Maui Pastry Chef JoAnn Funes has always known what she wanted to be when she grew up. Since she could tip-toe to turn on the oven dial, JoAnn could be found baking desserts, birthday cakes, baby shower cakes, and wedding cakes for friends and family who fondly refer to her as "The Cake Lady".
Born and raised in Upcountry Maui, JoAnn graduated from Maui Community College Culinary Arts Program with an Associates Degree in Science. Her innate talent and expertise in baking, designing confectionary delights, and passion for her detailed and exquisite decorating were instantly recognized by highly prestigious establishments such as: Four Seasons Resort - Maui at Wailea, The Haliimaile General Store, Maalae'a Grill, and Café Olei Restaurants.
In September of 2002, JoAnn Funes pursued her childhood dream where her passion and dedication in baking would come to fruition through opening her own business, Cakes by JoAnn. The extreme satisfaction JoAnn receives is simple, the smile she sees when one bites into a piece of her culinary perfections. "I love to tempt the palate whenever | create and decorate."says JoAnn. "I use fresh Maui ingredients including Kula strawberries, mangos, and lilikois. She also works with local flower farms, providing all of her delicacies with exquisite Maui grown flowers.
Garnering numerous awards and recognitions in working with local Maui businesses such as the Maui Wedding Associations Bridal Faire, in 2003 she was awarded the blue ribbon for Most Creative Cake and Most Delicious Cake, recognizing her extraordinary talent, skill and passion in pastry. Two of JoAnn's signature desserts are her Lilikoi Cheesecake and Strawberries and Cream Cake filled with fresh Kula strawberries over a luscious Grand Marnier custard.
JoAnn also takes pleasure in giving back to the local Maui community. JoAnn can be counted on ever year to donate gingerbread houses to local elementary schools.
She has donated her time and talent to the American Lung Association, Punana Leo O Maui, the American Kidney Foundation, the Day of Hope/Terry Fox Run for the American Cancer Society's Maui chapter.
JoAnn continues to sharpen and fine tune her skills by keeping up to date with new trends, techniques, and materials through culinary classes offered at the local community college. JoAnn was able to learn side-by-side with Bronwen Weber, a well known Food network competitor in pastry challenges. Through this intensive course, Cakes by JoAnn is now pleased to offer three-dimensional cakes.
