We’re looking forward to introducing you to Julia Hatch. Check out our conversation below.
Julia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Can you believe that my “me” time starts first thing in the morning? I usually wake up around 5am and catch up on one episode of a Chinese drama I’m watching then I get myself ready and start packing up breakfast and/or lunch for my kids.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Absolutely, my name is Julia and I’m the owner, instructor, head decorator, chief marketer and proud winner of 66 “Employee of the Month” awards at Julia’s Just Desserts. I am your local Hutto source for cookie, cake, and cupcake decorating classes along with some pretty yummy treats.
I started this venture in South Carolina (blame the Navy) back in 2020, quite literally a month before the world shut down for a bit and have been slinging out sweet treats since. My wonderful husband detached from the Navy and we were lucky enough to move back to our home state of Texas in 2023 and have called Hutto home since. I’m a native Texan and grew up not too far from here in good ol’ Leander, Texas and my alma mater is down the road at The University of Texas…Hook ‘Em!
My classes are a blast and I like to think I find ways to unleash your inner cookie or cake artist, just ask my past students. When I’m not teaching a class, you’ll find me busy with custom orders for your events, corporate cookie treats, and fun holiday pre-sales to bring a little extra sweetness to our community.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
When it comes to my business and my own self worth, I have to give all the credit to my amazing husband. He’s the one who gave me the push to start Julia’s Just Desserts. I’ve loved baking since I was a little girl with my Easy-Bake Oven, but it wasn’t until we were in Hawaii that people outside my family and friends started enjoying my treats. My husband would come home asking me to bake a cake for a coworker’s birthday or promotion, and his belief in me eventually led me to open my own business.
He always saw my potential, even when I couldn’t. He encouraged me to look into starting a business when we moved to South Carolina, and he even helped me pick out the name. He’s the one who always told me to go for it. His belief in me and my baked goods has shaped how I see myself and, in turn, has shaped this entire business.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to believe in yourself and to not worry about what other people think. I’d say, ignore the bullies who made fun of you for being Chinese and for speaking another language. Everything they say in elementary school won’t matter. Just keep moving forward, because you’ll meet amazing lifelong friends in middle school and high school. And don’t worry about finding ‘the one.’ You’ll meet the love of your life early on and later on he will encourage you to pursue your hobbies and start your business. You two will build a wonderful life together with two beautiful children. So don’t give a second thought to your insecurities.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Hard work and perseverance. Growing up in a Chinese household, I was taught from a young age that nothing in life is simply given to you. You have to work for what you want, and you should always be willing to put in the effort to achieve your goals. I remember we were looking at scrolls at a store and I wanted one for my room, I asked my mom to help me pick one out and she picked out the Chinese Characters for “Perseverance” and I hung that on my bedroom wall. That word was showcased daily by how hard my parents worked to provide for my brother and I. They worked hard every day and it’s this value that has shaped my life and my business, and it’s something I’m proud to carry with me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. You have to take pride in what you do, regardless of whether anyone else sees it. Ultimately, only you know the true effort you’ve put into your work. That self-respect is more valuable than any praise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juliasjustdesserts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliasjustdesserts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliasjustdesserts
- Other: TikTok: @juliasjustdesserts
