Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Edington.
Hi Joy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Before founding Keytones and Cake, I spent years in a corporate career and earned a degree in exercise physiology and an advanced degree in health statistics. I was a personal trainer while working my way through school, where I saw firsthand how deeply food choices impact energy, health, and quality of life. At the same time, I was navigating my own complicated relationship with sugar—wanting to enjoy dessert without the physical setbacks that often followed.
That combination of education, professional experience, and personal struggle shaped the foundation of my business. I recognized a gap where gluten-free and sugar-smart desserts existed, but rarely with the level of craftsmanship, elegance, and intention found in traditional bakeries. I didn’t want to just create “diet” or “alternative” desserts—I wanted to redefine what indulgence can look like, so I built this brand for people who want dessert that honors both wellness and indulgence, without sacrificing beauty or flavor. Everything we make is artisan, gluten-free, and sugar-smart, with ingredient integrity and intention behind every detail, so that our desserts don’t feel (or taste ) like a compromise.
Getting here has required patience, clarity, and a willingness to set standards rather than take shortcuts or chase trends. Staying rooted in purpose while leading with confidence has allowed the bakery to evolve organically, in a way that feels aligned and sustainable. So as Keytones and Cake continues to grow, the heart of it remains the same: dessert in harmony—where whole food ingredients, small-batch craftsmanship, and mindful indulgence meet. Designed for people who care about their health but still value elegance, flavor and a refined experience. Dessert that is indulgent and intentional. Dessert that honors your wellness. This is KeyTones and Cake.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think meaningful growth ever is. One challenge has been navigating retail partnerships—between appropriate retail markups and the naturally shorter shelf life of thoughtfully made, gluten-free, sugar-smart desserts, not every opportunity has been the right fit. Learning when to say no has been just as important as finding the right yes.
Another layer has been building the business while also being a full-time caregiver. Balancing leadership, creativity, and responsibility requires constant intention and adaptability. That experience has shaped how I work—more focused, more deliberate, and deeply respectful of time and energy. The challenges have refined both the business and the way I lead it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
KeyTones and Cake specializes in boutique made-from-scratch desserts that are both gluten free and sugar smart. This also makes them suitable for most low carb, keto, and diabetic food plans. We are known for desserts that don’t taste like the compromise you would typically get from gluten free or low sugar desserts, and for our branding. We are most proud our cheesecakes, but full disclosure cheesecake is my favorite dessert.
There are several things set us apart. From a product perspective, the combination of a gluten free and low net carb (sugar smart) dessert is unique–especially when our products taste great as well. From a branding perspective, what sets us apart is music-inspired. For example the name KeyTones and Cake is actually brand copyrighted with a treble clef instead of an ampersand, and all of our dessert and dessert-for-breakfast items have music themed names. It has been a fun twist to incorporate into our branding.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about our city is the sense of connection. It’s a place where people show up for one another, support local businesses, and take pride in watching something grow from the ground up. There’s a strong appreciation for craftsmanship and care here, and that makes it possible to build a business rooted in quality and intention. The relationships matter, and that sense of community is something you don’t take for granted.
What can be challenging is that smaller cities can sometimes be cautious when it comes to change or new ideas. Introducing something different—especially a premium, wellness-focused concept—can take time and patience. But I’ve learned that once trust is built, the support runs deep. The same closeness that can feel limiting at times is also what makes growth meaningful and lasting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keytonesandcake.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keytones_and_cake/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keytonesandcake/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyledington/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/keytones-and-cake-bucyrus
