Every HEXPO has a session that stops everyone in their tracks, a story that feels less like a talk and more like a shared moment.

At the Feastival of Ideas, that moment belonged to Jess Liementara, pastry chef, creative visionary, and founder of Jess Lemon.

Her session, “The Lemon Twist,” wasn’t just about food. It was about turning life’s toughest moments into something beautiful, something that feeds others as much as it fuels you.

The Spark

Jess began her story where many great ones start, in the kitchen.

Before the polished brand, the storefronts, and the glowing reviews, there was just a girl who loved baking. Flour on her hands, music in the background, and a dream that smelled like butter and sugar.

But the path from home baker to entrepreneur wasn’t a straight line.

She shared how her journey took her through challenges that would’ve made most people quit, burnout, self-doubt, and the long, lonely nights that come with building something from scratch.

Still, Jess kept going.

And somewhere between the chaos and the calm, Jess Lemon was born.

The Recipe for Resilience

Jess spoke about her time training and working with some of the world’s best chefs, including a stint at Nobu, where she learned that creativity only thrives when discipline does too.

That experience shaped how she built her own business: a blend of artistry, structure, and joy.

Her desserts, delicate, thoughtful, and full of personality, became her way of storytelling. Each creation was a reminder that even something as simple as a lemon tart can carry emotion, memory, and meaning.

“The secret,” she said with a smile, “is that baking teaches you patience. You can’t rush a rise, and you can’t fake flavour.”

It wasn’t just advice for pastry, it was advice for life.

Building the Brand, Serving the Community

What started as a one-woman operation has now grown into a thriving business and community staple.

Jess shared the behind-the-scenes of scaling Jess Lemon, from baking at home to managing a team, expanding into retail, and creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and deliciously real.

But even as the business grew, Jess never lost sight of her “why.”

She still handwrites notes for customers. She still experiments with recipes. And she still uses her platform to spotlight others, from local suppliers to aspiring chefs following in her footsteps.

That humility, that sense of shared purpose, is what makes her story hit differently.

The Lemon Twist

Every founder faces bitterness. What defines them is what they do with it.

For Jess, the lemon twist was learning how to turn every setback into sweetness. Every failed recipe, every long night, every moment of doubt became a key ingredient in her success.

She closed her talk with a truth that landed softly but stayed heavy:

“You can’t control the heat, but you can control how you rise.”

The room went quiet. And then came the applause, not just for her success, but for her honesty.

The Aftertaste

At HEXPO 2025, Jess Liementara reminded everyone that innovation doesn’t always start in a lab or a boardroom. Sometimes, it starts in a kitchen, with a whisk, a dream, and a lot of heart.

Her journey is a story of craft and courage, proof that the future of entrepreneurship isn’t just about disruption. It’s about creation.

Because when life gives you lemons, Jess Liementara bakes something unforgettable.