History of the studio. Rad Joy grew out of a 790 sq. ft home in New Orleans, where neighbors and patrons from across the city would line up for fresh baked pastries, celebration cakes, and other creative faire. In 2022, Rad Joy relocated to Chicago, and continues to bring creative flavors, artistry, and passion to the culinary world.

Because every occasion deserves cake, the studio serves people with diverse dietary needs, and has been commissioned for an array of events such as queer weddings, corporate/university events, hospice visits, coming out anniversaries, dog birthdays, and more.

The name “Radical Joy” comes from adrienne maree brown’s Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good.

About the founder. Vivi Nguyễn, or V (they/she), is a freelance chef, creative, and community worker, originally from Little Sai Gon and Oakland, California. A proud product of working-class Vietnamese refugees, their palate and culinary philosophy can be attributed to growing up in a distinctive culture of gathering around an abundance of fresh, delicious, and engaging food.

As a pastry artist, V’s works range from modern to bold-minimalist to expressionistic. Along with years of experience working in hospitality establishments, they bring a forward-thinking mindset, a background in philosophy and writing, and a love of beauty into their work.

Business model and values. Rad Joy is a registered and insured cottage food business operating as a culinary studio/tiny bakehouse in Humboldt Park, Chicago.

To date, Rad Joy has collaborated with 20+ local makers, helped raise/redistribute $4,000+ for local mutual aid efforts, and has served as a platform to talk about historical issues pertaining to food, race, class, and gender. You are encouraged to subscribe to or view All-Purpose, a newsletter by Rad Joy, to stay up-to-date with the studio.