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

Hi Jessica, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Before becoming a mom, I never really understood work life balance. It was WORK WORK WORK, all day anytime I was free for YEARS in the food industry. I was hard working, determined to grow, and eager to learn. But because of that my freedom was taken advantage off. I was often requested to take a shift or cover for someone or asked to stay late because I’d almost always say “Yes”. However, once I became pregnant my mindset changed. I realized I would not be able to be a good and present parent if I was never physically there to raise them. I had to get creative in how I would be able to handle and balance it all. After deciding to take my business full time and work for myself, it taught me the importance of work life balance. Oddly, when you have your own business, you strangely work more. But work life balance has taught me to MAKE TIME for myself, and my family. No matter how great and successful I am with my business, I will never put it over the needs or spending time with my family or myself. It is a priority for me to make sure I have family time several times a week.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While attending culinary school I fell I’ll with a mysterious illness that left me unable to walk for nearly a year. After I healed and recovered, I was determined to find my place in the pastry world (By this time I had already held several jobs in the restaurant industry in several positions). I finally landed my first pastry job as a chef for a really popular catering company in the DMV area. There I worked under a French 14 gold medal pastry champ! Though he was extremely hard and tough on us, he taught me so much in the years I worked with him! Working there taught me the value of hard work and pure determination: From there I went to lead my own team at another catering company for nearly 3 years. It wasn’t enough though, so I went hunting for the perfect job and mentor. I got a life changing opportunity working for the Voltaggio brothers under the leadership of famed Pastry Chef Chris Ford at the restaurant RANGE. Though my time with him was short, he was the most impactful in my career. My mindset and love for pastry changed and grew. It was there that I knew that I wanted to always find a way to make PLATED DESSERTS! From there I was name pastry sous chef of the famed Fiola Mare in Georgetown DC! It was here that I had the blessed honor to make desserts for tons of celebs and most notably President Barack Obama during his final term for his birthday! Doing service was my specialty, and I became a master at it! But I knew that i had to find a way to have work life balance. I traded in my 16 hour, 6 day weeks for a more comfortable position working as a cake decorator for a very popular bakery in DC; Buttercream BakeShop. I loved working there and had my first child. Due to complications of pregnancy and birth, I was forced to leave and had to find a way to balance motherhood and the love for my career in pastry. I worked as an entrepreneur and made baked goods and pastries but I wasn’t fulfilled! Once the pandemic hit, I was at an extreme low; as I was unsure if I’d ever get back to my career in pastry. One day I got the offer to be an online virtual pastry chef teaching corporate clientele! It was here that I realized the power I had to control my career and my personal life. I then teamed up with former co workers from my first ever pastry job to start a 3 person chef team that travels and does intimate dining experiences! And here I am today. Able to be a mom, a chef, and still do what I love on my time! I’m so blessed

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m such a foodie and we’d go on an entire weekend food tour in my area. There are entirely too many places I love to name, but it would be EPIC! I’m also really big on self care and personal time, so we’d start off downtown DC. Tasting our way through the popular area called “The Wharf”. It’s known for all of the delicious seafood and fresh crabs! I’d make sure we made reservations for a whole spa day. This includes massages, facials, and full use of the jacuzzi and robes for relaxation! Because I live in a historic area, visiting all of the monuments and museums would be high on the list of things the do, complete with bus tours, and tour guides! The trip wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t take my bestie bar hopping in the thick of DC nightlife! And if there’s any time left, I’d make sure we made our way to Baltimore City for a day on the water!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves much credit! My husband Kevin for always supporting my goals and dreams, no matter how crazy! My mother…because MOOOOOOM! Lol I don’t think I need to explain how important a mother’s presence is! And of course my pride and joy…my son Deuce! He’s the reason I work so hard. He’s my shadow and my tiny apprentice. I adore him and love teaching him all I know about food and pastry!

Instagram: @pipedpastryshop

Linkedin: Jessica Lewis

Facebook: Piped Pastry Shop

Youtube: Piped Pastry Shop

Other: Tiktok- @pipedpastryshop

Image Credits
Xander Photography

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