Meet Jackie Hile | Writer & Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Hile and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Like the saying goes, no risk, no reward. Taking risks is a necessary part of growth and learning, and I wouldn’t be where I am today in life if I hadn’t taken the risks that I did. That doesn’t mean I was always successful, but each time I took a risk I gained something because I discovered something I hadn’t known before. You can’t grow if you’re not being challenged, and taking risks is one of the best ways to challenge yourself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I currently work in food and bev, and I am starting my own baking business this year. I also wrote and published a book in 2018 and have been blogging off and on since 2012.

The path that led me to where I am now, was not something I ever anticipated. I studied film and writing in college, and started out pursuing a career as a production designer. I worked a lot of odd jobs and unpaid internships trying to get my foot in the door. When all of my efforts seemed to be leading me nowhere, that’s when I got into food and bev and a new career really began to take off. I was able to travel around the world for 2.5 years working in the hospitality/food and bev industry. During this time I wrote my book and picked up blogging again. Being able to travel like that really fueled my passion for art and creativity and taught me so many invaluable lessons. Since returning from my travels I’ve been able to put down roots and begin creating my own business.

I’m really excited about this new venture and creating something for myself as well as others to enjoy. The journey getting here was definitely not easy, but I feel much more equipped and ready to take on the challenges ahead because of all that I’ve learned and experienced. All my previous “failures” made me more resilient and taught me to embrace life as it comes and trust wherever the journey takes me. I’ve learned to enjoy where I am at every stage because life can change so quickly. And nothing is ever wasted. The people you meet and the lessons you learn along the way will stay with you forever.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The beaches are the highlight of living in Charleston, and my favorite is Sullivan’s Island. I’d take them to Co-op for a little frose and lunch to have while we lounge on the beach. I’d also be sure to take them to Shem Creek for dinner one night. Scenes from Outer Banks were filmed there, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset and see dolphins. I’d also take them shopping on King Street and show them the local market on Market Street. We’d stop for a bite and drinks at 5Church, a restaurant built inside an old church with steep-pitched ceilings. Trying new restaurants is one of my favorite things to do in Charleston, so I’d be sure to take them to all my favorite places like Chubby Fish, Jackrabbit Filly, Harken Cafe, Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe, and Obstinate Daughter. I’d also take them to some of the local breweries like Edmunds Oast, Revelrry, and Holy City. If we wanted to catch some live music, I’d take them to Tobins Market, a small loungy outdoor venue with wine and beer and light snacks, or to the Windjammer, a fun music venue on the beach on Isle of Palms. I’d show them some of the historic sites downtown and take them on a horse carriage tour to learn a little more about the history and to see the charming architecture of the old city. Lastly, I’d take them to Magnolia Gardens to enjoy the blooming azaleas and visit the animals in the zoo.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero (and all her badass books)

Support from all my friends and family

Instagram: @jackiebakeschs