At Uppercrust, we work as hard at ensuring a staff of high quality as we do foods and wines of hiqh quality. We invite you to learn more about our unique group of talented and thoughtful artisans and presenters of our products, all of whom have proven good palates and passion for foods and wines.
Jackie - Artistic Director & Owner
Jackie's passion to create foods of exceptional taste drove her to start Uppercrust Productions in 1981. Thirty years later, she continues to oversee the entire operation and evolve the products further. She is highly regarded in the food community, both locally and nationally. She loves ending her day with a glass of our sparkling Touraine Rose. At heart she is a sauciere. Experimentation with tastes and textures and literary and artistic treatments of them are her passion. She is an arch sensualist.
Pamy - Office Manager
Pamy is our mathematical wizard. She does bank reconciliations like lightning to the penny, each time. She is an unparalleled bookkeeper. When she is not doing office work, selling, helping out in breadmaking and shaping in the kitchen, or making us laugh, she is out on the streets running 8 miles everyday. But what is more special about Pamy than the dogged persistence and speed she exhibits in running is her extremely fine and subtle sense of humor. Pamy and Jackie are sisters.
Nahid - Bistro Chef
Nahid is the newest edition to our production team. She has a refined palate and a deep, abiding, love of cooking. Her expertise is Persian cuisine. At Uppercrust, she is our resident fashioner of sauces, bistro dishes, soupes, salades, and scones, all of which showcase her natural talent for bringing wonderful flavors into a marvelous balance. She has a gorgeous smile and a huge heart.
Karen - Croissant Shaper
Karen is passionate about France and baking. She has traveled throughout Europe, Egypt, Israel, Honduras, and Dominica. She has her law degree from UNC Chapel Hill and has studied Arabic. She adores steaming hot mashed potatoes with chunks of blue cheese, as well as spaghetti with homemade tomato marinara. Her adventurous spirit and helpful nature are truly special.
Claudia - Croissant Baker
Claudia graduated from the University of Missouri with Magna cum Laude distinction in political science and peace-conflict studies. Before joining us, she moved to Damascus, Syria to study Arabic. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia with an open mind and palate. She is extremely passionate about baking and non-profit development and aspires to positively impact other's lives through these passions. She is so talented, so lovely, just a dream.
Kyla - Bread Shaper
Kyla is so dear. She is currently pursuing her bachelor of science in linguistics and German with a minor in organic and sustainable crop production at UF. She is passionate about local agriculture and has worked with several small farms to gain a hands-on understanding of the process. She has a deep passion for yeast breads and curry dishes. She wakes up early to mix, knead, shape, and bake her own bread each day. She is a pure joy to be around!
John - Bread Baker
After graduating from UF with a Criminology degree, John independently studied religion and philosophy before beginning his career as a bread baker. He enjoys hosting wine and cheese parties and cooking Italian dishes. He loves shellfish, mashed potatoes, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on Uppercrust's pain au cereales. We really prize his perfectionism and thoughtfulness.
Anne - Pastry Chef
Anne joins us from the National Geographic Society in Washington DC. She has her bachelors of arts degree in geography and political science. She has lived in Barcelona and traveled extensively in Italy. She loves delicious cheeses, such as creamy Maytag Blue and Humboldt Fog, and Italian cuisine. She has an attention to detail and perfectionism that shows through in our pastry products.
Jillian - Pastry Chef
Jillian is a true natural at patisserie and croissants. She has her Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from the University of Miami. She is an experienced private events director and has catered several high profile events, including the Latin Billboard Music Awards. She comes from a large Lebanese family and loves to entertain. We were impressed by her from the very beginning and know that you'll appreciate the professionalism and perfectionism that she presents in our products.
Ashton - Assistant Sales Manager
Ashton is passionate about theater, costume design, and dance. She also loves baking desserts for friends and making others happy. Her optimism and excitement about life is contagious. We know you'll love her as much as we do!
Ben - Seller
Ben graduated with high honors from the University of Florida while majoring in Art History. He has traveled extensively through Europe and has a sincere love of food. He enjoys brewing beer, cooking, and hosting wine and cheese parties with his girlfriend. He is deeply caring and perceptive. We love having him with us!
Julie - Seller
Sweet Julie is a Wildlife Ecology and Conservation major at the University of Florida. She has lived in Vienna, Brussels, Barcelona, and Paris. She is fluent in French and has a passion for South America. She also enjoys hosting vegan dinner parties and baking cakes. She is warmhearted and a pure delight!
Laura - Seller
Laura is a French major at the University of Florida with a minor in European Union Studies. She is fluent in both Spanish and French and hopes to travel to Europe soon. She loves to cook and bake and regularly hosts wine and cheese parties for her friends. She is a sweetheart!
Sarah H - Seller
Sarah is double-majoring in Anthropology and Linguistics at the University of Florida. She is an avid gardener with a strong passion for baking and cooking. She has a background in catering and enjoys hosting parties for her friends. Her recent travels include France, Italy, and Greece. She is poised, capable, and charming.
Sarah - Seller
Sarah was our croissant maker until she decided to attend UF to pursue her masters in Building and Construction. She is currently pursuing her PHD with a primary interest in sustainable international building design. She is extremely artistic, which is showcased in her Uppercrust gift baskets creations. Everything she does shows that she has a gift for it. She loves pies, especially those made with the freshest strawberries. Sarah is grace personified.
Virginia - Seller
We fell in love with Virginia the very moment that we met her and know that you will love her too. Virginia is majoring in anthropology and international relations at the University of Florida. She speaks French, German, and Hungarian, and has spent time traveling extensively throughout India. She is also a gifted photographer. Her passion for art, all things culinary, and international travel make her the perfect addition to the Uppercrust family.
As you can see, all are high achievers, all are talented, and all share a passion for food and wine, a drive for excellence in all they do, a good intellect, and a kind and thoughtful nature. A good sense of humor also abounds in them all.
