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

Hi Cristina , thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Starting a bakery in the middle of a pandemic was undoubtedly one of the riskiest decisions I’ve ever made. It was 2021 and while the world seemed to be closing down, I chose to open up, launching Beyond Pastry Studio in downtown. I felt a deep conviction that there was a room for something comforting, something familiar and a space where people could connect over quality baked goods. Not just a bakery, but a place that brought a little joy to the community, especially during such uncertain times.

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 Cristina, the owner of Beyond Pastry Studio, a bakery I started in downtown during the height of the pandemic. My journey into this business has always been driven by a love for baking and the sense of connection that comes with sharing my work. I’ve always believed that food, can bring people together. That belief became even more important in 2020 when the world felt so disconnected.

Opening Beyond Pastry Studio was a leap of faith, but it was also the culmination of years of dreaming about creating a space that’s not just about selling baked goods, but about offering an experience and highlighting my heritage as a Filipino. My goal has always been to make people feel welcome and at home, whether they’re grabbing some baked goods or celebrating a special moment with our treats.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience is such a big part of being a pastry chef. The long hours, the physical demands, and the tight margins can really push you to your limits. But what keeps me going is the mindset of showing up every day with the goal to improve and persist.

In this industry, especially with the challenges of being in Hawaii, you quickly learn that resilience is about adapting, solving problems as they come, and always striving to be better than you were the day before. It’s a constant push, but it’s what helps us grow stronger.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what really helped build our reputation at Beyond Pastry Studio is staying true to our core values. The quality and value of what we offer are non-negotiable, but what sets us apart is how we’ve embraced our identity as a Filipino-inspired bakery. By showcasing flavors and ingredients rooted in my heritage, we create something both unique and deeply personal.

People resonate with authenticity, and I’ve found that staying true to who we are not just following trends has really helped us stand out in a competitive market. We’re not just selling pastries, we’re sharing a piece of our story

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beyondpastrystudio.com
• Instagram: @beyondpastrystudio
• Yelp: Beyond Pastry Studio