Meet Ishnoelle Chin Richardson: Pastry Chef & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ishnoelle Chin Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ishnoelle Chin, what’s your definition for success?
I have always believed that “Success without purpose is meaningless and empty.” Success is not just about money. It is about following that dream, believing in yourself, supporting others, and learning about your own values. Trying your best in all aspects of everything you invest your time into, even if it doesn’t lead to big results, is success.    

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I want the world to know about me? My name is Ishnoelle. I was born in the Philippines. My mom moved to the states when I was 6 yrs old. I grew up with my grandma and my aunties in our small province, where I learned how to cook by watching them. Long story short, I migrated to the states when I turned 18 back in 2000. Life between 2000-2010, I faced lots of struggles, drug addictions for 3 yrs. I found strength that I didn’t know I had. In 2009 that’s when I met my husband. We helped each other to overcome our addictions. Fast forward to late 2010 I decided to attend Le Cordon Bleu. I took culinary/savory as my major. I had pastry classes but frankly, I wasn’t into it. Even though I was part of the baking club. After attending the school, I got my first job in the kitchen as pastry cook at Playa. That’s when the real kitchen life started. After, Playa, I started working at a Korean Restaurant as a Sous Chef for few years. Then it was time to move on. I got an offer at Esters Wine Shop in santa monica, worked there for almost 2 yrs. Then I decided to give the Pastry position at Soho House in West Hollywood. I worked there for 3 yrs and ended my position as a Pastry Sous Chef. Then pandemic happened and that’s when I started my small business. Baking with Ish is a small home baking business. My Filipino background has a huge impact. I re-create the traditional desserts with a twist. I love trying new things, even sometimes, it sounded weird or off, it’s challenging and it gives me purposes. It makes my desserts different from others, which is basically the entire concept “same same but different”. I never thought that I’d be so inlove with baking. It wasn’t like this at first. But then I decided to take that chance, and I realized that baking has always been my passion since day one. I love challenging myself, the adrenaline and hiccups in between.  The best things in life, personally and professionally, are never easy. You make mistakes, you fail more than once, but you learn and persevere. “Never lie, if you make a mistake, own up to it, just don’t do it again.” I would like the world to know that it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Be curious and don’t be afraid of making mistakes because it allows you to grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Omg theres so much places in LA. But, definitely I would take my friends to my favorite Thai restaurant in Hollywood called Sanamluang. Then SGV for some lamb skewers at Chengdu Taste, there’s this ramen in Alhambra called Kosuke, the spicy popcorn chicken ramen is definitely worth trying. For the dumpling lovers Mama Lu’s dumplings is always the best place for it. Another place in Alhambra is this ice cream parlor called Fosselman’s Ice Cream, every summer they have this Watermelon Sorbet, yum! Then for the love of pastries, Republique, Proof or Baking With Ish ! For some good wine, definitely back to Esters Wine Shop in Santa Monica … cheers !!!!    

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?
Theres a lot of amazing people who encouraged me and supported from the beginning. However, I would like to do a shoutout to my mom who is so amazing and shared some recipes, my family & friends, who are always there for the love and support. My Grandma & aunties. Then my wonderful and super great husband, Jeff. He is always there to help me out, driving me around to deliver all the pastries, always making room in the living room & dining for the pastry boxes and he’s the one who pushed me to open a small business. Also, my cousin Krislam for helping me out creating my website and all other things. They all made my business all possible in every way and to all of my customers, Thank you. Shoutout to all of them.

Website: Www.bakingwithish.com
Instagram: @Ishnoelle.Richardson @Bakingwithish

Image Credits
Photo by: Krislam Chin