Author archives: demitasse

People Of Kennett Square
July 23, 2026 Uncategorized

Meet Tamlyn, owner of new book store, Forage.

Every bookstore has a story. What is the story behind this one? 

I have always loved reading, and after my son was born I even thought about going back to school for my Masters in Library Science. But then, Motherhood took over in the way that it usually does. Last year I woke up one day and thought “I used to have other parts of myself – I used to have hobbies and things to talk about” and the idea of owning my own bookstore was re-born. It’s always been a dream in the back of my mind, but there was something about reclaiming my sense of self that pulled me here, and I’m so glad it did. 

How has reading shaped your life, and are there any books that have had a lasting impact on you? 

Reading is the way I exercise my brain and my heart. I think every book (regardless of genre) has the opportunity to expand your understanding of the world and provide a template for deeper empathy. It is an integral part of who I am and how I learn about the world around me. There are so many books that have impacted me greatly, but the last five years I would say some of the standouts have been Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Long way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers, Betty by Tiffany McDaniel, and most recently The Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson.

If this bookstore had a personality, how would you describe it? 

Oh man, I would hope that it does have a personality – at least that’s always been the goal. Forage is meant to be warm, inviting, curious and open. I hope customers feel that when they walk in – a place that’s serious about literacy but also carries with it some whimsy.

How do you choose the books that fill these shelves? 

My hope is that I have something on the shelf for everyone who walks in. When I’m choosing new books to bring in the store I look at a combination of highly anticipated new releases, independent authors who I’d love to introduce to a new audience, books I personally believe in and am excited about, as well as things locals have told me that they’re excited about. I have certain customers that are regulars that I actively think about while I’m shopping each month’s new releases. I’ll think to myself “Wow I think Barbara would love this” or “Aidan would eat this up” and I make sure to grab a copy for them. I’ve always wanted my customers to see themselves on my shelves, so I keep that in mind as I’m picking new books.

What makes Kennett Square a special place to open a bookstore? 

Kennett Square is a hotbed of book lovers and for the last few years it’s been missing an independent bookstore in town. The space I’ve ended up in had always been one that I’d passed and thought would be an amazing spot for a small bookstore. One day one of my best friends texted me that a “For Lease” sign went in the window and it felt like kismet. The reception was and has continued to be absolutely incredible. I am so grateful for the KSQ community – and I can’t wait to see what else we can do together. This is just the beginning. 

TAGS: interview, kennettsquare, people, PeopleofKSQ, photography, portrait, story

A Garden of Her Own–Carol Carlisle
May 12, 2026 art, artist, Kennett Square, kennettsquare, lifestyle, painter, painting, people, photographer, photography, portrait, powerofawoman, project, Story

When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming?

When I was a child I did not dream of becoming because I already was…what I dreamed about was me being in situations I thought would be simultaneously interesting and exciting….and there were many of those…

What led you do this field or way of working?

For me this is not my field or work…it is play and pleasure…

What keeps calling you back to the human form?

I don’t see in a straight line…I see in abstraction and I feel movement…the human form is great fun exaggerating right down to the big toe.

What emotions tend to surface when you’re creating?

The emotional response varies…just doing a simple drawing can become a psychological drama and encounter…it’s always a surprise!

How do you stay motivated during challeging times?

If I’m not motivated I do something else…

What does a typical day in your life look like right now?

No day is ever the same but everyday in the morning I do movements to music while I drink a mug of coffee with lots of whipped cream…

Who is a woman, from the past or present , that your admire or find inspiring?

I don’t like choosing “one” of anything from so many possibilities but I would have to say my mother who no longer physically exists and faced lots of challenges from me for lots of years. And currently I will say Venus…she is past, present and future and a daunting contemplation…

What advice would you give to women pursuing a creative life today?

I don’t give advice but how will you know unless you try it???


TAGS: #artist, #people#story#writer#interview#kennettsquare#pa, pa, photography, portrait

A Garden of Her Own–Gina Perregrino
January 14, 2026 artist, interview, Kennett Square, kennettsquare, music, Operasinger, people, peopleofksq, photographer, photography, portrait, powerofawoman, project, Story

When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming?

I have always dreamt of performing! I wasn’t always sure if I would be a singer or a dancer (I originally wanted to be a background dancer for pop artists), but early on I eventually landed on being a vocalist and I have been singing ever since.

What first drew you to opera, and when did you know it was the path you wanted to follow?

I stumbled upon opera in my early teenage years. Growing up listening primarily to Motown and soul music, opera was completely foreign to me at first. But the more I studied and sang, the more my voice naturally moved in a classical direction. I am of the mindset that most voices can learn to sing multiple styles if you train the mechanism properly, but like people, voices have their own temperaments. Classical singing came to me more naturally than any other style—it just felt right.

After training formally for a while, I discovered my connection to opera was ancestral. My great-grandfather, who immigrated from Italy, loved opera and listened to the Met broadcast religiously every Saturday morning, so when I made my debut and became part of a broadcast myself, it felt like coming full circle.

Were there pivotal moments or mentors who shaped your journey as a singer?

Absolutely! I’ve had a few mentors who shaped my path so profoundly that I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. My first musical mentor came into my life when I was 12 years old, and I was fortunate that each mentor who followed appeared at just the right moment throughout my development. They were spaced a few years apart, perfectly timed, like passing a baton from one to the next. Looking back, I think what I miss most about being younger is having that many mentors and that level of support around you as you’re coming up. Once you’re more established in the field, it’s a different kind of journey.

What has been the most meaningful role or performance in your career, and why?

I have favorite roles and favorite composers, but two experiences stand out—both rooted in music that have international influences and that are outside of the standard operatic canon.

The first was A Thousand Splendid Suns at Seattle Opera, written by composer and now dear friend Sheila Silver, based on Khaled Hosseini’s novel. The story is profound on its own, but coupled with Sheila’s music, it jumped off the page. Indian music is wildly complicated – it was also quite possibly some of the most difficult music I’ve ever learned. The opera is set in Afghanistan, so the score incorporated Indian ragas with a traditional tabla player joining our Western classical orchestra. Even more amazing was that it was an entirely woman-led team, with our director being Roya Sadat, an Afghan film director who fled the Taliban herself. The entire experience was incredible.My other obvious top experience was Ainadamar at the Met last year, which was intertwined with the story of Federico García Lorca in Spain and featured music heavily influenced by flamenco. I was in a role that combined two passions of mine: song and dance. It was absolutely exhilarating.

You’re also a teaching artist. What do you hope to pass on to your students, and what do they give back to you in return?

I love my students! My studio ranges from ages 9 to 92, with students from all different musical backgrounds. What I hope to pass on is a sense of creative autonomy—that they are the creators. I have clear teaching goals, but this isn’t school where they’re told what to do. We reach the same destination through very different paths, and each student’s passions dictate how we get there. That’s what being an artist is really like—we thrive when we lean into what calls us on a soul level, which is different for everyone.Additionally, when I was young, I had to venture outside my circles to find a teacher who could prepare me for the level I wanted to reach. We eventually found her, but it meant driving 1.5 to 2 hours each way every week. When I started my studio, I wanted to be that one-stop spot for people so they wouldn’t have to search as far as I did.My students give me so much—they remind me to stay flexible, to be present, to cultivate what brings us joy. They make me laugh, they let me into their lives weekly, they trust me to prepare their performances. The list is endless. I’m just honored to play a small part in their musical journey.

Beyond singing, you’re a writer and speaker. How do these parts of your work connect with your music?

Most of my writing and lecturing is deeply rooted in my experience as a performer. I wrote an article for the Huffington Post about a poignant experience overseas that changed my perspective on performing, and when I’m asked to speak or lecture, it’s usually for performers. One of my favorite workshops to teach is one that is a collaboration with a social worker from Penn Medicine called Stage Ready, about performance anxiety and how it affects us on and off stage. That class, as you can imagine, is usually full… Managing nervous system stress is one of the most challenging parts of being a performer.

What advice would you give to women pursuing a creative life today? 

Children learn from mirroring, and there is a little girl out there who needs to know she’s free to be herself. 


Who is a woman, from the past or present, that you admire or find inspiring?

My favorite artist of all time across all genres is Chavela Vargas, a ranchera singer. She was so defiant and authentic in a time period that found everything about her blasphemous. Ranchera is a genre in Mexico that was traditionally only sung by men—until she came along. Her sound is visceral and imperfect, and I find her authenticity and wildness inspiring. 

You can check Gina’s website here: https://ginaperregrino.com/


TAGS: artist, interview, kennettsquare, pa, people, PeopleofKSQ, photography, portrait, story

A garden of her own –Jane Norley
September 22, 2025 art, artist, Fashion, home, interior design, interview, Kennett Square, kennettsquare, lifestyle, photography, portrait, project, Story

When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming?

I knew from my earliest years, I would pursue a lifestyle devoted to aesthetics. I grew up in the South, surrounded by interesting art, antiques, well-appointed interiors, beautiful gardens and women who “dressed”.

As a child, I spent summers at my grandfather’s architectural firm, learning to draft and arranging tile and stained glass samples. My grandparents designed and built a beautiful Southern home which included a garden for my grandmother’s prize-winning roses and camellias. Feeling peace and contentment in my surroundings there was a reassurance I embraced early on. It fostered a natural inclination to develop the skills to help others turn their environments into a clear reflection of their own choices.

How would you describe your personal style, both in design and clothing?

My own style has evolved directly from growing up during the 60s and 70s. As traditional as Southern culture is, many of our family friends were artists and designers, and my exposure to unconventional interiors and artsy personal style caught my attention instantly. It was a time when women wore gloves to cocktail parties, which quickly gave way to miniskirts, patent leather boots and paper dresses. In a similar way, my own style in both interiors and wardrobe, is anchored by traditional tenants, but punctuated with vibrant colors and unexpected happenstances. In design, I champion preserving historic structures over new construction. Naturally, I design interiors with heirlooms, vintage pieces and interesting “found” treasures. Ihave a talent for utilizing furnishings one already owns in new and inventive ways. I have an innate skill for building color stories in both interiors and fashion. I feel an interior and a wardrobe should be a natural outcropping of one’s own story. It’s an opportunity to nurture howyou are within yourself into a portrait of your lifestyle. I think of my own style as a relaxed but intentional assemblage, with a few guiderails to keep cheeky collecting from dipping into chaos…

How do you balance functionality with aesthetics in your work?

My background is in architectural space planning and construction, so function has always been a driver in my design process. I spent the first 15 years of my interior design career in Los Angeles designing commercial spaces- restaurants, film industry spaces, restaurants and corporate offices. This was key to establishing the relational skill set between function and aesthetics. Commercial spaces have safety codes and practical applications to business workflows that must be followed. Massaging a floorplan into an aesthetically pleasing design is the creative and sensory aspect. It’s how my left and right brain work together.

Your garden is such a beautiful reflection of your style—how do you approach designing outdoor spaces differently from indoor spaces?


The design approach to a garden is not a lot different from interiors, although outdoor spaces are a lot harder to control! As with an interior, you first establish how you want a garden space to feel. You may also wish to enjoy it from a specific vantage point or long view. It’s the practical parameters that can differ- sunlight, water, (rain, bugs!), accessibility, seasonal shifts, maintenance. I think of each space around our own property as outdoor “rooms” and work to shift them into that end use. It’s always a work in progress because nature will change things on a whim.

Do your clothing choices and design projects influence each other? If so, how?

I’ve had clients ask me more than once if the color palette I was wearing during a presentation
was meant to influence their final design decision. It likely was meant to do exactly that…

What draws you to vintage pieces, and how do you incorporate them into yourstyle?

Vintage pieces represent romance, craftmanship and chapters of my life. Quality materials, worn-in, color-drenched fabrics, patterns and textures, both in clothing and interiors are what resonate with me. I’ve collected vintage clothing and furniture since I was a young teenager. My everyday wardrobe spans the 1920s-1990s. There’s not a day that passes when I’m not wearing something vintage. Over time, I’ve inherited unique wardrobe pieces, antiques, interesting artwork, and funny collectibles which hold a great deal of meaning to me. Incorporating those items into my own style has built a rich foundation to carry my life forward. The language of interesting things feeds my soul. I find vintage objects, be it clothing or furnishings, have a “quiet knowing” which suits me perfectly.


What advice would you give to someone who wants to develop their own sense of design and personal style?

Cultivate, strengthen, and listen to your inner voice.

Who is a woman, from the past or present, that you admire or find inspiring?

I truly find every woman who walks the face of this earth inspiring. Women are beautiful, multifaceted, complex, so many things…

I have to say my mother and grandmother both demonstrated how to evolve gracefully through their nine decades of life. They were strong, glamourous, fiercely independent women who forged their own way to express creativity and beauty in their world. My grandmother was among the early graduates of the New York School of Interior Decoration in the 1930s and one of the first women to practice interior design professionally. My mother, an accomplished, professional chef and designer herself, was forever at the forefront of the culinary and decorative arts. It was she who quickly dropped her cocktail gloves in favor of paper dresses and later, a chef’s hat…

I also find my daughter admirable. Her commitment to kindness, self-reliance and a centered connection to her inner self is a light in today’s world.

You can find Jane on Instagram at @designcourtesan and @lunar.meadows.


A garden of her own–Laura Wentzel
March 21, 2025 art, artist, business, interior design, interview, lifestyle, people, photographer, photography, portrait, powerofawoman, project, Story

Meet Laura, an interior photographer and designer.

When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming?

    When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming many things. At different points, I imagined myself as a graphic designer (which I ended up doing!) an animator and writer, and even working in wildlife management, helping to protect and preserve nature. Each of these dreams reflected my curiosity and passion for creativity, storytelling, and the natural world. And, I’m fortunate that in many ways, I’m still engaged in most of these interests in my adult life.

    What inspired you to pursue this particular path?

    After spending 15 years in the graphic design industry, I started to realize just how much of my free time I spent learning about interior design, architecture, and photography. It turns out that the subjects that dominate your bookshelf or Pinterest boards are telling you something.

    I’ve always had a deep interest in space and environment — how people live around the world, the environments they create, and the ways those spaces affect their emotions and interactions.

    I’m the kind of person that tends to embrace opportunities as they come rather than charting out 5- or 10-year plans. When we moved from Arizona to Pennsylvania, a design/build company in my area was hiring an interior designer. We were halfway through our home renovation (which was a complete gut of a 1970 home) and I had taken interior photos of the renovations I had done at our home in Arizona. With these photos as my portfolio, I applied, got the job and took the leap into the world of interior design. 

    After about a year at the company, there came a point when they were in need of a new photographer to photograph their completed projects for social media and marketing. Given my love and experience for photography—especially capturing my own home and life—I offered to take the photos. That moment sparked my career in interior photography, which I’ve come to love just as much as interior design.

    To sum this all up, I’ve learned over the years to take my interest seriously and not be afraid to put myself out there and try. It is hard to do, but in my experience these leaps have paid off.

    What tool, object, or ritual is essential to your workday?

    With two young kids and a number of active work projects underway at any given time, my workday is never the same routine. One ritual that I love is making an afternoon espresso (and usually chocolate!) at home. It makes me pause from my busy workday and appreciate simple pleasures. 

    What’s the most valuable piece of advice you received when starting your journey?

    “You can do it” is one of the most basic and obvious pieces of advice I’ve been given, but it can also be the hardest to believe. It was especially hard for me to believe as I switched careers after having kids. But having someone tell you that you have all of the tools and capabilities to achieve what you are looking for is so valuable and really, so true. 

    What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?

      Seeing my interior designs come to life in real spaces is truly mind-blowing. It’s especially remarkable since I’m not the one handling the installation. I find myself just as amazed as the clients when I see everything that has started in my mind come together in the real world.

      With photography, there’s a unique moment when the shot is perfectly set up, and I look through the viewfinder, knowing it’s going to be beautiful because the composition and lighting are hitting just right. In that instant, I feel a rush of joy and a deep sense of relief—it’s incredibly rewarding to capture that moment.

      Can you share an example of a mistake that turned into a valuable lesson or a stepping stone to success?

        I make mistakes pretty much every day! What I’ve learned is to reframe mistakes as just an inevitable part of learning by doing. Mistakes are stepping stones to improvement, knowing that with each one, I become more proficient and confident in my work. Also, when you make a mistake and survive it you realize that you’re more resilient than you may think. 

        I know that not naming a mistake may seem like a cop-out of an answer, but actually I think remembering what we learn from mistakes is more important than remembering or dwelling on what the mistake was.

        How do you stay motivated during challenging times?

          I read once that design is inherently a hopeful practice. The act of creating something new is a belief that what you’re making will improve the future. Think about something as mundane as renovating a room in your house. When you’re redesigning, you’re actually saying, “This present situation can be improved. This space will be better through this work.” That’s optimistic and hopeful. When you’re taking a photo, you’re really saying about the thing with photography, “This thing is worth preserving. This can be inspiring to others.” 

          When you look at design and photography this way, you realize that even in challenging or even dark times, there’s things around you that can be improved for the future and at the same time, there’s beauty around you that’s worth appreciating and preserving. That motivates me to keep creating. 

          Who is a woman, from the past or present, that you admire or find inspiring?

            Leslie Williamson is a photographer and author who has carved her own path, creating projects that reflect her own unique passions. She seamlessly blends photography, design, interiors, writing, and travel to tell stories. She goes beyond simply capturing beautiful spaces; she documents the lives and narratives of the people who inhabit them, weaving their stories into her photography and writing. 

            Her work inspires me because it shows that we don’t have to conform to predefined job roles. Instead, we have the power to design our own careers and lives by merging our passions into something meaningful—both for society and for ourselves.

            You can check Laura’s website here: https://laura-wentzel.com/

            The Artist–Katee Boyle
            October 4, 2024 art, artist, interview, portrait, project, sculptor, Story

            When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

            Since Always.

            Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you as an artist?

            I am motivated by the remarkable narratives and concepts of the work created by the Artists’ Louise Bourgeois, Gerard Richter, and Nari Ward.

            The collective day to day push and response that I receive from my family, friends, supporters, and collectors to keep going Is really what continues to influence my work.

            Where does your creative process originate?

            My entire work process is an emotional response.

            What was a major influence in your sculptural pursuit?
            The desire to create recognizable forms.

            What project are you working on?
            I am balancing a few projects right now; priming work for exhibit, exploring new materials and collaborations, and completing a series of paintings that have been on the back burner for a couple of years.

            The Artist–Claire Rosen
            October 30, 2023 Uncategorized

            In this blog post, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a talented photographer : Claire Rosen, she is an award-winning artist, whose work resonates with a profound sense of artistry and storytelling.

            How did your upbringing affect you and your creativity? 

            My creativity has its roots in my earliest childhood and the way my mother and father raised my three younger sisters and me.  My created the enabling environment that nurtured and expanded my imagination. We would spend hours at the Museum of Natural History and Metropolitan Museum of Art, celebrate Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter with tea parties, spend evening hours reading well worn Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and go to horticulture sketching classes in a local victorian-era glass greenhouse.  My father instilled an appreciation for the classics and an interest in philosophy, his analytical mind always focused on perfecting what he set to undertake, modeling a strong work ethic and high standards for quality. Though I didn’t know it at the time, I was building an interior vocabulary from these childhood experiences filled with surprise and delight, that later would become the language of my artistic practice. I will be eternally grateful for the gift and privilege of that childhood. 

            Tell us about your first introduction to photography, What drew you into this world?

            I found photography in my early years at Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Photography gave me a voice and outlet for expression beyond what I found in other mediums.

            What does photography mean to you?

            The pursuit of art provides a path to a life enriched with unique personal experiences.  For me, a life in photography has offered the opportunity to constantly learn, meet and connect with interesting people, and explore fascinating places near and far. The process of making my hidden, interior life visible is therapeutic as I engage in a psychological examination of different concepts. Making pictures allows me to explore the world, work out how I feel about it, and find my place within it. Beyond personal experience, I hope to affect viewers – to capture someone else’s imagination and provide an escape from the everyday world—even if momentarily.  I hope to create images that are a window to a whimsical place where anything is possible.

            What 3 words describe your photography style?

            Whimsical, Fantastical, Abundant

            How do you prepare for your projects? Do you picture beforehand in your mind the images you take?

            When preparing for a project I gather inspiration and create extensive mood boards, mind maps, and sketches followed by research and a production plan.  I have outlined my whole workflow in my book, Imaginarium; The Process Behind the Photos. 

            You can check Clarie’s work here: https://claire-rosen.com/

            All photos by Jie Deng in the eye photography

            The Artist–MaryFatimah Weening
            July 24, 2023 Uncategorized

            1. When and how did you start painting? 

            I remember painting, drawing and sculpting with clay from a very young age.  I have a lot of positive memories of exposure to art that feel linked to the eventual path of becoming a painter myself. 

            My mother is very creative and I remember her taking me to classes at Wayne Art Center and the Philadelphia Museum of Art and I would sometimes get lost in the galleries. It was the 80s and kids wandered freely without parental supervision.  I have really good memories of that time, even if most of what I made exploded in the kiln.

            My grandmother also had an incredible sense of design – her father was a gallerist and cultural critic (J.H. de Bois) in the Netherlands and she would take me local Cape Cod art galleries as a kid.  Seeing the beauty of a place expressed through art was just magical and that stayed with me. 

            I remember announcing to her that one day, I would have my own gallery.  (I also told her I would be a marine biologist and a pediatrician.)  She told me, with characteristic Dutch sobering sensibility, that there were already too many art galleries on Cape Cod.

            My first formal oil painting class was at Hampshire College in 2001, but at that time I was also doing a lot of photography working with a medium format camera.  

            I always had a sketchbook of abstract watercolors that I would come back to, but I didn’t start to really explore abstraction with oils until I took at class with Yolanda Sanchez at Penland School of Art in 2015.  That class was a turning point for me.  Yolanda, like me, also worked in healthcare and was also a practicing artist.  

            I began to see that I didn’t have to pursue only one passion.  I could practice acupuncture and painting. 

            I also started to see how the practice of acupuncture and movement of qi (energy) and brushstrokes were in conversation.

            2. What do you think is the most important influence in your painting?

            For me painting is a space of total freedom.  It’s an expression of energetic movement and what as acupuncturists we call the Shen – heart qi – existing in that space beyond thought or the intellect.  Resting in this space during activity is so rare in our current times and that is what really excites me about the painting process.  Even if I tap into that space of consciousness for just a few moments of the painting, that is what feels most vital about the painting process.  

            My wish is to convey that space to the viewer and continue exploring it in my work. It sounds very lofty but I think it shouldn’t be – I think we all have access to consciousness or a state of peace and is vital to cultivate it.  

            3. Do you work from life, photographs or from imagination?

            This varies but is usually a combination of imagination and the natural world.  Light and the drama of light on the landscape is something that continues to interest me.  When working indoors I may work purely from imagination or I might set up a still life of florals to spark the process.  Other times I will paint at the ocean or in my grandparent’s backyard – any part of nature that I feel a personal resonance with or want to convey. 

            4. What is your creative process like?  

            I typically allow a painting to evolve while I am making it and don’t have any set boundaries beyond the canvas when I begin.  I often work outdoors in warmer months, look for places where I feel inspired and set up my easel there.  

            Sometimes I will get an image of part of a painting.  I’ll sketch that out to remember it and come back to it.  I find that when I am spending time in nature (particularly by the ocean) and am emptying myself of the busy-ness of daily life by taking time to meditate, do qi gong, and sometimes journal, an idea for a painting may come.  

            When I’m painting during a busy week and haven’t made the time for much contemplation I just allow myself to explore by choosing a color palette, mixing color and working from there. 

            5. What are you working on right now? 

            Currently I’m working on several pieces – one plein air piece I began at The National Seashore in Eastham, another large abstract floral-inspired piece, and I am starting a new piece inspired by the incredible gardens at Chanticleer. 

            All photos by Jie Deng In The Eye Photography

            (This photo from MaryFatimah’s website)

            The Artist–Samara Weaver
            April 18, 2023 Uncategorized

            1. What do you like most about being an artist? 

            I love creating. I love making something new, and discovering new things through my work. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I have completed a project and the wonder of discovering what the piece will be as I go. 

            2. Which artists influenced you?

            I am terrible with names and facts. There is so much art I like from the old masters to my 4 year olds paintings. Its hard for me to pin point specific artists. I will say my background in architecture is a big factor and I love the design work of Carlo Scarpa (an Italian architect from the 1900’s). 

            3. What is your daily routine when working?

            It depends when I am working on, and if I have a show or fair I am working towards. I work in very different mediums, so a day could be throwing on the wheel, painting swaths of trace paper or spinning yarn, possibly all three. I also have a lot of back-end work necessary to run my business, answering emails, applying to shows, running my website, inventory, meetings ect. 

            4. Where do you get your inspiration from?

            I get a lot of my inspiration from nature, the colors forms and colors in nature are a constant wonder to me. I also am intrigued in our inner worlds, and how I can express that or connect with others through my work. 

            5. What are you working on now? 

            I am currently working on a series called internal landscapes, attempting to document feelings and movements of emotion. I am also preparing for summer and fall shows with my ceramic goods and am in production mode. 

            All photos by Jie Deng In The Eye Photography

            People Of Kennett Square
            August 30, 2021 baking, Kennett Square, kennettsquare, life, lifestyle, people, peopleofksq, photographer, photography, portrait, project

            Meet Hilary, pastry chef.

            How did your passion for baking start?

            For as long as I can remember, I have always been in love with the magic of baking! As a young
            child, I would look up wide-eyed as I watched my grandma create these beautiful pies for our
            birthdays and holiday celebrations. She taught me how to make pie crust by hand, how to
            carefully crimp the edges of the dough, and was always willing to try my new ideas! As I grew
            older, I became more adventurous in my recipe choices and I started to get super excited about
            the chemistry and science of baking. I love how you can start with the same basic ingredients
            but your techniques, temperature, and baking method can yield wildly different results. This
            enthusiasm and fascination led me to pursue an associate’s degree in pastry art in 2014! Once I
            started working as a professional, I was able to truly hone my skills and focus on consistency
            and speed in a large scale production environment. Working in a busy kitchen is an experience
            that I wish everyone could have. It pushes you to develop production speed, fast reflexes,
            discipline, quick communication, and problem solving skills in addition to appreciating the joy of
            hard work and creating amazing food for others. These are life skills that I will always carry with
            me! Over the past few years, my passion for baking has shifted and changed a bit. I still love it
            intensely, but I know that it’s time to chase my next career dream. I left my pastry position at
            Terrain at the end of May and I will be starting graduate school in a couple weeks for digital
            marketing! I’m an avid food photographer as well and I hope to someday combine my visual
            skills with my food knowledge into a successful career.

            Where do you find your inspiration for each of your creations?

            I am inspired by a few things: balanced flavors, varied textures, and aesthetic beauty. My
            favorite desserts usually contain herbal or floral notes! I love using things straight from the
            garden when I can, especially summer fruit. I am often attracted to more rustic styles; I love
            French breakfast pastries and I don’t like anything overly sweet. I’m a pastry chef who doesn’t
            have a big sweet tooth! I’ll take fruit pie over chocolate cake any day. My absolute favorite
            pastry is a fresh “kouign amann.” Imagine croissant dough rolled in sugar (and salt!) before
            being carefully folded and tucked into a metal ring for baking. The result is out of this world! It’s
            both sweet and salty, super flaky, and the sugar on the bottom melts into a crunchy caramel
            layer that dreams are made of. You can visit my friends at the Malvern Buttery to try one
            yourself!

            Is there anyone who’s been a big influence on what you do?

            I had the privilege of working closely with pastry chef Robert Toland for the past five years at
            Terrain in Glen Mills and he’s had a huge influence on what I have accomplished. His menu
            vision and ideas always kept me learning and pushing to expand my own repertoire. He
            introduced me to countless desserts and methods; his drive to try new things opened my eyes
            to flavors, ingredients, and recipes that I never would have reached for! We have both recently
            moved on from our roles at Terrain but I count him among my closest friends and it’s a
            connection that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to work on another project
            together.

            What is your most well used cookbook?

            To be honest, I have a habit of mostly using online resources for recipes. I do have a large
            cookbook collection, but I don’t bake directly from it as often as I should! My most frequently
            used resource is Deb Perelman’s blog smitten kitchen. The recipes are delicious, streamlined,
            and heavily tested; every single thing I’ve made from her site has been amazing! She has a
            wide variety of both savory and sweet recipes, ranging from weeknight dinners, to amazing
            party appetizers, and wedding cake advice. She explains things in simple terms, tries to keep
            dirty dishes to a minimum, and she’s hilarious. Check it out! I will add just a few of my cookbook
            author favorites: Rose Levy Beranbaum for all things pastry, Erin Jeanne McDowell for pies, and
            Yotam Ottolenghi’s Plenty and Plenty More for delicious vegetarian food. I am also a huge fan of
            the New York Times Cooking section — they have excellent savory recipes, fun desserts, and
            great videos!

            How long have you lived in Kennett square? And What do you like most about Kennett
            square?

            I’ve lived here almost all my life! When I was two years old, my parents moved to a family farm
            outside of Kennett. It has truly been an incredible place to grow up. This is where I got my start
            as a professional baker! Dan and Dorothy Boxler of the Country Butcher hired me as their head
            baker in 2013 and I spent a year learning the ins and outs of bakery production, ordering
            ingredients, keeping track of inventory, taking custom cake orders, etc. It was a great place to
            get my start! I adore the warmth and energy of this town. I love Kennett Square for its
            welcoming support network and engaged community; over my lifetime, I have watched this
            place evolve and grow into a vibrant town of extraordinary people and businesses with a strong
            shared identity. After the past year and a half of fear and uncertainty, it’s particularly comforting
            to see Kennett emerging as a thriving community once again.

            TAGS: pastrychef