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About Us
The Story Of Desert Maple
Desert Maple came to life in 2021, born from a desire to reconnect people and bring back the joy of gathering as a community. It all started with charcuterie board workshops, an idea rooted in my passion for food and hospitality. After a challenging period of isolation, I wanted to create an opportunity for friends, families, and neighbors to come together, share stories, and indulge in the art of crafting beautiful boards filled with delicious cheeses, meats and accompaniments.
My love for charcuterie began years ago when I studied abroad in London. Immersing myself in the culture, I took charcuterie classes in France on the weekends and discovered a deep appreciation for the art of cheese pairings and presentation. Being French Canadian, this passion felt natural and familiar—a perfect blend of my heritage and new experiences. With every board I created, I found joy in curating flavors and textures that brought people together.
In 2022, I decided to expand by adding flower arranging workshops. Just as a beautifully arranged charcuterie board tells a story, so does a thoughtfully designed floral arrangement. I took a flower arranging course to further my skills and fell in love with the process of working with fresh blooms. Combining the two passions felt like the perfect way to offer unique, hands-on experiences that spark creativity and connection.
The name "Desert Maple" reflects both my love for the Arizona landscape and my Canadian roots. The desert represents the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert that I call home, while maple is a tribute to my heritage and the values I hold dear.
Desert Maple has flourished ever since, offering workshops that inspire creativity and foster a sense of community. Whether it's arranging a stunning bouquet or assembling the perfect charcuterie board, I hope everyone who attends finds a workshop they truly love and leaves with a new skill and unforgettable memories.
Joanna Carl, M.A
Joanna was born and raised in Canada. She studied in Ottawa, Canada and London, UK and is now residing in the desert of Arizona with her husband, son and senior dog.
Joanna believes that anyone can accomplish their goals with the right plan, a positive attitude and motivation to succeed. From a very young age, she has always inspired those around her to reach their goals and build on their skills.
With a Masters in Conflict Resolution, Joanna has worked with individuals and organizations across the world in different continents in leadership and conflict management. It is through experience and referrals, that she has developed her niche of consulting and coaching. As a Mediator and ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Consultant, Joanna has been able to work with individuals and companies to mitigate, resolve, prevent and reduce conflicts.
When Joanna isn't coaching, she loves to spend quality time with her family, friends, exploring the outdoors, pilates and traveling.