Meet LaRee Johnson | Artisan Bakery & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaRee Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaRee, what role has risk played in your life or career?
We’ve always believed that a little risk is necessary to create something truly special. Whether it’s experimenting with a new flavor, launching a unique service or offering, or adapting to changing customer needs, we approach risk with curiosity and care.

Risk keeps us curious and creative. It’s not about being reckless; it’s about believing in each other, trusting our instincts, and knowing that even if things go sideways, we’ll find a way to make it delicious. Our biggest risks have often been the ones that made us pause, grin, and say, “Why not?” It’s an opportunity to surprise ourselves, and our guests, with something delightful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Family-owned and descended from a long-line of bakers, Elysian Fields is a European bakery specializing in tasty treats of both classic and adventurous offerings! From timeless cupcakes, custom cakes, tarts, pastries and finger sandwiches to floral-flavored confections such as shortbread cookies, teacakes, and cakes among others, our artisan bakery location holds many delicious offerings that can only be found through its gilded doors.

We bake from scratch daily with only the best ingredients and never with additives. In addition to our Traditional offerings, our confections are also available in Vegan, Keto, and Gluten-Free varieties. We want you safe and glowing!

During your visit, we invite you to explore our dainties offerings from handcrafted beeswax candles to all-natural perfumes – courtesy of flowers from our own gardens – Victorian hard candies and butter mints to chocolate bonbons, and more.

Come visit and explore with us! Let’s find your flavor and a treat (or two) to tickle your taste buds.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d whisk them off for cocktails aboard Platform 18’s enchanting train bar, trek the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstitions to spot ancient petroglyphs, throw a few fun, if poorly aimed, axes at Arizona Axe Games, and dress to the nines for a night at the Phoenix Symphony. A wise man would scope out Visit Mesa’s website for hidden gems and, naturally, pop by a certain artisan family bakery for Victorian dainties and a sprinkle of confectionery magic.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
At Elysian Fields, we are keenly aware that no bakery rises on flour and sugar alone. Our journey has been shaped and sweetened by the steadfast support of our family, whose hands have whisked, kneaded, and taste-tested with unwavering dedication. Their encouragement and good humor have been the fuel that keeps us going.

We must also extend our gratitude to our dearest patrons and the local community, who have bravely sampled our more adventurous creations and cheered us on through every new endeavor. Their willingness to embrace a lavender shortbread or a floral-infused teacake has emboldened us to keep innovating, and their kind words have been the icing on our proverbial cake.

A special nod goes to our fellow small business owners and mentors. And, of course, we tip our hats to the authors and dreamers whose stories fill our shelves and inspire our whimsical approach to baking.

Our success is a communal recipe, and we are delighted to dedicate this shoutout to all who have stirred, sprinkled, and supported us along the way. You are the true magic behind Elysian Fields.

Website: https://www.elysianfieldsmagic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysianfieldsmagic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElysianFieldsMagic

Yelp: https://yelp.com/elysian-fields-mesa

Other: https://www.patreon.com/ElysianFieldsMagic