Neighborhood

Spotlight Series:

Justine Hernandez

Just What I Kneaded

Hello Neighbor!

I have many fond memories growing up (pre-kindergarten) and lying on the carpet in front of the TV in my childhood home, my unicorn (“Uni”) in one hand and an apple juice in the other, watching Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood as my mom was in the kitchen either cooking or tidying up the house and my sister was at school. I LOVED everything about that show. Being that I was a very hyperactive kid there was always a certain calm that came over me while watching it. I loved how Mr. Rogers would get frequent visits from the postman and other folks in his neighborhood. At a young age this small detail instilled in me the belief that being part of a strong community is so important.

Flash forward to today, we are now lucky enough to have our office in sunny Los Angeles, which is such a treat! There’s so much talent bubbling in our own close-knit neighborhood, and in the spirit of Mr. Rogers’ spotlighting everyday standouts I thought it would be fun to introduce you to some of the friends in our Los Angeles neighborhood and give you a peek inside their creative worlds. We hope you are as inspired by these incredible women as we are!

-Laura ODell

1. Tell us a little about yourself. When did you start baking? Did you always know you wanted to own a vegan cafe?

Well my name is Justine Hernandez and I grew up in Los Angeles. I've always loved baking for and with my family, but it was never a career in my mind. I had a long list of things I thought I wanted to do and pursue including a fashion designer in New York and a painter in Vermont (is that even a job?). I stumbled upon baking after taking a few semi professional classes at The New School of cooking in Culver City. I became obsessed with figuring out how to make "normal" baked goods vegan and how to nail the texture. I have always been drawn to health and activism and said to myself "if I ever open up a restaurant or bakery it's going to be vegan. It's important that I own a business that supports the mitigation of climate change, the end of animal cruelty and the health and wellness of our community."

2. If you could open another Just What I Kneaded anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Wow, what a great question. Dream of dreams take us to Santorini! Realistically I can see us in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or northern California or even Orkas island because i've always wanted to live there.

 If you're in LA be sure to stop by their Frogtown location!

IG: @justwhatikneaded.la