People That You Meet is a series of interviews conducted and posted by the Vanessa Pollock Team/Keller Williams, highlighting residents of the South Orange-Maplewood community and their diverse and interesting lives.
This installment is an interview with Julie Pauly, owner of The Able Baker in Maplewood.
Favorite Charities: Achieve Foundation, Lydia Johnson Dance, and Studio B; and the ACLU
Anything exciting coming up that you’d like us to promote? Spring is a busy time at the bakery. You can keep up with us on Instagram or Facebook.
What town do you live in? Maplewood
Where did you live before that? Born and raised in Southern California, then high school and college in Nashville, TN.
What brought you to SOMA ? I was recruited for a job and moved to New Jersey, sight unseen.
What do you do (for a living or as a serious hobby)? I own the Able Baker, here in Maplewood Village. 9 years ago, Thomas and I were both out of work, with our two young kids and an au pair (count ’em, 3 adults at home while the kids were in school). I emailed 35 friends with an offering of Easter cookies and passover desserts. Thomas built a website, I rented kitchen space, and we delivered cakes, cookies, and desserts free locally. The bakery opened in 2011, and we doubled our space a year ago. The name comes from the Richard Scarry Busytown books, where there is a small mouse named Able Baker Charlie.
What’s your favorite feature of your home? It’s age. Built in 1929.
Where do you love to go on a date night? What’s that?
What is the first thing you notice about someone when you meet them? Their smile.
What book is on your nightstand? The Case Against Sugar (no joke)
What show does everyone need to binge watch? I’m not a TV watcher, but I did enjoy The Crown.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? Getting teenagers out of bed.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 20 minutes or 90, depending on where I need to be.
Salty or Sweet? Sweet. (No surprises there.)
What’s something that amazes you? How time changes speed.
Describe your family: Thomas, my husband of 20 years, runs the bakery with me. Our daughter Ella graduated from Columbia High School and has gone off to college. She also works at the bakery. Our son Declan is in high school. He gave the bakery it’s name when he was 4.
Describe your ideal day: I get up around 5, check in with email, drink coffee with Thomas in the sunroom, and talk about the day ahead. There would be a brisk walk in the reservation, a nap in the afternoon, family dinner at home, and an old movie, preferably with popcorn. I would be in bed and asleep before 10.
What makes you laugh? My kids.
Favorite local place to eat? Arturo’s.
Who/What did you aspire to be when you were little? Librarian.
What is your favorite store? Give me a good antique/thrift store any day.
Of all the places you’ve traveled, which is your favorite? Here in the US of A, Napa Valley. I haven’t traveled enough abroad to commit (yet).
What can you not live without? A good night’s sleep.
What inspires you? Smart people who make a difference.
How would you describe your “style”? The bakery recalls a 40’s kitchen, which is an era I love. I like vintage over modern in most everything.
Coffee or tea? Coffee!
ALSO: WHAT CHARITY or ORGANIZATION are you most passionate about? At the bakery, we donate 1% of sales to charitable endeavors, local education and the arts, including the Achieve Foundation, Lydia Johnson Dance, and Studio B; and the ACLU.
People That You Meet: https://vanessapollock.com/people-that-you-meet/
