We recently had the chance to connect with Justin Fry and have shared our conversation below.
Justin , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My wife and I wake up early each morning to get our two boys ready for school, have breakfast, and drop them off at school. Afterward, I return home to prepare for the day. I either go for a quick walk or dive straight into work. This routine continues until about 1 p.m., when I stop to pick up the boys from school. Upon returning home, we have snacks and I finish any remaining work. At 5 p.m., we have another break for homework and start making dinner. After dinner, we clean up, shower the boys, and help them get into bed. After reading books and singing songs, I return downstairs to package items. If there’s no packaging to do, I spend time on my computer, sending emails, responding to orders, creating invoices, and planning for the week. Finally, it’s bedtime, and the cycle repeats itself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Justin Fry, a passionate chocolatier dedicated to the art of fine confections. As the founder of JF Chocolat, Charlotte, NC’s premier chocolatier, I specialize in handcrafting exquisite chocolates and confections that delight the senses. In addition to my chocolate creations, I am proud to spearhead The National Pastry Conference, an exceptional event that unites the pastry world under one roof through dynamic competitions, an expansive trade show, engaging demos, insightful lectures, and captivating stage events.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by incredible talent. Observing the dedication and skill of others has been both inspiring and motivating. I find great joy in watching people excel in their craft, absorbing their advice, and applying those lessons to better myself. This continuous exposure to excellence has shaped my perspective, reinforcing the belief that growth comes from both listening and learning.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The biggest fear that’s held me back in life is not having enough self-confidence. This uncertainty often messes with my judgment and makes me doubt myself, no matter what I’m doing. But even though I’m still struggling with this inside battle, I’ve made a habit of jumping right into the most uncomfortable situations. It’s almost like facing these challenges head-on is my way of fighting that fear. Even though I still doubt myself sometimes, each bold step I take has helped me grow, showing myself that courage isn’t about not being scared, but about keeping moving forward even when you are.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
When reflecting on whose ideas I rely on most that aren’t my own, I consistently return to a statement from my music director that echoes in my mind: “Winning first place or taking the trophy is never important. You only win if you have improved from your last performance.” This philosophy profoundly influences how I approach challenges, reminding me to prioritize personal growth and continuous improvement over external validation. It has shaped my mindset, encouraging me to focus on my own progress and development, rather than solely on outcomes or comparisons with others.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I know I’m way over my head when I feel constantly overwhelmed or unsure about what to do. This is especially true since I’ve mentioned before that I’m not very confident in myself. Running my two businesses, I often feel like I don’t have the knowledge or skills I need. But I think it’s okay to always feel like there’s more to learn. It drives me to keep learning, to adapt, and to improve. Even though I feel out of my depth, it also pushes me to become better. It reminds me that learning is a never-ending journey, especially in business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jfchocolat.com, www.pastrycon.com
- Instagram: jf_chocolat, natgonalpastryconference
- Linkedin: Justin Fry
- Facebook: jfchocolat
