Before we transition into 2024 in a couple of days, I just want to say a huge thank you to all of you. Thank you for your love, support and encouragement since the beginning. It really means a lot + has helped keep me afloat during the inevitable uncertain moments of doing creative work + running this business. For me— the moments of handing over your pastries during pickups, chatting in person at popups and even exchanging brief yet meaningful messages on IG never fails to remind me how lucky I am to be supported by a community like this. Thank you for rooting for me and for believing in my work.
I had my first pastry box drop back in December of 2021 so this month officially marks 2 years of By Jiyoon. Back then, I started with weekly pastry box drops which ran for about 5 months before I was hired to help open + run a new bakery with my entire menu as the executive pastry chef. If you’ve been with me since then, you know about Mil Bakery. In the end [after about 10 months], I decided to leave my position, take a break and return to running my own bakery studio— which was back in May of this year.
Reflecting back, I’ve learned and grown so much in the past couple years. I feel grateful for all the opportunities I’ve taken on and for all the uncertainties I’ve experienced that have really just pushed me to dig deep + figure out what I truly value in my work and in my life. I have a braindump list of aspirations for the future but I’m not quite sure what 2024 looks like for me yet. If I’m being honest, I’m doing my best to just figure it all out. All I know is that I want to approach the New Year with compassion, patience and allow myself the freedom to create, make mistakes and learn. I want to take intentional steps, collaborate meaningfully and continue creating in the most authentic way— even if that means taking things slower. All this to say, I feel incredibly grateful to be able to do this work and am excited to see what the new year brings. Thank you for being on this journey with me. See you in the New Year!
Much love,
Jiyoon Jang