Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Roberts
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for pastry started to blossom when I was a young military spouse stationed in Germany with my husband. Soon after leaving Germany, we received order for the amazing state of Hawaii. Shortly after arriving on the island of Oahu my husband was deployed to Afghanistan. During this deployment I found myself being board, so I decided to take a baking class with the local community college. That love of European pastry combined with the tropical flavors of the island I was hooked! After graduating the University of Hawaii’s culinary program as a double culinary major I jumped in feet first into the cutthroat male dominate culinary field in Hawaii. Being a military spouse, at the time of 10 years, I thought I was prepared for anything life threw at me. I had to spend the next 4 years proving myself that I had the passion and the drive to succeed in the culinary field.
After working for others in the industry for 5 years and after two moves landing us in Savannah, GA I had enough of other people holding my creative hand. In September of 2015 while I was the head Pastry Chef of a local company, I was in the bakeshop alone one morning at 4;30 am. I had come in that day to my boss leaving a not so nice note for me to NEVER put anything new on the menu for purchase to the public without my speaking to her first. I was not only hurt but it was also my job to make HER shop successful and to bring new fresh ideas.
As I was at the mixer mixing some cheesecake batter, I just cried out to God “WHEN WILL IT BE MY TURN?!” And clear as day he told me “In MY time and by MY Grace you will have everything you want and more.” I was shocked and just covered in the holy spirit.
Two weeks later I quit my job with that local bakery and By Grace Bakery was born! With a heart full of passion and a tummy full of knots I baked 8 cakes and went to local restaurants to plead for business. I knew this was God’s plan, but I needed to see it come to life. Out of 8 people that received cakes that day 1 took that chance on By Grace! Mark and Corie Thomas owner and chef of an amazing Bistro, Bubbas Bistro!
I successfully ran and moved my business from South Geogia to South Texas and now running a full-blown special order and wholesale bakery here in East Texas.
I attribute my success first and foremost from the direction of God guidance the love and support from my Husband and my fierce boss lady friends!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! While culinary school I thought would be the hardest part it would actually trying to prove myself in a male dominate culinary community. While I did succeed in proving myself it did take its toll on me. I would also say that being a military spouse and having to move my business three times has been a challenge. Moving to a new town and building my clientele all over has been the hardest part.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a Pastry Chef for over 14 years now. Pastry of all types has been my passion for many years; however, platted pastry production has my heart. The thrill of a fast-paced kitchen is an addiction! The planning, execution, the details I just love it all!
I think what sets me apart from others would have to be my knowledge, skill set, and my plays of flavors. I like to pair odd flavor combinations to make things uniquely By Grace! Another thing that sets me apart is I specialize in Polynesian and Japanese pastry and techniques.
My most proud moment for me is being featured on the TV show Moving the Military with Maria Reed.
What matters most to you?
Personally, my faith and family. Professionally making sure my customers receive high quality pastry!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bygracebakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bygracebakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bygracebakery
