Of all the creatives out there, it is the movers and shakers, those who trust their talents and who work hard to make things happen, who constantly challenge their passion and surround themselves in a field that they love that inspires me most. Dare I say, inspires 'us' most. Especially those who work crazy hours and wee-morning shifts to make their creative lives happen. Calli Marie is this person. A crazy talented and driven baker who, it turns out, makes the yummiest apple crumble in town.

I spent a morning visiting Calli in her adorable home, which just so happens to be in the next neighborhood over from mine. I was lucky that she had time to squeeze morning tea in, along with her crazy working schedule. She is a lady-about-town, and one of Jacksonville's finest, who is always found in one kitchen or another, baking up a constant storm. This time, Calli offered to bake in a place she says that she bakes the least. Her kitchen. We listened to Christmas carols, threw flour around and spent time talking to the resident cat, TK. I watched as Calli did what she does best - and before I knew it, an apple crumble with whipped cream was served.

Spending time around driven creatives who surround their days challenging and embracing their talents, is one of my most favourite things about this series. Lucky for me, Calli just lives up the road. Whether it's a big batch of donuts, a consulted menu for a restaurant or a cozy baked crumble at home, Calli brings so much of her talent and drive to the table. Jacksonville, you are lucky to have her. Calli, I'm going to miss you and your baking skills terribly when I go home.

What projects are you currently working on?
Currently I am writing a new menu for BREW Five Points that includes lots of yummy toasts, pastries, pies, and sandwiches. This project is very dear to my heart and I am beyond excited to see it happen. Along with that, I am consulting for The Happy Grilled Cheese which is a food truck here in Jacksonville that is opening into a brick and mortar in January. I also bake for Knead A Bakeshop which is such a joy. I am able to work along some of my best friends while we pump out hand rolled croissants like little machines.

Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
Going to other cities and places is the biggest inspiration for me along with my friends. Luckily Research and Development is just a fancy way of saying," traveling and eating all of the things." When we are working on so much of the same things every day it is easy to think inside the box, getting out there and exploring what others are doing is like a breath of fresh air.

Why a baker?
I think I get asked this question more than anything. I honestly just fell in love with cooking growing up and when it was time to decide my major, I went straight for with what I loved most. Baking has grown into so much for me over the years, it has become more of a language for me. As cliche as it may be, It's my little love letter to the world and to each person who enjoys something I bake. Being a baker is how I give back and how I express myself.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so, would you be so kind to share some of your favourite artists?
There is never a moment without music in the bakery. Right now the sounds of Bing Crosby caroling about Christmas is what I have been listening to the most. I also have to admit, Taylor Swift's new album fuels a lot of cookies and croissants at Knead. We just can't stop... It's absolutely my biggest guilty pleasure right now.

Do you have a morning ritual?
I am actually not much of a morning person. The most routine thing about my morning is brushing my teeth, stretching, and throwing my hair into a top knot on my way out the door. Once I wake up, which is probably an hour into work, I must have a cappuccino.

What's your idea of a perfect Friday night?
Hosting a dinner party in my backyard and everyone brings their favorite wine.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
There are about 7 places on my "must go to" list but Spain is number one. Cheese, wine, tapas, beautiful streets, naps what more could a gal want?

Best piece of advice you've ever given or been given?
This is a really hard one for me. Thankfully between my parents, close friends, and my church community I am constantly being poured into with advice and encouragement. I think something that sticks with me the most is "You don't get what you don't ask for." If you want something, ask for it and pursue it. Most of the time it will come. Make your desires heard and known, shout them into the universe, tell your friends, proclaim them all day.

What's for dinner?
In reality, probably a Brie and Serrano sandwich on a left over croissant with a little bit of arugula, eaten while I am in the middle of weighing out ingredients for cookies.

The best part about being a creative?
The best part about being a creative for me is being able to take a product and making it into something completely different.Transforming flour into a little one's first birthday cake or cream into gelato that you eat a whole pint of after a rough day at work. As a creative, we give deeper meaning to things and I love that.

The worst part?
The worst part of being a creative is how vulnerable we are. You are putting all of yourself out there for some one to hopefully enjoy.

Day or Night?
Night!

Old or New?
This is hard but I am leaning towards new.

The worst part?
The worst part of being a creative is how vulnerable we are. You are putting all of yourself out there for some one to hopefully enjoy.

City or Country?
City.

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee coffee coffee.

What do you enjoy most about living in Jacksonville, FL?
What I love the most about Jacksonville is that I know we are on the cusp of a cultural movement, we are a blank canvas that many people have recognized as such and have started painting. When you move to any major city you have to find where you fit in. In Jacksonville, you can create your own scene, your own niche and it will be accepted. Jacksonville has so much potential and a lot of red tape. I love being surrounded by individuals that realize that and are fighting to bring amazing things here rather than enjoying them else where.

Thoughts for the future:
Having a doughnut shop of my own is always on my mind. Everything I do now I try to do in preparation for that.