Meet Jessica Hernandez | Mom & Pastry Artist

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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It honestly became a business on its own. I just started making cakes for people after culinary school and more and more were interested in ordering. I enjoy the freedom of creating my own schedule and having creative freedom. I get to choose how much work I want to have. It allows me to make connections with people and being a part of their celebrations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel most proud when I am met with a cake or project where I make something I have never made before and succeed. For example wedding cakes. They are a huge task and responsibility. My favorite part and most stressful part is taking the cake to the venue and putting the final touches on it. The proud moment is when you step back and take a look at the piece of art you just created. I feel the same when I get to make a special plated dessert at my job.
I was met with many challenges and obstacles through my career that really put me down and I have had the support from certain people that helped me keep my head up and keep going.
My first job at a bakery, I was let go. It was disheartening because I was brand new at this field, and I did not even finish culinary school yet. At the time I was an intern, lucky I joined a restaurant to finish my internship and learned a bit about fine dining until I joined Ike and Jane.
I was also let go from Ike and Jane though. Unfortunately the bakery had to close and I was very heartbroken by it. I loved it there and learned so much.
I found a pastry chef position at a catering company soon after. But covid hit 3 months later and I was let go. Being let go so many times is a very difficult feeling to go through but every time it happened, it also felt like my next path got better. I’ve met so many people who have inspired me along the way and was able to really persue my own baking business from home during Covid and the year after that.
I had to take a step back from my own business because of inflation, but I found a job at a hotel resort that helped me learn so much more. It led me to the opportunity I have today working at the Westin.
I’ve learned that going through the difficulties and obstacles in my life is also my motivation. Because when you get back up you become stronger every time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would love to take them to Ponce city market. The food there is so good. If they have never visited Georgia before I would spend a day at the aquarium, or going to the botanical garden. I love going to concerts so would take them to somewhere with live music. We would go to downtown Athens. Have some nice sushi and go to a bar, & play some pool or foosball at Wonderbar. We would spend a day at the mall of Georgia and eat Korean bbq afterwards, drink some soju.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, for encouraging me to start this career and always helping me get out of my comfort zone to reach my goals.
Ike and Jane, for being the place that allowed me to really grow into this role and learn through all my mistakes. This place will always have a special place in my heart because here I really learned to love what I do.
My family, for giving me inspiration and feedback on my creations. Helping me get better.
Chef Mariela, for seeing my potential and giving me the opportunity to be creative.
Also want to thank Chef Ryker, Chef Jose, Chef June, Cindy, and Vanessa.
All have been supportive through my career and believing in myself.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetsby_jess_/profilecard/?igsh=bHc3b2F3YWdmNnAy

Image Credits
I took most of the pictures. My husband took the pictures of me.