Judy Chavez is the newly appointed pastry chef at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa. Chavez is passionate about pushing boundaries with her pastries, incorporating molecular gastronomy, and constantly evolving her craft, whether at the resort or in her business, PhiloSlothical Sweets. Learn about Judy Chavez…
Follow at: @philoslothical_sweets; @judychavez.ps
Hometown: Edwards, CO.
First job: A small Italian restaurant located in Vail, CO.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: When it is too hot to go outside in the summertime, I will stay home and keep myself entertained with my three lovely dogs. When it is perfect outside, I love to take them on adventures to parks and also enjoy hanging out with friends.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Becoming a pastry chef at a young age. I grew up knowing I wanted to be in the kitchen so I always pushed myself to do and be better until I achieved my goal of becoming the pastry chef at elements.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Leaving my familiar surroundings and support system behind and starting anew in the unfamiliar desert landscape of Arizona. The sheer adjustment of acclimating to an entirely different climate, culture, and way of living was mentally and emotionally taxing, requiring me to step far outside my comfort zone and push myself to develop new routines, create new social connections, and even take on the added stress of beginning a new job. There were undoubtedly moments of loneliness, homesickness, and self-doubt as I grappled with the magnitude of the changes I had undertaken. However, I was determined to overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger for facing them head-on. Through sheer grit and perseverance, I slowly built a new support network, familiarized myself with my surroundings, and adapted to the demands of my new position.
Someone who inspires you and why: My mother. I admired how she consistently pushed herself to learn, grow, and advance, refusing to be limited by her circumstances. Whether working multiple jobs to make ends meet or returning to school to earn her college degree, her commitment to progress and self-improvement was truly awe-inspiring. Whenever I felt discouraged or tempted to give up on my dreams, I would think of my mother and how she never let obstacles stand in her way. Her sheer willpower and refusal to be defined by her past motivated me to elevate my aspirations and work tirelessly to achieve them. Even now, as a successful professional in her own right, my mother continues to be the guiding light that illuminates my path forward. Her resilience, work ethic, and unwavering belief in me have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. I can only hope to one day embody the same level of strength, determination, and grace that my mother has demonstrated throughout her life – she is the most remarkable role model I could ever ask for.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Working in a kitchen is no walk in the park; it takes relentless passion and a lot of love. It is not just a job but also a way of life. There is much more than what you see on a screen that goes on behind the scenes. Hours melt away as you craft dishes, experiment, learn and grow with every pan sizzle or, in my case, the smell of a cake in the oven. This journey is not for the faint of heart, but it is thrilling. There’s nothing more rewarding for those who feel the fire burning within and those who crave the magic of crafting unforgettable flavors. Your heart and hands will dance in sync, your creativity will soar, and every bite of your creation will express your love for the craft.
Favorite quote: “Learn how to cook—try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all, have fun.” –Julia Child
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I love anything and all information about astrology. There is something profoundly captivating about the sheer scale and mystery of the world of this planet, and I am endlessly fascinated by humanity’s ongoing quest to unravel its secrets.
What makes someone fabulous: Being authentic and your true self no matter who is around.