Meet Jenn Meek | Pastry Chef

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

Hi Jenn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was pretty simple in that it would always be something that I would have control over. Choosing pastry as a career meant that, to some degree, I would always be doing what I wanted, but having my own business meant that I could pick and choose each project I would be working on. Sometimes clients give you complete creative control over their order, or they ask you for things that you would absolutely love to make, and that’s the best! Other times they might ask you for things that you don’t have any interest in, or things that simply aren’t in your wheelhouse, and those are the times that you have the power to refer the order out, or to simply decline it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what I am most proud of is that I am still doing it! It’s sometimes difficult to keep pushing yourself, but it’s also so nice to constantly be pushed by so much creativity that is constantly around you, in all of its forms. I think when you have a career that involves a certain amount of imagination and creativity you can also be hard on yourself at times, and I learned that it’s ok to take breaks from it to allow your love of it to come back to you, and maybe in that time, you’ll come back with even more love and more ideas. I think that my brand is simple: I love stuff that tastes good and looks cute 

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.
Oh there’s so much good food to eat in Long Beach! Union at Compound has some of the best food and drinks in Long Beach, in an amazing space to enjoy it in. Pho Hong Phat, right down the street from that, would also be on the list since they have amazing thai tea, spring rolls, chinese donuts and of course, pho. Honorable mentions for the week would also be: Manaow, WEOP, The Win-Dow, and Open Sesame. I love the coffee from Rose Park Roasters, and the pastries from Gusto. 4th Street in Long Beach has a ton of cute shops to check out, and you could stroll over to the beach after.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My number one shout out goes to my parents, David and Gloria. They have been my biggest and best supporters since the start, they also happen to be two of the best delivery drivers in the biz. So many others have helped me along the way, by just believing in me, lending a hand or giving advice: Eugene, Joann, Jess, Fran, Frances, Michelle, Christina, Emily, Dien, Kyong and so many others!

Website: https://www.justabitesweettreats.com/

Instagram: justabitesweettreats