Meet Aliesha Genevieve

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aliesha Genevieve and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aliesha Genevieve, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Finding a balanced and sustainable lifestyle is one of the most challenging aspects of creating my own business. The business is ever-needy and tends to be all-consuming. I’ve hit the burnout wall several times, even in the past year. When that happens I feel trapped and panicked. I become desperate for everything to stop; the business is full-speed dragging me on my face, like holding the leash to a massive dog chasing a squirrel–no control.

Uhh?? I’m the boss here, so why is my face in the mud? (Am I the worst boss I’ve ever had?)

My process of finding balance has become a daily discipline–wrangling this unruly thing so that it fits my life. I run the business; it does not run me. I work daily to listen to my body and my heart and mind. They make a lot of requests: better nutrition, more sleep, meaningful time with people, outdoor play, etc. I used to despise my being for all its neediness. To be a person is to be super, super needy–that’s just the reality. To be healthy is to work to meet those needs.

And it doesn’t have to be difficult. Big rocks go first–so I’ve identified the *most* important “rocks,” and then fill in everything else as it fits. And I’ve found that when I’ve put the big rocks first–caring for my body and mind–I have surprising capacity for business things. Not to mention sustainable happiness and peace.

It’s not easy. I’ve heard caring for an infant takes over a major portion of one’s life–in some ways an infant small business does the same, but it’s just a season. So I’ve adjusted expectations for this time. For example I maintain a little smaller social circle; I prioritize, depend on, and spend time with mostly just my “inner circle.” I don’t commit to things readily. I protect my energy and peace. It sometimes feels selfish. But this is just where I am at present.

A huge portion of my heart and calendar belongs to my business right now. I keep the supportive people close and love them well. And I always value myself above the business. If the business fails or succeeds, I’ll know I’ve cared for myself and the people close to me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At the core of Genevieve Pastry resonates my deep desire for everyone to experience the extraordinary. I’m easily bored, and thank goodness for that—I’m always experimenting with my recipes and coming up with something different. There’s no reinventing the wheel, but I know I can always create something unexpected. I want the experience of Genevieve Pastry to be like entering a fairytale book—in real life. There’s nostalgia mixed in with the unexpected–and always delight and whimsy. I believe I’ve gotten where I am today because I persist after the extraordinary. It’s exhausting to push for that kind of excellence, but it’s what I’ll always reach for. I take the extra mile as often as I can, because I don’t want there to be anything commonplace about Genevieve Pastry. People are worth the care I put into each cake, baked good, and display.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I always start with Hillsborough–my home and favorite place. When friends come visit, I take them to CupaJoe for a coffee, then we’ll stroll over to Purple Crow Books, and then we’ll walk along the River Walk. Usually we’ll end up at the Wooden Nickel for food and a beer, and of course Yonder for some good live music and a cocktail. In Raleigh, the art museum is always a must. And Iris for some excellent coffee. I make my way to Fount in Morrisville on a regular because of the excellent coffee, gluten free food, and kind staff.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Goodness I could thank dozens and dozens of people for where I am right now! My parents! They allowed me to bake out of their kitchen for eight months as I got my start. My sister Gabriela has been with me in the kitchen since we were six years old. Sevgi, my sweet friend, played a huge role in helping me build confidence. Chef Bob gave me my first job in food service. I wouldn’t have chosen this path without Tyler and Anna Nash allowing me to bake in their lovely cafe. Kristen Hall and Cari taught me practical skills and resilience in the kitchen. Alex, my business coach, continues to encourage and push me to always be better. I am thankful for these AMAZING people!!

Website: https://alieshagenevieve.com/pastry

Instagram: @alieshagenevieve

Facebook: Genevieve Pastry (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561140844663)

Image Credits
Aliesha Genevieve Vinar, Amelia Grace Vinar