I am a third-generation chef from Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Here is my story.

Honduras - 1959: One cake started it all.

Everything began with my grandmother, Maria Teresa Lupiac, a driven and hugely talented lady who became a widow at 43. She started her bakery in Honduras in 1959 as a way to make a living to support her three teenage children. She started baking one cake and selling it by the slice. People went crazy over her food and its quality. During a span of 50 years, my grandmother built the most prestigious pastry shop, El Hogar, in the capital city. She became famous for her innovative products and unparalleled quality.

Honduras - 1970s: Paving the way for growth.

My mother, Juliana Pineda Lupiac, a fearless visionary whose commonsensical approach to business is nothing short of genius, joined the pastry shop in the late 70’s. My mom brought structure to the business and paved the way for growth. She helped to open the second store, and then a third, and a fourth and a fifth.

Honduras - 1970s – early 1980s: Building the foundation for new paths.

As a kid I would “play” in the shop—decorating cakes, helping in the production of pastries, assisting customers at the front, taking inventory at the end of the night, working the cash register during summer vacation. Little did I know that while I “played,” my mom and grandmom were instilling a worth ethic in me that would stay with me forever; an ethic of uncompromising values.

Honduras - 1986: Working toward a dream.

In 1986, after I expressed interest in studying cooking, my mom and grandmom picked The Restaurant School in Philadelphia for me to get my education in classical French cooking. My dream was to continue with my family’s legacy. Since I wasn’t going back to Honduras, I would have to do it here in Philadelphia, but first I needed to get the best chef training possible.

Philadelphia - 1987 - 2013: Crossroads.

I apprenticed at the Four Seasons Hotel's kitchen under Chef Jean Marie Lacroix, where I stayed for 10 years. I worked all the stations, eight years in the main kitchen and two years in the pastry shop. After this time, I had gained the skills I needed to go for a management position. I was also at a ripe age to have children. Aware of the incompatibility between the restaurant world and motherhood, I had to make a choice. My husband and I agreed we wanted children and I wanted to stay home to raise them. For the time being, I put the dream in the back burner.

Philadelphia - 2013 - 2019 Reclaiming the dream.

My children are grown. I am reclaiming my dream.

With the help and support of family and close friends, I worked on making Chúgar Bakery the venue to immortalize my mother and grandmother and make a name for our family.

Following in the footsteps of the last two generations, I involved the fourth generation in the building of Chúgar Bakery so they can continue with this incredible legacy.

2019 - Present day.

My experience as an entrepreneur was exciting—with many ups and downs. I acquired critical skills and learned important lessons. I cultivated relationships with passionate entrepreneurs who inspired and motivated me daily. Unfortunately, running my own business didn't offer me the stability I need at this stage in my life.

In the beginning of 2019, I learned the new Four Seasons would open in the summer. I jumped at the opportunity and joined the pastry team at the new Four Seasons Hotel at the Comcast Technology Center, which opened in June 2019. I am excited to return to a company that cultivates talent and incentivizes creativity.