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

Jessie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was little, my grandmother, father, or aunt would teach me how to draw certain things, mostly animals. As we lived in the Philippines, surrounded by animals, it was the perfect environment to build my skill with art. Being in a family with creative visual artists and cooks, I naturally fell in love with creativity and its possibilities. I remember watching Disney’s Hercules for the first time and feeling fully immersed in the colors, art, music, and story. I definitely did not articulate the possibility of being a visual creator or storyteller at that age but I certainly felt the importance of that moment. The importance of how visual art can make you feel.

In elementary school, I would sketch in a small notebook with a ballpoint pen and kids around me would start to notice and ask if I can draw on their hands. It was then that I realized how art can evoke emotion within another, not just myself. How it can make someone happy, feel inspired, or simply bring connection. Kids would start to line up, one asked if they can exchange a quarter for a pen “tattoo”, and I figured, why not? That was the moment I realized I wanted to pursue a creative career.

When my eldest brother passed away, I found a deeper connection with art as it allowed me to express myself. I became a freelance artist during college and through the years I’ve been inspired to create art that emulates everlasting memories, stories, or positivity.

Jessie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! My name is Jessie and I am a multi-media artist and baker. I create paintings, illustrations, and own a business called Macaron Art where I provide hand-painted macarons.

I have been creating portraits, and paintings ever since I started college to provide a little extra income. During my late years of college, we would have class events where students were allowed to bring dishes from home, someone mentioned French macarons and I thought why not? It’s just a cookie, I can give it a try! Not knowing the intricacy and skill it would take to create a macaron… I quickly felt all the challenges within the process. I felt inclined to master it. Through trial and error, I quickly realized that a macaron shell was just another canvas when saw another bakery called “Honey and Butter” create macaron characters.
After I graduated, I continued to create art as a side business and create macarons for only friends and family. When the pandemic hit, I was laid off from my corporate job and that is when decided to take the risk and create an art and bakery business! I’ve been making macarons for almost 9 years now and can’t get enough.

I provide custom art services and custom macarons for any occasion. I hand-paint each macaron to either celebrate a loved one with a portrait cake or a set with a theme that can provide a totally unique immersive experience within that fantastic world.
My goal is to create an experience that can help people achieve that sense of positivity, wonder, adventure, and most importantly connection through my macarons. My macarons are made to remind you that each moment is special.

I believe I set myself apart from others because I focus on the connection with a customer and provide an artistic touch with flavors. I love to provide a wide range of flavor profiles within a macaron. I grew up baking alongside my grandmother in her kitchen and learned the importance of food science and balance of flavor.

My grandmother was a baker and a cook. She dedicated part of her life to studying food chemistry which taught her how to find what is unique in dishes and later wrote her own cookbook. Inspired by her, I create flavors that embody different cultures and even different desserts! I love incorporating every element of a flavor down to its ingredients and textures. For example, I create flavors like Halo-Halo, German’s chocolate cake, Tiramisu, Banoffee pie, and many more! I love how they’re so versatile and can be filled with so many recipes.

I am extremely proud of how far I’ve come. I’m proud of how many people I have connected with and the impact I have made throughout my business. Lastly, I am proud of how much my skill has grown. These macarons are more than just a delicious treat—they’re works of art. My macarons are handcrafted with extreme attention to detail, and I want each one to be a work of art that reflects the love and dedication that goes into it.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Throughout my journey as an artist and entrepreneur, I want to encourage people to treasure moments and authenticity through creative expression. I want to shine a light on how mental health becomes a huge part of creatives’ lives. Inspire others to be your most authentic self through their own creative expression, not anyone else’s.

Whether you are a painter, singer, photographer, or baker, I want to create a safe space for you and offer workshops covering self-discovery, growth in mindset, and creative entrepreneurship. My ultimate goal is to build a warehouse that has a cafe, a welcoming space to learn, create, and a place fully supports creatives by selling or promoting their work at my location.

I strive to build connections through creativity.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my opinion, the best way to support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem is to fully understand or empathize with someone and their process.

Artists are often misunderstood and undervalued, but I believe that once you truly understand what it takes for them to create their work, it’s hard not to be inspired by their passion and commitment. If you are a friend or family member of a creative, pay full price. Share their work and let people know they exist.

If you are an established business that aligns with an artist’s values, encourage collaborations or carry their work in your store!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.macaronart.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macaronart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacaronArtbyJessie/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Macaronarts
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoF1s4oozFJGPd2YZcOmmsA
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/macaron-art-san-diego
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/Macaronart