Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelly Garcia.
Hi Nelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Monterrey, Mexico. Ever since I was a little girl, it was evident that I had two passions: business and baking. So it’s natural that now I get to combine both. I started my first business at the age of seven selling American Candy, novelty pens and pencils and other things to my classmates. Then I worked at the school cafeteria. I proceeded to help my Grandpa in his office, followed by selling homework and tutoring at school. (Did I mention I did this before the age of 15?).
At 15 years old, my family moved to Austin, TX and I immediately got a job at a 4 star restaurant. Even though I started up cleaning tables, I was drawn to the desserts that the Pastry Chef was making. He noticed my enthusiasm and offered me a job as a pastry assistant. Every job I had after that was in the culinary world. Either making coffees, baking, cooking, or waiting tables. At the age of 18, I signed me and my mom (who happens to be a chef) to a cake decorating class, but my schedule in college changed so I could no longer attend so my sister took my place. Then they would come home and teach me how to decorate.
We loved baking and making cakes. We would travel to other cities to learn more and expand of baking skills. It wasn’t until I turned 26 that I started posting photos on social media and people would ask us for cakes. A business called Rocheli was born. I was still going to college and baking on the side when I saw a competition for Entrepreneur Magazine. The winner would get seed money to begin their business. Turns out I won. Ever since then, we fully committed to Rocheli and starting hustling to get our name out. Then I received the Forbes 30 Under 30 award (2015) and it helped us scale our business. We opened our first brick and mortar store in February of this year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Trying to finance my college education while trying to start a business was challenging enough. But also, right in the middle of it all, my father was diagnosed with cancer and I had to put my dreams on hold. I was now working three jobs trying to afford chemotherapy while dealing with the emotional stress that it brings. Then my father passed away and I took two years to get back on track. So at 26, I went back to college and started Rocheli again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Rocheli Patisserie?
Rocheli Patisserie is a high-end French bakery and cake shop. We specialize in classic French Patisserie while adding a touch of elegance. We also provide high tea service and make custom cakes for pick up or delivery.
What sets us apart is the fact that we provide an elevated experience. We want to engage all our customer’s senses: A beautiful atmosphere, beautiful pastries, delicious flavors, incredible smells, and pleasant music.
How do you think about luck?
I consider myself to be an incredibly lucky person. I think that the Universe has put the right people in my life just at the right time. It has sent opportunities my way that have significantly impacted my career (Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes 30 Under 30). If I hadn’t won those awards, I don’t know if the story would have been the same. They matter because they gave me the credibility that is not often awarded to a Hispanic woman in her 20s trying to open a French bakery.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@rocheli.com
- Website: www.rocheli.com
- Instagram: @rocheli_patisserie
- Facebook: Rocheli Patisserie
- Twitter: @RocheliPatisser
Image Credits
The first photo used was taken by Shelby Sorrel. Everything else (the last eight)I took myself.
