Make Life Beautiful with Jackie Kai Ellis

Where do you find the most inspiration for your work?   

I find a lot of inspiration in nature: textures, shapes, and colors. I also love seeing others create from their own unique perspectives, even if it’s not current or everyone’s taste. I love seeing someone enjoy their own creations when they have a voice; it opens my mind to hear what they are saying. 

An inspirational setting from Jackie’s APT La Fayette Paris | Photo: Joann Pai

What does your creative process look like?  

It depends if I’m designing a space, a product, writing a book or an article, sharing a meal, or sharing my life through photography. Though I must say, before any large project, I spend a lot of time researching, envisioning, and understanding the pragmatic limitations because often, the most creative solutions are born from the words, “that can’t be done.” 

What was the most significant business or creative challenge that you have encountered and grown from?  

When I owned Beaucoup Bakery, responsible for a team of 25-30, we hit a point where morale was lower than I had ever imagined from an unexpected incident spawned from oversight on my part. It was really hard to accept my failings as an owner, to feel I should have been more aware of and more attentive to my team. Though, when my failings were brought to my attention, I learned just how capable I was. I jumped immediately into action, learned to grow the culture again from ground zero, and built it back to a successful point where I could sell the business to two of my original team members. I learned a little about how to fail, in inevitable failure. 

Jackie and her best seller memoir “The Measure of My Powers” via @beaucoupbakery

What has been your biggest achievement? When was the last time you thought “wow, I can’t believe I just accomplished that!”  

I think my greatest achievements have not been career-based. Instead, when I look back, I honestly feel that they are when I challenge myself to be more vulnerable, put myself out there for rejection, put down my defenses, and love more openly and unconditionally. It’s the scariest thing for me, and so it’s much more of an accomplishment when I put one foot in front of the other and challenge myself to be braver than I feel. 

A stunning kitchen setting via @aptlafayetteparis | Photo: Joann Pai

Which upcoming project or endeavor are you most excited for? 

I am days away from giving birth to my first child at 43. This is going to be the biggest project I’ve ever embarked on. Though scared, I am excited to see what I will learn and who I will become with this new life on the horizon. 

One of our favorite moments from Jackie and her husband in their Vancouver Project | Photo: Joann Pai