Artist Bio
Courtney Justus, a.k.a. That Vegan Baking Betch, is a baker of vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly baked goods. She began vegan baking over 8 years ago and has even recently branched out to recipe writing, in hopes of one day having her own published book full of recipes.
How long have you been an artisan? How did your particular skillset develop over time?
For as long as I can remember I have been a home baker! When I went vegan 4 years ago though, I didn’t know where to find delicious vegan baked goods so I started making my own. First I started by following recipes, then I started making all of my own that I still use to this day! Then, as I started to venture into the world of gluten free, I found there also existed a void in Buffalo and I set out to fill it. The thought of helping others with food allergies was a huge plus and is definitely my mission as a vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly specialty baker!
Please describe your work / product.
I am a vegan home baker turned allergy-friendly baker for the Buffalo masses!! I specialize in vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly baked goods of all kinds, and vegan recipe-making!
Who are some of your favorite artisans / makers in the region? Who amongst your peers inspires your work?
My number one peer that I look up to in the Buffalo baking world is my partner-in-crime Natalie of Fig Tree Patisserie!! She inspires me to be a harder working, more passionate, more inventive baker daily! And she went to culinary school so she can teach me all the cool pastry school techniques she knows! And I teach her all of the marketing stuff I learned for my degree!
How long have you been a business owner in WNY?
I have had my business for two and a half years but I haven’t been in a physical brick and mortar location until I partnered with Fig Tree Patisserie for the shop at 3062 Delaware Ave. in Kenmore!
How long have you been a part of Buffalo Women’s Gifts?
This will be my first year!
Where can people see / purchase your work year-round?
I’m inside of Fig Tree Patisserie at 3062 Delaware Ave in Kenmore! We’re open Wednesday-Saturday 7-7 p.m. and Sunday 7-1 p.m.
Where else will you be representing your wares this holiday season?
We very rarely do events anymore but our location on Delaware Ave. is open 5 days a week! And come the new year we may be in your fav local shops…so stay tuned. <3️