Today we’d like to introduce you to JaQuay Copeland.
Hi JaQuay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sweets were always a must-have for me, but it wasn’t until I reached my early thirties that my interest in creating original desserts compounded, which ultimately led to the launch of my first pastry brand, SweetSway.
In 2023, I began working as a Kitchen Assistant at a soup kitchen in Atlanta, where I was exposed to the structure and demands of a commercial kitchen. To my surprise, within a month, I was promoted to Kitchen Peer Leader and entrusted with overseeing daily operations in the absence of trained chefs. I helped train new staff, orchestrate smooth dinner services for the women in the shelter, and more. The role felt aligned by God, especially since I had prayed two years earlier for the opportunity to open a soup kitchen one day.
Later that year, I developed a strong desire to learn pastry. I immersed myself in books, watched culinary shows, and explored YouTube pastry tutorials. I realized that pastry combined my love for art, science, and desserts in a way I had never experienced before.
At the beginning of 2024, God instructed me to apply for pastry positions in Atlanta. Wanting to learn from the best, I applied to a Michelin-starred restaurant and was hired under Executive Pastry Chef, Stephen Huang. The learning curve was steep, but his mentorship has been invaluable.
I began brainstorming pastry brand ideas shortly after, and now SweetSway is here!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My pastry journey has definitely had its challenges. Coming from an artistic background, I’m so accustomed to improvising and following my instincts. But in the world of high pastry, creativity must work in unison with science, precision, and a solid understanding of foundational techniques. Learning to bring structure to my creativity has been one of the most challenging but rewarding parts of the journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in designing miniature, gourmet desserts that help professionals nurture their relationships in the workplace. Each dessert is created not only to taste good, but also to make people feel something; they’re made to be an experience.
I’ve noticed how work environments can feel uninspired and demoralizing at times. During my conceptualization process, I thought it’d be fitting to use pastries to help uplift those who may feel stressed, unseen, or undervalued. The pastries are designed and delivered as upscale gifts to reflect thoughtfulness, elevate the gesture of giving, and help create memorable experiences.
My background as a visual artist influences everything I create. I approach dessert design the way I approach a canvas, with intention, whimsy, and detail.
I’m proud of the journey behind SweetSway. It’s been fraught with adversity, but I haven’t quit. With God’s guidance, in less than a year, I found myself working in one of Atlanta’s top kitchens, and now I’m building a pastry brand from the ground up. That growth means everything to me.
Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to whatever God has in store for me! In my experience, being patient and obeying God’s leading has led to success in key areas. It has led me to opportunities and wisdom I couldn’t have found on my own. “There’s a Bible scripture that says, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” I plan to continue living by that principle.
Empathy, sincerity, and kindness seem to be so undervalued in today’s society, so I want to continue doing my best to exemplify these Christ-like qualities. I plan to display them by holistically caring for customers, clients, collaborators, and anyone who comes in contact with my brand. I want SweetSway to focus on more than profits, I want it to help serve people in as many uplifting ways as possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetswaypastries.com
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jaquay-copeland
