Meet Keely Moore, a 23-year-old pastry prodigy - a D.C. transplant to Atlanta, who is set to compete on the upcoming season of Food Network's Next Baking Master. But what sets Keely apart isn't just her age; it's her passion, determination, and a journey that has taken her from the heart of Georgia to the pastry capital of the world: Paris.
Keely's passion pastries started at an age, inspired by her father's tales of culinary adventures. "He would always light up talking about food," Keely recalls. "Since I was pretty much five, I've said and stood by the fact that I wanted to be a pastry chef when I grew up."
Her extreme discipline and hard work made her one of 10 students accepted to an elite pastry school in France; However, fate had other plans. The day before Keely was set to embark on her Parisian journey, the world was plunged into chaos by the COVID-19 pandemic. The trip was canceled and Keely had 5 days to make other arrangements or she was on the outs with school, but Keely's determination remained unwavering.
Fast forward to today, and Keely finds herself not just competing and showcasing her skills to the work, but going to Paris, this time as a contestant on a Food Network's Next Baking Master. This moment is almost kismet as she reflects, "I feel like it's too specifically Paris to ignore." With the support of her boyfriend, Keely took a leap of faith and now she's headed to the big stage to compete on Next Baking Master: Paris.
Despite being the youngest competitor this season, Keely brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Working alongside seasoned professionals at Lazy Betty, a restaurant that recently earned a coveted Michelin star, Keely has honed her craft and perfected her artistry. Looking past her achievements and the competition, Keely's journey is a the truest definition of the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of loved ones. Her boyfriend, Adam, played a crucial role in encouraging her to pursue her dreams, even when the odds seemed stacked against her.