Prior to joining the Southwest MN Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program last fall, Joy Taubert quietly made British pastries and hosted tea parties for her family.
Today she’s turned the hobby into a business called “A Sip of Joy.”
On Friday, May 10, the Hills-Beaver Creek High School senior and soon-to-be CEO program graduate debuted her business during a special event at the Hinkly House in Luverne.
The Hinkly House event was a practice run for the CEO Showcase Wednesday, May 15, at Big Top Tents and Events in Luverne.
Taubert was joined by 13 other CEO students from H-BC, Luverne, Pipestone and Ellsworth in presenting their final CEO assignments.
At Friday’s event, Taubert poured tea and served desserts to visitors while visiting with students and adults alike.
“That’s something I really struggled with — just confidence,” she said. “I (now) feel a lot more confident in my decisions. I feel like I can talk to people because before I was quiet — I was in my shell.”
Taubert, the youngest of 10 children of Brian and Deb Taubert of Beaver Creek, was schooled at home until two years ago, when she entered H-BC High School as a sophomore.
“I had a lot of time to test out different recipes and make the kitchen my spot to just try different things,” she said.
“I found that I never really liked super sweet desserts and I’ve been drawn to like British-style desserts that aren’t as sweet.”
She became a fan of the Great British Baking Show and frequently used the show’s recipes for her own tea parties at family gatherings.
Over the past nine months in the CEO program, Taubert was encouraged to offer her tea parties to the public.
“I knew that this was something I like to do, but I never thought of it as a business,” she said.
CEO advisers include her mentor Diane Elbers, who operates Hair Inc. in Luverne.
“A lot of times I can get frozen in indecision,” Taubert said. “They (CEO advisers and Elbers) really push that it’s OK to fail. You probably learn more than you would if you were to have succeeded.”
Taubert’s business provides food (that she bakes) and teas for small intimate gatherings such as bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties or retirement parties.
Taubert said she seeks to create a relaxed setting that encourages conversation and enjoyment of the moment.
Other students, their school, and their business names participating in this year’s CEO showcase include:
•Christopher Amundson, Edgerton Public, Smooth Scoop Ice Cream.
•Hailey Boll, Luverne, Ataraxy Company.
•Amira Cowell, Luverne, Cowells Cake Pops.
•Malyki Little, Ellsworth, SoFly Photography.
•Taylor Post, Pipestone Area, Taylored Spaces.
•Maria Rops, Luverne, Simply Spiced.
•Harli Rozeboom, H-BC, Closets by H.E.R.
•Alex Schlosser, Luverne, Slump Busters.
•Kiesli Smith, Luverne, By the Mark.
•Sarah Stegenga, Luverne, Fleurish and Bloom.
•Riley Tatge, H-BC, Elite Epoxy.
•Kylie Vander Lugt, Luverne, Blissful Balloon Company.
•Makhi Winter, Pipestone Area, Winter Customer Woodworking.
The vintage china used in Joy Taubert’s business, Sip of Joy, was purchased at various flea markets and thrift shops. She focused on collecting bold flower patterns on the dishes and cups. The china is available for rent through Taubert’s business, which serves tea and European desserts.
“The Great British Baking Show” is the go-to recipe book for Joy Taubert, whose CEO business, Sip of Joy, organizes fresh tea and sweet treats for special occasions.
Joy Taubert (center, holding tray) talks with fellow H-BC seniors (from left) Olivia Susie, Madison Gengler and Avril Susie along with her dad Brian (hidden) at Friday morning’s tea event organized through Taubert’s business, Sip of Joy.
The Class of 2024 Southwest MN CEO students include (clockwise from the foot of the table) Alex Schlosser, Amira Cowell. Kylie Vander Lugt, Maria Rops, Sarah Stegenga, Kiesli Smith, Riley Tatge, Christopher Amundson, Makhi Winter, Taylor Post, Joy Taubert, Harli Rozeboom and Malyki Little. The group assisted Joy Taubert at the Hinkly House Friday morning as she debuted her business, Sip of Joy. Missing is Hailey Boll.
