The People Project:
Summer Veatch
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | September 18, 2021
Meet Summer Veatch!
Summer is from Hammond, and is the youngest of 3. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and graduated in 2002. She graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a degree in Management and International Business in 2006. She resides in Hammond with her partner, Ryan, and their dog, Boudin, who is an Australian Shepard/Border Collie mix.
We want to thank Summer for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: After graduating college, I worked in Human Relations for a concrete company, but decided I wanted to explore the world! I moved to Toulouse, France, to teach English to elementary students. I lived there for 2 years, and enjoyed all things French, especially pastries. I decided it was time to move back to the states, and lived in New York. I worked in a piano gallery, and have fond memories of the owners. After a while, I wanted to be close to family, so I moved back to New Orleans and worked at Leah's Pralines in the French Quarter. It was there that I fell in love with desserts and pastry-making. I attended Delgado and got certified in Pastry Arts.
I worked in a few restaurants in New Orleans such as Emeril's Delmonico, Nola Restaurant, and Gracious Bakery. In 2018, I decided to move back to Hammond to start Candlestick Bakery, where I work out of a production kitchen at my home. My specialty is viennoiserie, which are the layered type of desserts, like croissants. (You can find her selling her treats at the Hammond Farmers Market or one can special order anytime.)
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: Jacmel Inn, I love how their menu is seasonal and rotates. I always find something new there!
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: When I was about 7 years old, I was at a friend's house, Colby, and her mom created King Cake costumes for us. We had a parade down East Charles Street where we danced down the street. I recently saw photos of us parading!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I love to travel, and I have been to a few places overseas, but there is so much in the United States I haven't visited. I would love to go to the American Southwest. I have never explored over there.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you saw in the theater?
A: Favorite movie is definitely Princess Bride - it has it all! And I remember seeing Jurassic Park in the theater with my Dad 3 times!
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: Be nice to each other. We are all in this together and we all need each other.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I would have loved to see Johnny Cash perform. I would want to hand select who would watch him perform, and we would have our own VIP show and sing together.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: The old Hammond Square Mall. I went to so many birthday parties at Cuco’s! Also, eating at Morrison’s in the mall. They had the best fried chicken, mac and cheese and jello!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: I love Downtown Hammond. How it has grown and continues to grow.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Owning a full service bakery and cafe with Ryan.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I was born at home by a midwife! My mom is a badass!
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Comfort, relaxation
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A housekeeper!
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A: South American/Latin American food. It has to be authentic, good food!
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Listen to music and think!
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: Last gift I gave was a bottle of Prosecco and macaroons from The Whirling Whisk to my friend, Sam. Last gift I received was that Ryan took care of preparing the house for Ida. My birthday falls on the day that Katrina and Ida hit. He also made me my favorite meal he makes - ribs, mac and cheese and garlic green beans.
Q: What are you known for?
A: Croissants
Q: What is your favorite 90’s jam?
A: You Outta Know by Alanis Morissette! Brings me back to the 5th grade.
Q: Most commonly used emoji?
A: The laughing face and the thumbs up.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: Being super confident and sure of myself - the normal amount!
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: I love to garden.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: Figuring out what makes me happy even if it doesn't fit into the "typical" or "normal" path most take. I am proud that I have created the life I want.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: Sunscreen and a very long interesting book (assuming I am going to be rescued).
Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
A: This conversation has been fun! Especially after being cooped up from the storm!
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first 3 things you would purchase or spend money on?
A: I would open our full time bakery/cafe, buy a house and travel and eat a ton!
Summer was nominated by Erin Rode-Fiorello
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
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