We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bailey Dejonge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bailey below.
Alright, Bailey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
After graduating college I pursued a career in the field of my degree, About a year or two into working full-time, I found myself looking around and not feeling inspired. There wasn’t anyone around me who’s job I wanted, I felt no desire to push to the next level or climb the corporate ladder. After some serious self reflection, I discovered that I was in the wrong room.
During this time, I met my now boyfriend, David, who had found a way to create a career out of his passion. It was the first thing that attracted me to him and what has always inspired me in our relationship. I wanted to feel just like he did every day: waking up with a clear purpose and drive.
After a few months of soul searching and asking myself a lot of hard questions, I decided to spend my free time pursuing my passion and purpose in life: to create food that brings joy and connection.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Bailey DeJonge, I am a self-taught baker and content creator living in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating college and pursuing a career in a field I very quickly realized I did not feel fulfilled in, I decided to spend my free time pursuing my passion and purpose in life: to create food that brings joy and connection.
When we think of some of our fondest memories in life, there is always food involved, one way or another. It is the cornerstone to conversations, how we bond with friends and loved ones, it is how we experience new cultures, and how we celebrate all of life’s special moments. For these reasons, I have always been astonished by how closely food is related to our memories.
Truly nothing makes me happier than baking something that brings joy and connection to people. That is why I created Baking Bai, a social media page and blog where I post recipes and food content that aims to inspire our every day lives. My dream is to one day open a bakery, where I can bring a smile and connection to people on a daily basis.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A huge hurdle that I had to overcome and learn for myself is that it truly is never too late to start something new or chose a different path for yourself. For around two years I kept telling myself that I couldn’t pursue a career baking because I was already established with a career, had college debt and couldn’t go back to school at the point I was at in life. We often put ourselves in these boxes, but in order to be a creative or an entrepreneur, you have to think outside the box. I had to figure out how I could pursue a career in baking while working a full-time job and paying off my student loans. That is what led me to social media, it was an opportunity to pursue my dreams while maintaing the life I had built.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Yes! I am a big believer in what and who you surround yourself with is who you become. I am a huge fan of Simon Sineck, his podcast always inspire me. A few books that have inspired and motivated me are: No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Erin Meyer and Reed Hastings , Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, and The French Ingredient by Jane Bertch.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bakingbai.com
- Instagram: @bakingbai
