We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ankhana Ward. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ankhana below.

Ankhana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

Pastries by Anne stands out among the numerous bakeries in Astoria, New York for several compelling reasons, making it a unique and cherished establishment in the local community:

Artisanal Craftsmanship: Pastries by Anne prides itself on its commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. As the owner and Pastry Chef, I bring my experience and passion to every creation. Each pastry is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring a level of quality and authenticity that sets them apart from mass-produced alternatives.

Unique Flavor Combinations: The bakery is renowned for its creative and unique flavor combinations. I regularly experiment
with ingredients and presents a diverse menu of pastries that can satisfy a wide range of tastes. Customers can expect delightful surprises with each visit, as the menu evolves with the seasons and my culinary inspiration.

Fresh and Locally-Sourced Ingredients: Pastries by Anne prioritizes the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The emphasis on quality and sustainability not only results in better-tasting pastries but also supports local businesses, contributing to the community’s overall well-being.

Personalized Service: We provide a level of personalized service that is rare to find in larger, commercial bakeries. We take the time to engage with customers, understand their preferences, and offer recommendations based on individual tastes. This personal touch creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that customers truly appreciate.

Customization and Special Orders: Pastries by Anne goes above and beyond by offering customization and special orders. Whether it’s a unique cake design for a special occasion, dietary preferences, or specific flavor requests, I am accommodating and willing to work closely with customers to bring their ideas to life.

Community Engagement: Our Bakery is deeply connected to the local community. I often participates in local events, collaborates with nearby businesses, and supports community initiatives. The sense of community and neighborly support is palpable, making Pastries by Anne not just a bakery but an integral part of the neighborhood.

Attention to Dietary Restrictions: Pastries by Anne understands the diverse dietary needs of its customers. We offer a range of options, including gluten-free, vegan, and low-sugar pastries, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the delectable treats regardless of their dietary restrictions.

Online Presence and Ordering: In addition to our physical store, Pastries by Anne has a strong online presence, making it easy for customers to browse the menu, place orders, and even have their favorite pastries delivered to their doorstep. This convenience sets the bakery apart in a fast-paced world.

In sum, Pastries by Anne distinguishes ourselves from other bakeries in Astoria, through our commitment to artisanal quality, innovative flavors, a strong sense of community, and a dedication to customer satisfaction. The combination of these elements creates an exceptional bakery experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am originally from Bangkok, Thailand. I didn’t grow up baking because we didn’t have an oven. I moved to New York and I did not start baking right the way because I don’t know how to use the oven until my roommate taught me.

After long days at a corporate job, I would come home and bake as a stress reliever. I started baking from boxed mixes and eventually tried scratch recipes. The more I baked, the more I loved it.

When I realized, I might want to pursue baking, I didn’t think anyone would hire me. My boyfriend Dennis encouraged me to bake professionally and even enrolled me in a Sweet Bread Class at the Institute of Culinary Education. With his support, I signed up for the eight-month baking course. I worked all week at my corporate job, baked at night, and took classes on the weekends.

To complete Pastry Chef certification, I also had an externship added to my already-busy schedule at Daniel, a Michelin Star Restaurant, working nights after work. After completing the program, I continued to work night shifts and weekends as a pastry cook/baker at Locanda Verde. During the pandemic, I made and sold some of my baked goods online. Then, I decided to open my own bakery, and Dennis found an ideal storefront in Astoria where he lives.

Pastries by Anne, an artisanal bakery where everything is made from scratch and where flavor and texture, not sugar, are the main ingredients. Dessert is a luxury, a sweet indulgence that transforms an ordinary moment into an extraordinary one. I understand the magic that a delectable pastry can bring to your day, and I want my customers to relish every bite while feeling absolutely pampered.

Our pastries are more than just delicious treats; they are crafted with love and precision to create a moment of pure bliss. We take immense pride in our creations, ensuring that each bite is an exquisite experience that lingers on your taste buds, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment and contentment.

I want our customer to savor the moment, to escape from the hustle and bustle of your daily life, and to savor the deliciousness of our pastries. With every pastry we create, we aim to make our customers feel special, cherished, and, most importantly, happy. We believe that life is made better with a touch of sweetness, and we are here to provide you with a taste of luxury that makes your day just a little brighter.

So, when you enjoy a pastry from Pastries by Anne, know that it’s not just a dessert; it’s an invitation to experience a moment of sheer delight and luxury. We’re here to make your day a little sweeter, a little more special, and a lot more indulgent.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Pastries by Anne has built a reputation within the market through a combination of exceptional qualities and practices that have earned the trust and admiration of its customers. Here’s how the bakery has solidified our standing in the market. Our commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and unwavering passion for baking are evident in every pastry created. The meticulous attention to detail and the consistent pursuit of excellence have made Pastries by Anne synonymous with quality and creativity.

We consistently introduces unique and innovative flavor combinations. This creativity not only keeps loyal customers excited and returning for more but also attracts new patrons seeking a fresh and delightful experience. Pastries by Anne actively participates in community events, collaborates with local businesses, and supports neighborhood initiatives. This community involvement not only contributes to a sense of trust and belonging but also attracts customers who appreciate such local engagement.

We offer a diverse range of pastries, including options for those with dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegan, and low-sugar pastries. This inclusivity has expanded its customer base, catering to a wider audience and ensuring that there’s something for everyone. We maintain a consistent level of quality, ensuring that customers receive the same delightful experience with each visit. This reliability and dedication to quality have established a strong sense of trust in the brand.

Positive word-of-mouth and glowing reviews from satisfied customers have played a pivotal role in establishing our reputation. People are eager to share their positive experiences, attracting new patrons through organic marketing. My willingness to work closely with customers on special orders and customizations shows a genuine commitment to exceeding customer expectations, creating a reputation for going above and beyond.

In summary, Pastries by Anne has forged a remarkable reputation within the market by combining the elements of quality, innovation, community involvement, and outstanding customer service. This dedication to excellence has led to a loyal customer base and a highly regarded position in the market.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Enrolling in Culinary School to become a pastry chef was not just a change of career; it was a change of life. It was a decision that allowed me to embrace my deepest passion, express my creativity. This path was destined to be challenging, demanding long hours of practice, precision, and an unwavering commitment to perfection. However, with each pastry I created, every moment I spent perfecting my skills, and each lesson learned, my passion for the world of pastries grew stronger.

Enrolling in Culinary School was not just about a career change; it was a profound shift towards a life filled with creativity, flavor, and the joy of sharing beautiful, delicious creations with others. It was about embarking on a journey that would take me from my past career to a future in which I would follow my heart’s true calling.

In the midst of a particularly demanding phase in my life, I embarked on a work schedule that tested my endurance and commitment. It was a period when my determination was put to the ultimate test, as I juggled a full-time job and additionalnight shift and weekend work at a restaurant.

My workday started promptly at 8:00 AM, five days a week. I would wake up with the sun, ready to face the challenges of the day ahead. My weekdays were a whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and tasks, with barely a moment to catch my breath. The clock would strike 4:30 PM, signaling the end of my regular workday, but for me, it was just the beginning of a new chapter.

I would leave my daytime job and head to the train station. Arriving at my sThe restaurant before 5:00 PM, I would work until 1:00 AM, knowing that a full day of work awaited me in the morning. Those nights were grueling, marked by a blend of fatigue and determination.
The weekends brought a new challenge. On my day off from my primary job, I would willingly take up an eight-hour shift from 4:00 PM to midnight. It was a relentless schedule, but I understood that sacrifices had to be made to achieve my goals.

As the weeks turned into months, I felt a rollercoaster of emotions. Fatigue would often set in, but so would a sense of accomplishment. It was a chapter in my life that tested my limits and taught me that perseverance and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements.

In retrospect, my experience of working from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and then taking the train to work from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM for five days a week, with an additional eight-hour shift on the weekend, was a transformative journey that shaped who I am today and forged my resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pastriesbyanne.com
• Instagram: @pastriesbyanne @fortheloveofanne
• Facebook: Pastriesbyanne

Image Credits
Picture of myself taken by Andy Kopa