Meet Jasmin Smith: Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmin Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmin, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’m not sure there is a real balance for me at the moment. Work and business are the deciding factors in practically everything I do. I think balance is the goal, for me that is success. Being able to have full control of how you want to spend your day and having the freedom to implement that. That’s part of what inspired me to take part in this crazy journey, in the first place. Most recently I’ve found that the closest thing to balance at the moment is not resisting the work, the to-do list. It’s the dread that builds up while procrastinating that makes me feel out of balance. If I get a full 7 hours of sleep and get an 1 or 2 hours of productive self care in my day, then I feel great. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Suss means sweet in German, a nod to my German heritage and Summers in the kitchen with my German Grandma cooking, baking, and snacking. Suss Pastries highlights Sonoran flavors throughout our pastries. Using hibiscus, mesquite, corn, and prickly pear we try to bring quality, nostalgia, and a visual appeal to everything we make. Our handmade pop-tarts are probably what we are best known for, however I get the most excited taking a fresh batch of date sticky buns out of the oven or biting into a warm mango bressane. It’s weird to think of how I got here, cause I feel like “here” is still in the middle open water. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and the connections that my pastries are making with people. The joy and excitement that they bring for others, really keeps me going and it’s nice knowing that the energy I put into them is well received. It’s been a hard journey that is pushing me to evolve on a personal level. I’ve always been my own biggest challenge. I know that this is what I’m meant to do, so it’s easy to keep going, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I do something I love and get excited about. There is still so much to learn just within this one craft, that I can’t see myself ever getting sick of it. The act of baking isn’t rocket science that we all have the abilities to do it! There…..

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hiking at South Mountain on the Mormon Trail Breakfast Burritos @ Uptown Farmers Market from Sergio’s Burritos Avocado Pizza, Wings, & Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie @ La Grande Orange Coconut Soup with a side of rice @ Thai Rama Phoenix Art Museum Ramen @ Cherry Blossom Cafe Coffee @ Provision, Reap & Sow, Kream Coffee Film Bar Shop @ Local Nomad, Gather, Live Music @ Crescent Ballroom, a show at the Van Buren

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s hard for me to choose, every opportunity I’ve had has felt like a win. Every time I get a custom order, a new account, or even complement. It gives me a little more fuel. I’ve had a lot of people pour their time and energy into me. I think I’ve been extremely lucky, however without these ladies I would legit lose it. My Mom: I love her! She listens and that can be the most comforting thing ever. Liz Duncan: We met 3 years ago and she’s been a force in my life. She has been such a rock of emotional and spiritual support. Seriously, feel so beyond lucky to have someone that believes in me on the level that she does. Lataunya Benally: I’ve known this girl for literally forever. She’s the person that I can count on no matter what, she always comes through with a “get shit done” kind of vibe that kicks me into gear when I need it most. So beyond grateful to have a friend that I can work with and makes the long hours fly by.

Website: www.susspastries.com
Instagram: @susspastries

Image Credits
instagram handle @reganshootsfood @melindajanemyersphoto