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DANA POLLACK
BAKER + ENTREPRENEUR
Dana is living her dream. Once a magazine photography editor, she completely changed course by quitting her job and going to culinary school. She then started her own bakery business, putting a unique twist on a well-know dessert — the French Macaron. Now, she's authored a cookbook, sells her high-end baked goods online and on television, and is a successful culinary arts entrepreneur.
THE MUG 10
TEN QUESTIONS THAT UNLOCK REAL STORIES OF SUCCESS.
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AT A GLANCE
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I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
My unique genius is coloring outside the lines—making everything my own.
WHAT IS YOUR
UNIQUE GENIUS?
how did you become interested in this career?
BAKING WAS MY STRESS RELIEVER.
Before Dana's bakery, I was a photo editor. Although I liked it and I had a lot of fun experiences, something was missing. I had always loved baking. It was the way that I would alleviate stress when I wanted to show someone that I cared for them. I was like, "how come I'm not doing this for a living?" So, I quit my job and enrolled in culinary school—I dove straight in.
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IN WHAT WAYS IS THIS JOB
A PERFECT FIT FOR YOU?
I LOVE THE CULINARY ARTS.
I'M CREATIVE.
I'M ENTREPRENEURIAL.
I'M BOLD.
I'M VISUAL.
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When I look back on it in hindsight, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs. My dad owned his own business, so growing up, my father was always doing that hustle. I always had that as an example around me, but I never really thought about. I just wanted to do something that I was really happy with. I get asked the question, "How does it feel being a woman entrepreneur and being a woman in business?" But I'm honestly like, should it matter if you're a woman or a man? It's just about what's going to make you happy.
WHAT SKILLS DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT YOUR JOB?
VISUAL STORYTELLING, CREATIVITY, BAKING
As a photo editor, I had a really great understanding of the camera and visual and creative. I think that the reason why we caught on the way that we did in the beginning is because I would photograph all of our baked goods. It takes a very special skill set to sell someone food through visual art.
I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?
IT'S IMPORTANT TO LEARN A TRADE
It's so important to learn a trade. Take whatever you're doing seriously because even if you're going to career change later on, like I did at 30, you can always take what you know and apply it to whatever you want to do next.
I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
IN YOUR BODY OF WORK, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
MY DANA'S BAKERY TEAM
I'm really proud of my team because without my team, none of this would even be possible or exist. Dana's Bakery isn't just Dana. There are a lot of people who work really hard every day to create what we create.
WHAT'S 1 THING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW OR UNDERSTAND ABOUT YOUR JOB?
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT BAKING
There's a lot of different things that can come from having a bakery—it's not just about baking. It's a way to get creative and think outside the box. It's a way to to partner with brands that you really believe in so you can put your own fun, spin on things.
INDUSTRY STATISTICS
BAKER
PROJECTED GROWTH
Projected Growth: 15%
Projected Openings: 18,000
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
$30,000-$80,000
TOP SKILLS FOR THIS JOB
Organizing, planning and prioritization work.
Coaching + developing individuals and teams.
Making decisions and problem solving.
Creativity, Monitoring and controlling resources.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Dependability
Initiative
Adaptability/Flexibility
Leadership
Stress Tolerance
Early Mornings/Late Evenings/Weekends
TRAINING + DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
HS Diploma or equivalent.
Some have Associates' degree or certificate.
Often requires culinary school training.