Remarkable Women: Julie Goodnight gives back to the community through the joy of baking
Throughout Women’s History Month this March, KARK 4 News will highlight local women you nominated who inspire, lead and forge the way for other women. It’s not just about one day or one month — it’s about what they do day in and day out.
Remarkable Women is a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress and quality of life.
CONWAY, Ark. – For generations, Julie Goodnight’s family has worked in a bakery. For the past eleven years, Goodnight has been the proud owner of her very own.
“I just followed in the footsteps,” owner of Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery, Julie Goodnight said.
As the owner of Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Baker, she spends her days creating delicious moments for the people in Conway, customers who have become family.
“Doing their wedding cakes, their grandkids’ cakes. It’s like a family love,” Goodnight said.
Every cookie, fried pie and cupcake made and sold is just the icing on the cake for Goodnight. Instead, it’s a chance to do something for someone else.
“I mean that’s just part of me, and everyone knows that is the giving back,” Goodnight said.
For years she has given back to her community, from donating to schools and churches to hosting a Christmas cookie decorating fundraiser each year, to making sure those who bravely served our country are recognized and remembered.
“She loves helping our veterans and she does a great job at it, especially Vietnam veterans,” customer Mike Mason said. “Most of us didn’t get a welcome home and she welcomes us every day up here. That makes us feel good.”
Goodnight encourages each veteran who walks through her shop’s door for a piece of pie to preserve a piece of their story, too.
“I think it may have started in the 90’s, we started handing out to the veterans a piece of paper for them to fill out,” Goodnight said.
Those papers were eventually turned into books thanks to a local print shop. Each of their stories is like a recipe remembered.
“It’s just that they have sacrificed so much, and we don’t really know their story until you read all the things they have been through,” Goodnight said. “They’re able to write on paper since they’re not able to talk about it.”
Her secret ingredient to being a remarkable woman is simply a love for others.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
