Bringing gourmet pastry to Vermont, New England, and beyond.

Portrait of Pastry Chef Owner Maya Hayes

Chef Maya’s story

Maya’s love for baking began in a small wooden house in rural Vermont where she grew up alongside a dog, two cats, and a dozen chickens. As a child, she helped her mother collect eggs and sell them at the local food co-op. It was here, deeply rooted in Vermont’s vibrant local food culture, where Maya learned the value of community and the significance of fresh, high-quality ingredients, working with neighboring farms, and the importance of celebration.

Although Maya initially pursued a degree in comparative languages and linguistics, she quickly discovered her true passion was working with her hands in the culinary arts. After graduating from the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont, in 2012, she honed her craft as a pastry chef in high-end hotels and restaurants throughout New England. In 2014, Maya spent a year backpacking across more than 30 countries in Europe and Southeast Asia, immersing herself in new flavors and traditions. Her travels now inspire her pastries, reflecting her passion for blending classic techniques with bold, global flavors.

Maya’s talent and creativity have earned her recognition in the culinary world. In 2021, she had multiple appearances as a guest chef on WPRI 12’s The Rhode Show and was featured on Weekends with Yankee (Season 6, Episode 1) with host Amy Traverso. Her expertise on chocolate was quoted in Martha Stewart Online and she was called a "Confectionary Wizard" in an article published by Forbes. In 2022, Maya competed on Amazon Prime’s Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge, where her innovative approach to pastry was on full display.

Today, Maya brings her artistry back to her native Vermont through Renaissance Pastry, her own business dedicated to creating exceptional confections for every occasion. Whether it’s a delicate Parisian macaron, an elegant wedding cake, or a sculptural chocolate centerpiece, Maya’s work is a celebration of beauty, flavor, and craftsmanship. Her goal is simple: to bring joy to others through unforgettable pastry creations.

Chef Maya in Vermont with a red barn and gourds

Why Renaissance Pastry?

The word renaissance invokes a feeling of beauty, enlightenment, and most importantly art! Renaissance means “rebirth” in French and that’s what Renaissance Pastry is about for me: a rebirth of my pastry career from hotel pastry chef to business owner and the next step of my lifelong passion.

Chef Maya piping royal icing on a gingerbread viking ship

What people are saying.

  • "The cake was a gorgeous work of art and as beautiful to our taste buds as it was to our eyes. Now I know what to get for my husband's birthday every year!"

    — Elizabeth & Wesley P.

  • "If you’re looking for truly special pastries, I can’t recommend Renaissance Pastry and Chef Maya enough. She made my wedding cake—a lavender and white chocolate dacquoise (basically an exquisite, giant macaron)—and it was unforgettable. As someone who’s gluten intolerant and used to mediocre substitutes, I was blown away. It wasn’t just beautiful; it was the best thing I’ve ever tasted. What made it even more meaningful was the care she put into every detail. She decorated the cake with my wedding flowers, turning it into something personal and unique. Her passion for her craft is obvious in everything she makes. I’ve since had the joy of tasting more of her pastries. If you ever get the chance to try her work, do it—you won’t regret it."

    — Cari Q.

  • "Maya made the most wonderful lemon curd tarts for my wedding. 300 of them! Beautifully decorated with meringue and blueberries. What I wouldn’t give to have one of those now! And the cake was simple but so elegant. Renaissance is very professional and affordable and the perfect choice for your special day."

    — Daryll B.

  • “Her cakes are as delicious as they are beautiful!”

    — Nick H.

  • “I love the chocolate mousse Renaissance cakes. I order one every year!”

    — Holly S.

  • "Chef Maya was easy to work with in creating the perfect dessert for our wedding. The tarts she made were beautiful and delicious."

    — Tista S.

  • "Maya designed a cake for me with caramel, raspberry & chocolate mousses, & a chocolate ganache to die for which is unforgettable & my personal favorite. She made this for my birthday & I still dream of it."

    — Eleanor D.

  • "A sweet discovery in the heart of Vermont! During my trip to Vermont, I was lucky enough to taste a homemade cake at a friends wedding that left me speechless! Chef Maya of Renaissance pastry is a true artist, sacrificing neither flavor nor presentation. I had the chance to meet the chef and find out she had an incredible experience on top of a lovely attitude and kindness. If you are in Vermont, look up renaissance pastry! I assure you, you will not regret it!"

    — Giacomo G.

  • "I've had the pleasure of sampling Chef Maya's pastries and chocolates on several occasions and everything she bakes has been delicious. Her apple turnovers are the best I've ever tasted."

    — Lorraine N.

  • "Chef Maya is a true professional. I was looking for an experts take on our cherished family mocha cake for my Mothers birthday. The result was a masterpiece. The beautiful and elegant decoration was a celebration of its own. The crumb was divine, light, moist, with deep chocolate flavor. The icing was a perfect balance of sweetness and strong but tastefully coffee flavor. The cake left us in awe. My entire experience with Renaissance Pasty was on point. There is no doubt that I will be coming back for all my cake and pastry needs."

    — Wilson K.