Meet Jessica Gonzalez | Baker & RDA

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

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to start my own business to be able to have the freedom to spend more time with my family. I am actually a licensed dental assistant and have been for the past 6 years. Once the pandemic hit I happened to be pregnant with my son and was one of the many people let go from my old dental office. I saw that as the push I needed to work for myself and get to spend more time with my daughter and husband.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started baking in highschool actually, and I was very lucky in getting a job at a great bakery in Highland Park area of Dallas. Tart was where I got my first job and I stayed there for a few years, I give so much thanks to all the girls and guys who showed me so many things. Nancy was my manager and to this day still a close friend. She was the most amazing person to work with and learn from. I moved on to some more main steam bakeries after tart and some other odd jobs. When I met Emmanuel I had not decided to go to college because I couldn’t decide if I wanted to go to culinary school or the dental program. He gave me the push to make my decision and I ended up in the dental program. I fell in love with the dental world but I never left my baking behind. I learned that if you really enjoy something you will always come around to find a way to keep it in your life. I would love people to know that I love baking and everything I make is super special to me, I love hearing feedback from my customers about who the treat is for and if they loved it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to lots of locally owned places, I love supporting other small businesses. We would do breakfast at kim & jennys cafe in Duncaville and then go to the Trinity Groves area for lunch and probably do a home cooked dinner with my family. I am not too much of a night out kind of person so just hanging out at home is more my vibe. But we would have to go to my go to spots for desserts, like val’s cheesecakes, cake bar and Kate weiser chocolate and some of my favorite tacos spots in the Oakcliff Area. We would have to hit some of the big landmarks, like reunion tower, and the aquarium, and the museums.

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 would love to dedicate this to my husband and my kids, without them and their love and support I would be lost. They are my world.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castilloconfections/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.c.gonzalez/