Meet Jennifer Juarez | Pastry Chef

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

Hi Jennifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting Hecho Con Amor HTX stemmed from my deep passion for baking and my desire to share the rich flavors of Salvadorian desserts with a broader audience. I wanted to create a unique fusion of traditional Salvadorian sweets with contemporary twists, bringing a taste of my heritage to Houston. Recognizing a gap in the market for authentic Salvadorian pastries, I aimed to fill that niche while also experimenting with innovative recipes. My goal was to build a brand that not only delivers delicious and beautifully crafted desserts but also tells a story of love and cultural pride in every bite.

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.
I started baking at the age of 6, which sparked a lifelong passion for creating delicious desserts. Initially, I pursued an English major in college, but I soon realized it wasn’t my true calling. I sought advice from my parents, who encouraged me to follow my dreams. This led me to study pastry arts in San Antonio. Unfortunately, my education was cut short due to the pandemic. I found myself back in Houston at the beginning of my career, where I finished my pastry arts Journey at HCC with outstanding instructors who allowed me to perfect my skills.

I made many valuable connections in Houston and heard countless inspiring stories that fueled my ambition. The journey wasn’t easy; there were numerous challenges along the way. However, my passion for baking and the support from my community helped me persevere.

What sets Hecho Con Amor HTX apart is my dedication to creating unique Salvadorian desserts with a modern fusion twist. I am most proud of how my desserts reflect my cultural heritage while appealing to a diverse audience. The stories and feedback from my customers motivate me to keep innovating and perfecting my craft.

My biggest lesson is the importance of resilience and staying true to your passion, even when faced with obstacles. My brand, Hecho Con Amor HTX, is a testament to the love and dedication I put into every dessert. I aim to bring joy and a taste of Salvadorian culture to each customer.

I want the world to know that Hecho Con Amor HTX is more than just a pastry business; it’s a celebration of culture, passion, and the journey of following one’s dreams. Every dessert I create is a labor of love, deeply rooted in my heritage and inspired by the incredible people I’ve met.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came into town, I would most definitely take advantage of the variety of coffee shops that Houston offers. I started with my favorite local coffee shop, Cambrian Coffee, after taking her to a pickleball social since we were both fans. Of course, the taste of small businesses is a must, so we’ll head over to Ironworks, an indoor marketplace where local businesses are located. I’ll show her my friend’s adorable boutique called Ozzirys. Not only do we get to shop for beautiful clothes but we also catch up with my friend Marg. If my best friend were here on the weekend, I would look into local pop-ups and farmers’ markets to support small businesses and find unique items, such as the Heights Mercantile Market or the infamous Houston Farmers Market. Even go on Navigation Street, where pop-ups tend to be. I tend to be more of an introvert, so the nightlife isn’t necessarily my cup of tea a day; painting at the memorial park or going to Mad Potter is my definition of a good day.

Here’s a mini Itinerary
Day 1: Downtown Exploration
– Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Ema for delicious pastries and coffee.
– Morning: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts exploring their vast collection of art from around the world.
– Lunch: Finn hall
– Afternoon: Stroll through Discovery Green, a beautiful urban park, and check out any ongoing events or art installations.
– Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Bori, which is Korean BBQ
– Evening: Walk around the city center while enjoying jennys ice cream

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate a special shoutout to my culinary school chefs from the HCC Pastry Arts program, Katie Rangel and Eddie Dan Van, whose mentorship and guidance were instrumental in shaping my skills and passion for pastry arts. Additionally, I am grateful to my mom, who introduced me to our rich Salvadorian culture and inspired my love for traditional desserts. Their support and encouragement have been pivotal in my journey, and I am deeply thankful for their contributions to my story. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Houston for its incredible diversity and welcoming spirit. The city’s vibrant culinary scene and supportive community have provided the perfect environment for new chefs like myself to thrive and share our unique cultural flavors. Your openness and enthusiasm for diverse cuisines have been a driving force behind Hecho Con Amor HTX. Thank you, Houston, for embracing my passion and allowing me to join this fantastic culinary community.

Website: in progress

Instagram: @hechoconamorhtx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-juarez-abaa80245

Twitter: n/a

Facebook: hecho con amor htx

Yelp: n/a

Youtube: n/a

Image Credits
Taken by my friends or shot by me