On today’s episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jezabel Careaga. She’s an entrepreneur, designer, chef and maker from Jujuy Argentina, who moved to Philadelphia in 2010 to open her cafe, Jezabel’s, in Fitler Square. Over the last 12 years, her empanadas, alfajores and other Argentine delicacies have become a staple in Philly. In 2019, she relocated to a larger space in Spruce Hill where she expanded her offerings to include cooking classes and special events. Her latest venture is L’Atelier, her collection of custom furniture and artisan home goods.
Jezabel defies categories as an entrepreneur and creative, having started out as a chef and cafe owner and now making the transition into a career as a furniture designer with L’Atelier.
If you’re a creative with a lot of different interests, Jezabel has a lot of sound advice and perspective on making it all work.
For more information on Jezabel, follow her on Instagram @jezabelcareaga.
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SHOW NOTES:
0:00—Introduction
1:35—How we met
2:34—There’s no greater equalizer than being human
4:38—Having a lot of creative outlets
5:09—Time is finite, so be economical
6:14—Growing up in Jujuy, Argentina
7:00—How being the oldest sibling affected her
8:42—The education system in Argentina
9:47—Looking up to her father
11:45—Crafts at school and cooking with Julia
13:25—If you want to do something, just get it done
16:05—Be loving but also have boundaries
17:27—What is creativity?
19:30—When she first wanted to be a business owner
20:30—Opening her first cafe at 26
21:00—What brought Jezabel to Philly
21:40—How to choose between ideas
23:38—Her greatest challenge as an entrepreneur
26:48—The inspiration behind L’Atelier
29:00—What’s next? A career in design
31:00—How architects inspire Jezabel’s furniture designs
32:25—How to make time for many creative outlets