Meet Molly
Pronoun(s): she/her
Nationality: American
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Current location: Versailles, France
Occupation: Pastry Chef, Recipe Creator and Teacher
I’m a pastry chef living in Versailles!
My passion has always been baking, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I decided to move on from my seven-year career in marketing to follow my dream by moving to Paris and studying pastry at Le Cordon Bleu.
After working at several bakeries in both France and the US, I now teach patisserie out of my 18th century apartment just five minutes walk from the Versailles Chateau.
My classes are all about making French pastry easy by breaking down recipes and showing you lots of tips and tricks to help any baker achieve extraordinary results.
On Education
Did you attend college? If so, where, and how did you choose that school/those schools?
Yes! I went to Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, about an hour drive from my parents’ home. I wanted to be close to home, which is funny now thinking about as I am so far away now!
How did you choose your program? Did your decision change over the course of your time at school?
I originally studied interior design. I wanted to be in a creative profession that had some artistry to it. I actually never thought seriously about going into the culinary world until after I graduated.
When I was in college, my goal was to graduate with a good major and find a 9 to 5 job that I (hopefully) enjoyed. After a year in interior design, I changed to business. It took one semester to figure out that wasn’t for me either. So, I ultimately graduated with a degree in Advertising/Public Relations and a minor in Art History.
Did you participate in study abroad while at school? For how long, and with what program?
My junior year in college I did a short study abroad program in Europe. We spent two weeks in Paris and two weeks in Madrid. That’s all it took to realize I wanted to return one day.
I didn’t know what that would entail at that point, but I just knew that I absolutely loved it. It helped open my eyes to another culture and I think that is so important in a person’s growth.
Professional Background
How long have you been in your current position?
I teach pastry classes to bakers in my apartment in Versailles and online! I’ve been doing this for the last two years. Before that, I was working for as many people and bakeries that I could to continue to gain knowledge in the culinary world.
How might your career path have differed if you’d stayed in your home country?
Baking in France is very different than in the US because of the difference in cultures. Many of the baking techniques I learned are methods I had never been introduced to in the States. I love that my range of baking has expanded.
By studying the field in both countries I’ve found that my education is more rounded and allows me to branch the two styles together. This has made it easier to teach my mostly-American clientele and has lead to some fun pastry flavors and creations!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the creative aspect and working with people! A lot of my job involves empowering people to have confidence in the kitchen to try new things. I LOVE it!! There’s often a lightbulb moment for my bakers during the classes.
When I’m creating a new recipe, I do a lot of research and a lot of testing (and tasting). It’s a bit like being a scientist, and it always makes me happy to see everything come together.
On Lifestyle
Do you think that everyone should study abroad? What are the benefits?
I think studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity. If traveling abroad isn’t accessible, even traveling within your own country or trying something new (like a different restaurant!) can offer similar benefits. The experience is all about opening your eyes to something different. This frees our heart to welcoming in aspects of other cultures and helps with personal growth!
For Americans: Would you ever relocate to live outside of the US indefinitely? Where?
After more than six years in France, I’ve made it my home. It’s hard to think about moving back to the US. My job is here, my life and my loves (my French partner & our new pup!) are too. I also have really connected with the culture!
How would you describe your travel style?
My travel style is a combination. I like to find a cute AirBnB when we’ll be staying somewhere for more than a couple of days so we can shop at the local markets and have a variety of meals – those we enjoy out at restaurants and quieter ones at the place where we are staying. If we are going for just a couple of days, I seek out a small B&B, hopefully family owned, and in just the right location.
One last question
What advice would you give to a young person who knows they want to travel but aren’t sure where that fits in with the rest of their lives?
Travel has provided some of my favorite memories from road tripping with my family in the US to see the National Parks to moving to France and bopping around Europe.
Make time for it no matter how hard you’re working or where you are in your life. Even a weekend away to visit friends can be a breath of fresh air which leads to something incredible.
Editor’s note: This interview has been lightly edited for concision and clarity.
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Thank you for reading Fearless Friday No. 17 – Molly!
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