We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Becerra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jessica with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I owe my work ethic to God and my dad. My dad was a workaholic and a busy body — always moving, always doing something. When he wasn’t working, he was playing soccer or running. Even though I didn’t enjoy soccer or running as a child, he always took me with him. Those moments, spent watching him push himself beyond his limits, taught me lessons that I didn’t understand back then but live by now.
He often talked about being the best, not out of arrogance, but from a deep desire to give his all. It was as if he was always in competition with himself, constantly striving to improve. I think I inherited that same drive. I find myself always wanting to do better — not because someone is watching, but because I feel called to give my best in everything I do.
That intrinsic motivation has guided me through every stage of my life: from school and college, to working for my dad, to my time in retail and teaching, and now to co-owning our family business. In each chapter, I’ve carried with me the same values my father modeled and that God continues to strengthen in me — discipline, perseverance, and gratitude for every opportunity to grow.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In 2024, I decided to return to my first love — working in and owning a bakery. I grew up surrounded by the bakery world. My dad was a baker for many years and eventually owned his own bakery here in Austin. It was there that I learned everything about the bakery business. I never actually learned how to bake, and for a long time, I wondered why. Now I know it was part of God’s plan all along. What I did learn was how to assist, manage, and care for every detail that makes a bakery run.
It was also through this world that I met my husband, Candido, the baker. Together, we form the heart of Pan HuasTexas. He bakes, and I assist and manage, all while keeping our daughters involved every step of the way. Our bakery was born as a reflection of our family and our roots. The name itself tells our story: Pan HuasTexas combines Huasteca Potosina, where my husband is from, and Texas, where I was born and raised. We take pride in highlighting some of the lesser know pan like campechanas, ojos de buey, cemitas de piloncillo y nuez and galletas de postre.
Our bread represents both of us; the flavors I grew up with and Candido’s creativity and expertise. It’s something truly special because, through our pan, we are teaching our daughters about their heritage. And I say pan — not pastry — because there’s just more love in that word.
Through our pan, I hope to honor our Spanish language, our culture, and our faith. When I write in Spanish, I can fully express the love and gratitude I feel for what we do, for the blessing of sharing our roots, our faith, and our family with our community.
Currently, we operate as a cottage home bakery, taking our pan out to sell at unexpected places like local breweries. We also participate in events organized by vendor groups such as Original Austin Flea, Ground Up Pop-Ups, and Taylor Market Days. Our ultimate goal is to open a storefront, but we trust that the right opportunity will come in God’s timing.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I truly believe that when you place your plans in God’s hands, good things begin to happen. Recently, I heard something in a priest’s homily that deeply resonated with me: God has three answers to our prayers — yes, no, or wait. Sometimes we may not like the answer, but in my life, the “no’s” have always led to something even better, and my “wait” took twenty-five years.
The second value I hold close is growth. Keep learning, keep training yourself to be better. There is always room for improvement and new ways to refine your craft. I love reading the stories of other entrepreneurs and learning from their journeys — it reminds me that growth never stops.
Lastly, be a leader. I’ve learned this through my family. As the eldest of four, I’ve had many first experiences — moments that taught me how to take initiative, make decisions, and lead by example. Those lessons continue to guide me today as I model leadership and faith for my daughters.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book that has played an important role in my development is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I even have a quote from it tattooed: “Cuando deseas una cosa todo el Universo conspira para que puedas realizarla,” which translates to, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.” This quote resonates deeply with me and has guided me through different stages of my life. I have read this book at least five times as an adult, and each reading has offered new insights and reflections.
One particularly impactful part of the book is when the young man visits the most beautiful palace. Before him stands the king, who asks the young man what part of the palace he likes the most. But the young man hasn’t had the chance to explore it, so the king instructs him to observe the palace carefully while carrying a spoon filled with expensive oil—without spilling a drop. When the young man returns, he is asked again about his favorite part of the palace, but he still cannot answer because he was too focused on not spilling the oil.
This scene has stayed with me because it mirrors how we often live our lives. We become so preoccupied with responsibilities, expectations, or “not making mistakes” that we forget to notice the beauty around us. We get so caught up in the noise of the world that we miss the scenery of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.huastexas.com
- Instagram: @panhuastexas
Image Credits
@osidian_photography512
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