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

Hi Jasmine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to bridge the gap between Filipino desserts and other pastries. I wanted to introduce flavors from the Philippines and show the world what unique food the Philippines has. I love my culture and want to share it with others.

Desserts RN is a creative outlet for me. This gives me the chance to reinvent desserts and give it my own twist. I remember I loved baking since I was a little girl, always trying to make cakes or cookies for my family when they would come over. Now I get to do it as often as I want!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a registered nurse by career. I started out as a labor and delivery nurse, providing moms and babies care. Working in the hospital I did long shifts, but less days in the week. This provided me with the opportunity to have multiple days off, for pursing my other passion: baking. Being a Filipino- American, I would constantly crave Filipino flavors, but wanted to create something that not just Filipinos would love. So during my days off, I would experiment and create recipes that anyone could enjoy. These desserts would bridge the gap between classic Filipino recipes and American desserts.
I would start bringing these desserts to my family, friends, and a few coworkers. Everyone was excited to try something new. This is when I started Desserts RN. I wanted to create an avenue on Instagram to post my content and possibly get some orders. However, being a full-time nurse got in the way. I focused more on my career than my passion, which is what a normal person would do.
In March 2020, I started a new career path as a Nurse Educator at a university. When everyone started working from home, I did too. This gave me the chance to start up my passion again. Everyone on Instagram started selling things from home, so I decided that I should too. Ever since then, my business has slowly been growing. Being back at work full-time, I am trying to do my best balancing a career and my business. However, I am proud of the work I have done and the people I have met through this journey. This year I am ready to take Desserts RN to a new level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many diverse areas in the Phoenix Valley! For morning coffee and pastries, I would head to Driftwood in Peoria. They have so many seasonal special drinks that are amazing. Plus they serve Suss Pastries there. A Phoenix staple for food is Chino Bandidos. Definitely get the Jerk fried rice and Jade Red Chicken!
For dinner and drinks, the Pemberton is a cool spot. There are many great vendors here, such as Saint Pasta and Toduken.
Going to any Phoenix sports game is a must. However, if there is a Phoenix Suns game, it is a must! There are a bunch of cool hangout spots for before and after. For late night tacos, Taco Boys is the best!
Of course, if you’re wanting to try some Filipino Food, Halo Halo Kitchen is the place for food, desserts, and ice cream! On first Saturday’s they serve up Filipino Street Food.
On the weekends, I love to check out Uptown farmers market. If you’re interested in vintage shopping, check out Picker’s Playground for their events!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so blessed by God and the people that he has brought to my life. I would not have anything today without my relationship with Christ. I would love to dedicate this to my Husband, Ethan. Without him, I would not have the encouragement or passion to continue my craft. He supports me through everything in the business and outside of the business.

My family, who supports me through every event, tells all of their friends, and samples my products, thank you for continuously uplifting me.
To my family at Halo Halo Kitchen, who provides the avenue for business and gives me opportunities at every event.

My customers, because without them I would not have a business. They are the community surrounding Desserts RN.
To everyone who has shared, posted, or tasted my products, I am eternally grateful for you!

Website: https://www.dessertsrn.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dessertsrn/

Image Credits
Ethan Gayongala

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