Co-Owner of Ayu Bakehouse

Know your limits! I’ve had enough unhealthy days to know what a difference there is between work and personal life, and I will never let myself get to an unhealthy place again.

I stay educated through This is FAB, by reading books on leadership, and from leadership coaching.

Early in my career, I made the deliberate decision to take a position assisting chocolatier Jacques Torres. My goal was to place myself in an environment where I would be exposed to new people, operational challenges, and a high standard of excellence. That experience quickly evolved into an opportunity to become his Operations Manager, where I oversaw nine retail locations. Although I stepped into the role with little direct experience, it gave me the chance to learn quickly, take on significant responsibility, and develop the leadership and operational skills that continue to guide my work today.

For self-care, I focus on maintaining a healthy diet and regularly go to fascia therapy to work out stress I tend to carry in my neck and back. I also make time to visit family and friends, even if it requires a full day of travel, because stepping out of my daily environment helps me recharge and return to work refreshed and focused.

I find inspiration primarily from conferences with like-positioned people, such as This is FAB and Cherry Bombe.

Operational and organizational skills are key to me keeping a fast-paced environment running smoothly. Attention to detail ensures that products and services consistently meet high standards. Additionally, effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability allow me to respond quickly to challenges while maintaining a positive guest experience. Finally, a strong sense of values (sustainability, generosity, and integrity) guides decision-making and shapes the culture of the business.

When I'm hiring, no matter the position, I’m looking for self-starters. Candidates should possess strong attention to detail, accountability & ownership, alignment with our values (generosity, sustainability, and customer satisfaction), and strong communication skills (ability to initiate conversation, enjoys connection with people, and ability to engage calmly in difficult conversations).

Early in my career, as I was starting a position at a Wall Street firm, I was told to always be better than the person to my right and left. At the time, it was practical advice to stay secure in a highly competitive environment, but I still carry it with me today as a reminder to stay sharp, keep learning, and never settle.

Invest in people. Most people want to learn and grow, and if they don’t see a path forward, frustration spreads, and negativity can take over a workplace.

Always be open to reflection, adapting, and evolving. Learn from your experiences and make changes.

Pay attention to details; the little things are what set great work apart.