Meet Jess Kellar | Owner of The Heart Baker

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

Hi Jess, how do you think about risk?
I think that anything you do includes some level of risk, right? When I had an IT job, for example, I had some level of risk. I could be fired. As AI increases my job could have become obsolete. Then there are more of the risks that aren’t calculable like what is my likelihood of happiness if I stay where I am?

Those are the types of questions that led me to leave what others may have considered a ‘less risky’ job and start my own business. Its very personal- what level of risk am I willing to accept? For me, my risk of unhappiness outweighed my risk of failure in starting a business, so I took the leap! In 2021 I began taking baby steps into starting my own business and now 2024 and I can look back on all the progress I have made. I have admittedly, taken a lot of what others would consider risk for a potentially high reward. My happiness, control of my time, enjoying what I do, constantly learning and building the foundations for a successful business were worth the risk of leaving what I considered a ‘comfortable’ life. And I couldn’t be happier that I was willing to take that risk!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Heart Baker began in 2021 truly as a hobby. I had quit my IT job in 2019, 2020 came where I had plenty of time to sit and ponder and all I could think of what in the world makes me happy!? I knew that cooking and baking had been a passion and hobby my whole life so in the very beginning of 2021 I went to Half Priced Books and bought a book entitled ‘How to Bake’ and I started working through every page and then I started posting pictures of everything on instagram/facebook and friends and followers would then chat me and ask me to make them things- so I did! The Heart Baker did not fall into my lap, it was a slow and steady road of continuing to show up for myself and the things that brought me joy and then eventually the next step was making it a full fledged business. I don’t have formal training, I have passion and joy and I think everyone who purchases something from me feels that from the items that I bake.

I am someone who loves to bake for as many people as possible and our saying is that when you buy something from The Heart Baker, everyone gets something baked with heart! So, we try to accommodate many different dietary needs. Currently our consistent bakes include traditional baked goods as well as the dairy free/egg free (vegan) items to meet the needs of those who may have allergies or have made a dietary choice in their lives. As we expand we would like to move into gluten free and other allergen friendly items. We want everyone to come to us as a place where they know they are included. The Heart Baker began with love and that is how we will continue and grow by serving customers who want to feel loved and included with every bite.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday- Welcome! I would let you get acquainted with your space and for dinner we would head to Nanyea Restaurant for some delicious Ethiopian food before heading to Round 1 for bowling and games

Tuesday we check our the Boonshoft Museum to connect to our inner child and we get dinner from Wheat Penny and then check out The Neon for the small movie feel.

Wednesday we make our way down to Centerville for my favorite Smoothie/Salad spot Power Plant to get our fuel to make it back to the Dayton Art Institute. One can easily spend all day here! In the evening we make our way to Tender Mercy for some small plates and beautiful drinks

Thursday in the morning we go to Warehouse 4 in Kettering before walking around the Fraze neighborhood. In the evening we get to see a show at the beautiful Victoria Theater

Friday check out Yellow Springs! Mazu has delicious lunch (I recommend the falafel platter and the fried mushrooms) followed by a walk through the quant town. By mid afternoon we could do a couple miles down in Glen Helen and make our way back up the stairs as the sun was beginning to set. The view through the trees is beautiful.

Saturday morning I would take them to start with coffee from Press Coffee in downtown Dayton and then we would make our way to 2nd Street Market. My personal favorite spot is Invoke where they have transformed some of the classics into healthier options. We would get a little of everything from their menu and then as were waiting we would turn around and grab several delicious options from Ordinare Faire and then come say hey to my table and get a couple cookies there! After we had some food and some snacks for later we would drive down south and take a walk through Cox Arboretum. In the evening we would walk around the Oregon District and end the night with Dinner from Culture

Sunday we make our way back to Yellow Springs for breakfast at Sunrise Cafe then check out the Sunwatch Indian Village- a place that I spend lovely summers at camp and just get to know some of the historical significance of the area. We would then go shopping at the Oakwood Dorthy Lane Market to get some beautiful produce from our friends at Foxhole Farm and make a lovely dinner before you leave for your flight in the morning

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents! They have supported me no matter what they thought of what I was doing. It may have seemed questionable at the time but I know they are here for the journey of anything and everything I could possibly conceive of doing and for that I am forever grateful. I couldn’t expect more from the two amazing people who raised me.

Website: TheHeartBaker.org

Facebook: Facebook.com/JessTheHeartBaker

Instagram: instagram.com/JessTheHeartBaker

Image Credits
Jessica Kellar Kendra Washington