Meet Seunghee Park | Pastry Chef

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

Hi Seunghee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve been in the baking industry for a long time, and I wanted to have my own shop, just like all chefs do. Meanwhile, I wanted to do a new dessert within the scope of my ability. There were already so many chocolate, candy, cookie and macaroon shops, and I thought there weren’t a variety of options for customers. So I wanted to create a more diverse option in Dallas, and came to opening my own store.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After graduating from culinary school, I jumped right into working hard to raise funds and traveled to Europe to immerse myself in different tastes and cultures. At that time, I faced a lot of challenges, as my family didn’t have much support to offer. When I first arrived in Paris, I stayed in a budget guesthouse and explored the city on foot, discovering wonderful dessert shops along the way. That experience sparked my dream of opening a French dessert shop. When I returned, I had the opportunity to take some cooking classes, but I struggled with self-doubt and decided to gain experience by working in a bakery while juggling two jobs. As I prepared to start a business in Korea, life took an unexpected turn, and I moved to the U.S. with my partner. It was a fresh start, and I had to learn everything from scratch, including English. With my husband’s support and hard work, I gradually overcame the language barrier and began catering from home while working at a bakery. Now, our bakery may be small, but I am truly grateful for the chance to pursue my passion here. I look forward to spending my life creating desserts, cherishing each moment of this journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d love to visit a heritage town in Texas to soak up its rich history, or explore one of the beautiful rivers in the Dallas area. I also look forward to spending time with my friends in downtown Dallas—there’s so much to see and do!

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?
Things that you started because you liked it can get boring or hate if it becomes a job. And it would be hard to turn the fatigue you feel when you work in a job you don’t care about into something fun. I have a book that encouraged me to change my mind.

‘Why Do We Work by Inamori Kazuo’

The book’s content that you should be able to find joy on your own in the process of working changed me a lot. After all, the core of this book is that one’s thoughts can change all outcomes. I think that only people who have worked hard enough to pour everything into can succeed and achieve it.

All of my mentors, who have been instrumental in my growth. Their guidance and support have shaped my journey, encouraging me to take risks and believe in myself. I’m grateful for their impact on my life. I’d also, like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been crucial in my journey, and I’m deeply grateful for their love and belief in me.

Website: https://www.everythingmadeleine.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingmadeleine_carrollton?igsh=dG9oazJ4NnE2eWF1&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
@sarah chu photography