The Insider: Alumna bikes baked goods through city

Kelly Jacques is a 2010 Tulane graduate and owner of the Bikery, a bicycle-delivered bakery service. After being in business for just more than a year, Kelly opens up to The Insider about how she thought of the idea and where she got the baking bug.

Insider: When did you first think of this idea?

Kelly: After I graduated, the imaginary walls around me fell down and I realized that I could choose to do literally anything with my time. Baking was one thing that I had remained passionate about since I was in high school. It just seemed like the logical next step. My friends and I had also developed a love of biking throughout the city, so biking naturally became an element of the business idea.

Insider: Where did you obtain your baking skills?

Kelly: In ninth grade, we had to do a job-shadowing project for a day, and my mom suggested that I call up a local bakery in my hometown of Annapolis, Md. I went in and loved every minute of it. They taught me how to decorate cakes and make countless doughs and batters.

Insider: What made you stay in New Orleans after graduating?

Kelly: I chose to stay in New Orleans because I felt that I still had so much more to learn and experience here.

Insider: Your website says you've done a few wedding cakes for friends and relatives, but are you planning to expand this area of your menu?

Kelly: I've recently learned more about bread baking and pastry work, but I realize it would be hard to bike a crème brulee through the city. My knowledge of baking is deepening and I am definitely considering opening up a full-service bakery someday in the future.

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