Meet Jenny Quinones | Owner/Pastry Chef/Stay at Home Mom

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

Hi Jenny, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance has always been a difficult one for me, especially in the Culinary field when the hours are long and almost always include weekends and holidays. Starting out work came first almost all the time, working 12-14 hours in the kitchen. Taking every side catering job or extra class I could find to learn as much as I could. As time went on I began to burn out and started looking for higher positions that allowed me earlier hours which helped free up more family time and earn more. Everything made a 360 though when I got pregnant and had my first daughter; I not only wanted to but felt the need to spend all my time with her and began to get severe anxiety when I as gone. Adjusting my schedule was not enough and I knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom. Now running my own business allows me that freedom to work when I want and only accept the amount of orders I can handle, as well as home school both my girls. It was not easy to find, in fact it took 20 years, to find a work life balance that not only works for my family but makes me so happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my professional career right out of high school, I wanted to waste no time. I knew going into the Culinary Industry that it was a male dominated industry and I was honestly ready to be talked over, undermined, and all the other bad things we hear about. Of course I went in very guarded but I had the exact opposite experience my first Corporate Chef was an amazingly talented person who not only saw my potential but encouraged me to experiment with the new dessert menus, recipes, and specials. He even went out of his to help get interviews when I moved from Southern California to Northern California. I was very selective about all the jobs I took, a large majority, unfortunately not all, encouraged learning and the betterment of their employees.

I love learning new techniques, ingredients, and recipes; this love I brought to every job I have ever worked and to my business I now run. I love a challenge of something I have not made before, that is why I encourage customizations on every order I receive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the best things about living in Southern California is there are a crazy amount of things to do and some great food.

Sunday- a great foodie spot is the Santa Monica farmers market; love coming here even with my kids.
Then before going home walk over to Vanilla Bakeshop and get a little something sweet. (I am a little bias here I used to work for them.)

Almost any day of the week- Bottle logic, Anaheim is a must. Great brewery that has the best food trucks stop by. Eat and drink there or take home. Super friendly staff and great inclusive environment.

Pretending money is no object…
Monday or Tuesday Disneyland- Disneyland during the week is so fun and far less busy than on a Friday-Sunday. Eat at California Adventure all the food here is so good, not your normal theme park food.

Wednesday or Thursday Knott’s Berry Farm, especially during the Boysenberry Festival so much great food to sample. Then there’s the chicken restaurant who has some of the best fried chicken and biscuits, but very large portions.

Friday night dinner- Orange hill restaurant, Orange. A reservation is a must but it has beautiful views of the city and great food.

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?
I have been very fortunate that my family has always encouraged and supported my dream to be a professional Chef. There are three though that definitely deserve their own ShoutOut. First my Father not only was he the one to teach me to cook as a kid but he has been there every step of the way as my first taste tester, the first person I bounced recipe ideas off of, and the first one to see that cooking was more then a hobby but a passion for me. Second is my God Father like my Dad he really enjoys every aspect of food and he has always shared that passion with me; he has always been one of been one of my biggest cheerleaders. Last but certainly not least my Husband, we met when I was going to culinary school and he has always encouraged, supported, and helped in every part of my ever growing career and business.

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