expos than I can count!

Quality is at the heart of everything I share. Every recipe on Lady Pastry is carefully researched, tested (multiple times!), and taste-tested by my biggest critics—family and friends—before it lands on the site. My attention to detail means you can count on clear instructions, helpful tips, and reliable results, whether you’re making a five-minute breakfast or a layered showstopper for a special occasion.

A big part of my blog is visual storytelling. All the photos you see are styled and shot by me, right here in my kitchen. I believe that beautiful images spark curiosity, give confidence, and tell their own delicious story. Behind the scenes, you’ll often find me perched on a chair (for the perfect overhead shot) or dusting powdered sugar at just the right moment.

Outside of Lady Pastry, I’m an avid traveler and enthusiastic farmers’ market explorer. I love learning about traditional recipes, regional specialties, and food history—insights I bring back to the blog and share with you. Research and discovery fuel my passion and keep my recipes fresh and exciting.

What keeps me going? The vibrant, supportive community that’s grown here, and the joy of seeing others find confidence and creativity in the kitchen. I’m always learning, always tasting, and always thrilled to share the journey with you.

Connect With Me

I’d love to hear from you! Whether you have a question, want to share your latest baking adventure, or just want to say hi, there are lots of ways to get in touch:

Your feedback, photos, and stories mean the world to me. Don’t be shy—reach out, comment, or tag me. I’m here to cheer you on!

Can’t wait to see what we’ll bake up together.

Warmest wishes,
Victoria

Meet the Team

Victoria Hayes – Founder & Chief Recipe Creator
As the heart behind Lady Pastry, I develop, test, and photograph every recipe on the site. My background in pastry arts and years of teaching workshops help me break down complex techniques so anyone can succeed. When I’m not baking, I’m exploring local bakeries for inspiration. I believe a good recipe should feel like a warm hug!

Evelyn Brooks – Community Manager
Evelyn ensures our online community is as sweet and welcoming as our recipes. With a background in social media and a genuine love for connecting with fellow foodies, she keeps our comment sections lively and supportive. Evelyn is the voice behind our friendly newsletter. Outside work, she loves hiking and perfecting her apple pie crust.

James Porter – Food Photographer
James captures the magic of every dish, from gooey brownies to delicate tartlets. His professional background in food photography brings the flavors to life on screen. He works closely with Victoria to style each shot for maximum deliciousness. Off the clock, James is an amateur gardener and espresso enthusiast.

Maria Chen – Test Kitchen Coordinator
Maria oversees recipe testing and ensures every detail is spot-on before a recipe goes live. Her meticulous approach comes from years in commercial kitchens and food science research. She loves troubleshooting and turning feedback into better results for readers. Maria is also our resident spice expert and loves fusion cooking at home.