Lisa Bladek, Bringing Ambition to Fruition by Peri Hayes St. Thomas local, Lisa Bladek, has cultivated a fulfilling life for herself. As a wife, mother of two, manufacturing engineer, entrepreneur, athlete and so much more, Lisa voices with motivation, “Maybe I haven’t had my greatest achievement yet.”
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Regarding his work as a chef nine years ago, Lisa recounts, “I love cooking and being in the kitchen. I was always baking for loved ones on the side, especially during the pandemic.” As a result, Lisa launched her decorative baking service, Cupcake Junction.
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“Growing up, I loved baking with my mom,” Lisa proceeds. “My girls also love baking. I appreciate that this business is something I can build to be as big as I want, and that my girls can continue to grow if they choose to.” The Cupcake Junction offers custom orders and a pre-made selection, with dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free options. Attending markets to expand her name in the community, Lisa has been particularly enjoying her time at the Horton Farmers’ Market. On another front, Lisa played every sport throughout her upbringing. She excitedly ran her first full marathon last May, enthusing, “It was exhilarating.” Originally from Guelph, Lisa was ecstatic when a friend mentioned an upcoming triathlon near her previous home. “I thought, ‘I want to do that’ and I immediately threw myself into it, training for five months.” When later approached about a half marathon in Hamilton, Lisa reveals that this unlocked a competitive side: “I never back down from a challenge.” After her second daughter was born, Lisa returned to racing and began planning for a Half Ironman 70.3: “This Half Ironman was in Muskoka — my first 70.3 distance race — and a very ‘hilly’ and challenging course.” As Lisa reflects, she conveys feeling incredibly in tune with her strength and resilience following the birth of her children: “Mom strength is real”. Lisa proudly highlights her training partner and mentor, Elke. She and Elke both raced and qualified for the Championships taking place in Slovakia this May. “We help each other to reach our goals.” Another piece to their story involves having individually raced in Lakeside and qualifying for the 2025 World Championships in Australia, which occurred in October of this year. Sharing that her best friend had moved there, Lisa learned about this competition being hosted in her city and seized the opportunity to participate. “I
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Page 28 Hometown St. Thomas • December 2025 Our platform is designed to be free and easy to use, giving homeowners access to multiple local service providers in one convenient location. www.homereadypros.ca Dine with us. Stay with us. Wishing our guests & neighbours a Happy Holiday Season! Elgin’s Premiere Farm to Table Experience Phone: 519-782-4173 324 Smith St., Port Stanley www.thewindjammerinn.com Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Wishing our guests & neighbours a Happy Holiday Season Dine with us. Stay with us. Elgin’s Premier Farm to Table Experience 519-782 4173 • www.thewindjammerinn.com • 324 Smith St., Port Stanley CONNECTING HOMEOWNERS WITH TRUSTED LOCAL EXPERTS Tired of unreliable and unprofessional tradespeople ? Next time, go to homereadypros.ca and contact one of our vetted and trusted professionals.
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