Meet Aline Katz | Chocolatier, Pastry Artist & Founder of Not Your Bubbie’s

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aline Katz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aline, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For me, it wasn’t a sudden business decision — it was something that had been quietly building over time. I’ve always had a deep connection to food, particularly to the artistry and precision of high gastronomy. Working with chocolate and refined pastry techniques gave me a creative outlet that blended discipline, design, and emotion.

As I explored the world of fine confections, I realized I wasn’t just creating desserts — I was creating moments. People responded not only to the taste, but to the story, the textures, the intention behind every detail.

Over time, it became clear there was space for a brand that honored tradition — particularly Latin and Jewish — while elevating it with bold presentation, modern flavors, and a bit of humor. That’s how Not Your Bubbie’s was born: a boutique experience where old-world inspiration meets playful, high-end execution.

Entrepreneurship gave me the freedom to build something with heart and precision — and the flexibility to do it in a way that supports my creativity and my family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work lives somewhere between culinary art and emotional storytelling — and I think that’s what sets it apart. I’m not just making desserts. I’m crafting edible experiences that blend tradition, culture, color, and emotion. Not Your Bubbie’s is where Latin and Jewish roots meet bold technique — often playfully, sometimes rebelliously — but always with meaning (and a wink).

What sets my work apart is the fusion of high pastry precision with expressive design. I specialize in hand-painted chocolates, luxury confections, and elevated cakes that combine refined textures with personal storytelling. Whether it’s a shiny bonbon brushed with cocoa butter color or a cake that balances traditional flavors with modern flair, I want each creation to feel intentional and unforgettable.

But it took a long road to get here.

I started my career in finance, with an MBA and a structured path in strategy and operations. Life had other plans — I moved countries, became a mother, and felt the deep need to reconnect with something more creative and sensory. I trained in professional pastry and chocolate work, and slowly began rebuilding — not just a career, but an identity that felt truly mine.

Was it easy? Definitely not. Starting over is hard. Doing it as a mother, an immigrant, and a solo entrepreneur is even harder. But those challenges made the journey richer. I’ve learned how to honor my past while crafting something new. I’ve learned that being multi-layered — culturally, professionally, emotionally — is a strength, not a contradiction.

What I’m most proud of is that NYB isn’t just a sweets brand. It’s a voice. It’s permission to be bold, imperfect, and full of flavor — as a woman, as a mom, and as an artist.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about NYB, it’s that we’re here to remix tradition with purpose and joy — and we’re not afraid to color outside the lines.

Even if Bubbie would raise an eyebrow. 💅

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
✨ If my best friend came to visit Atlanta…
I’d plan a week that blends food, creativity, and a little bit of chaos — just the way I like it. Atlanta has this soulful, ever-evolving energy that I’m still discovering, but here’s what our week would look like:

🍰 Day 1: Coffee + pastries at Little Tart Bakeshop, then off to Ponce City Market for exploring and snacking. We’d walk the BeltLine and take in the murals, art, and people.
Dinner: tacos + twinkle lights at Muchacho = instant vibe.

🎨 Day 2: A morning at the High Museum, lunch at South City Kitchen, and browsing at Westside Provisions.
Fancy dinner? Either Aziza (Middle Eastern, stunning flavors) or Bacchanalia for a splurge.

🍫 Day 3: A sweet day — I’d bring them into my NYB kitchen for a mini tasting: hand-painted chocolates, brigadeiros, high pastry magic. Then we’d visit Xocolatl or Cacao for more chocolate inspiration.
Drinks at Drawbar at Bellyard to end on a high note.

🌿 Day 4: Chill vibes with a picnic at Piedmont Park and a wander through the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Evening: Dinner at Delbar — Persian food, gorgeous interiors, unforgettable.

🎶 Day 5: Markets in the morning (Freedom or Grant Park Farmers Market), then The Works ATL for afternoon exploring.
Evening: live music in Decatur Square or East Atlanta Village — great spots with good energy.

🍳 Day 6: Brunch at Buttermilk Kitchen, then something low-key like the Fernbank Museum or Callanwolde Arts Center. If they’ve got kids, it’s the Children’s Museum or Zoo Atlanta.
Takeout and cake at home to wrap up the week (obviously one of mine 😉).

Atlanta’s got a little bit of everything — and a whole lot of heart. There’s still so much I’m discovering, but sharing it with someone I love would make it even sweeter 💛

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely — there’s no way I could be where I am without the people who shaped me, inspired me, and kept me going when things got hard.

First and foremost, my shoutout goes to my grandmother, Dora — the original Bubbie behind Not Your Bubbie’s. She was fierce, opinionated, and absolutely unimpressed by shortcuts in the kitchen. While she probably wouldn’t have approved of me reinventing the classics (and definitely would’ve had some notes!), she’s the reason I fell in love with food in the first place. Her kitchen was where love, tradition, and flavor collided — even if she never once used a measuring cup.

I also want to shout out the incredible women I’ve met through the culinary and entrepreneurial world — especially those navigating motherhood, creativity, and business all at once. Seeing their hustle and heart reminded me I wasn’t alone, and gave me permission to do things on my own terms.

And without question, I owe so much to my kids, who are my greatest source of joy, inspiration, and grounding. They’ve watched me build this from scratch, cheered me on through every pivot, and reminded me why legacy matters. I want them to grow up knowing that it’s okay to dream big, take risks, and build a life filled with flavor and purpose.

And finally, a special thank you to the students I’ve taught over the years, from toddlers to adults — their curiosity and joy reconnected me to the why behind it all. NYB isn’t just about sweets. It’s about storytelling, connection, and legacy — and so many people along the way helped me realize that.

Website: https://www.nybnoshes.com

Instagram: @nybnoshes

Image Credits
pictures were taken by myself and customers