Esmee van der Heijden (21) from Bladel works as a pastry chef at Bakkerij van Heeswijk. This year, she completed her studies 'Patisserie' (level 4) and 'Bakery Manager' (level 4) at Summa College in Eindhoven.
"I completed VMBO at Pius XCollege in Bladel. I prefer working with my hands. During a taster internship, I came into contact with the baking profession. I immediately really enjoyed decorating pastries and flans."
Esmee did internships at several places during her studies. "At Bakkerij van Hulten, Bakkerij Wieland, Bakkerij Luigi and Bakkerij van Heeswijk. It's interesting to see that each company works in its own way. Everywhere you learn something in terms of techniques or finishes. I have also developed on a personal level: I have become more confident, dare to trust myself more. You also learn to communicate with colleagues and customers." Esmee is happy with her job at Bakkerij van Heeswijk. "Here I can develop even further in the coming years. I want to make customers happy with beautiful pastries and good flavour combinations." Esmee also has a nice life besides the bakery. "I love going to concerts and festivals with girlfriends. I even made a new friendship through the bakery, with Meike who works in the packing department. We not only have fun in the bakery, but also on the dance floor."