Client Spotlight: Kristen Massad
Kristen Massad, Joy + Oliver // Photo: Audrie Dollins
When social circles overlap and you meet new friends through old friends, it’s so easy to connect and collaborate! This is the story of how I met Kristen Massad of Joy+Oliver. Through a series of “small world” connections we came together over artwork for her newly renovated home and the idea to share her beautiful home bar space with one of her custom cocktail recipes. I hope you enjoy this month’s Client Spotlight Blog Feature because who doesn’t love the combination of cocktails, home renovations and artwork?
Kristen, It’s great to have you on the blog! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Thanks so much for featuring my space with my gorgeous art and the most delicious summer cocktail! I am a mom to three awesome kids and married to the most amazing husband! I graduated from The French Culinary Institute in NYC in 2004, started and sold a bakery in Dallas and have continued my love of cooking, baking and creating cocktails through Joy + Oliver blog.
Talk to us about Joy + Oliver and how your love of baking and entertaining launched your business.
Entertaining has always been a passion of mine. I truly love welcoming friends and family into our home and creating an experience that they will enjoy from start to finish. Creating a special cocktail for the evening, simple and delicious appetizers that helps to make them feel comfortable and welcome all the way to dessert. When I had my bakery I was able to create these experiences for others by creating high quality pastries and dessert tables to make their party extra special. Now that I am creating recipes and content for Joy + Oliver I love sharing recipes that you can create in your own home to share with your family and friends.
What is your inspiration in creating spaces to host in?
Before going to culinary school I was in school for Interior Architecture, so creating functional and beautiful spaces was actually my first love. I am so thankful that I get to combine these two passions in my home and for others.
Textile Art: Lauren Williams // Photo: Audrie Dollins
Textile Art: Lauren Williams // Photo: Audrie Dollins
What was it about Lauren's artwork that prompted you to include it in your special bar area?
When we renovated our home and created a wet bar, I wanted this room to be extra special. A place that we can sip on coffee in the morning with our kids around, we play card games as a family and also our favorite room to entertain in the evening. When I found Lauren’s art, I knew that I had to have it for this room and I waited for many months to find the perfect piece that she created. The colors and texture of the art is exactly what our bar needed and it has officially made it my favorite room in the house.
Textile Art: Lauren Williams // Photo: Audrie Dollins
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“I was beyond excited when I found the perfect piece of art to compliment our navy blue walls and blush chairs. Lauren Williams Art has brought so much personality and conversation into this room and has quickly made this my favorite room in our home.”
Textile Art: Lauren Williams // Photo: Audrie Dollins
Textile Art: Lauren Williams // Photo: Audrie Dollins
You have a large, beautiful family. As a mom, how do you manage your household while entertaining?
It is definitely a balancing act and not always perfect, but my goal is to always be over prepared. When we are hosting guests at our home, I prepare as much as I can in advance so that I can enjoy our guests when they arrive. Our kids also love to entertain so they are very comfortable welcoming people into our home and helping throughout the evening. One of my must haves before entertaining is to have an empty dishwasher ;) This makes the clean up process a breeze throughout the night.
This month you crafted an incredible summer cocktail. What inspired it and can you tell us more about it?
Summer is hot in Dallas and so creating a cocktail that is refreshing and light is a must. I always love a spritz because it is a flavorful cocktail that ends with a slash of sparkling water for bubbles and extra hydration. This Spicy Pineapple Tequila Spritz is the most amazing summer cocktail. It is made with a homemade spicy simple syrup, pineapple juice, tequila and ending with a splash of fizz!
View the Spicy Pineapple Tequila Spritz recipe on Joy+Oliver
“As Lauren & I discovered our love of art and cocktails together, I knew that I needed to create a special cocktail to showcase this space and her “Canvas with Movement”. Spicy Pineapple Tequila Spritz is beautiful in color and bursting with flavor. I love the simplicity that tequila brings to this cocktail with the sweet and tart flavor of pineapple juice and the spicy homemade jalapeño simple syrup.”
Get Kristen’s Bar Favorites
Textile Art: Lauren Williams // Photo: Audrie Dollins
Textile Art: Lauren Williams // Photo: Audrie Dollins
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