My name is Jun, who some may know as Ariel professionally. I’m a co-owner and pastry chef of an Asian-French bakery named Merlyn’s Patisserie in Traverse City, Michigan. My mission and one of my higher purposes in life is to make Merlyn’s as a platform to contribute to a better world the best way I can.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m currently focusing on building my small business bakery, Merlyn’s Patisserie, with my sister Anna Mae that we launched last May of 2022. The highlight of my career was working for Wolfgang Puck at his flagship restaurant Spago Beverly Hills under the supervision of 2012 World Pastry Championship Silver Medalist, Chef Della Gossett, for about 2 years.
Q: What is your favorite book?
Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Panda North, Stella, Cooks’ House, Red Ginger, The Little Fleet
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I’ve been a Traverse City resident since 2004. I immediately moved in the city after I graduated in Mancelona high school. I started traveling the country in the year of 2014 and finally decided to move back to TC for good in 2020 to make a dream of mine a reality.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Come and enjoy the city in different seasons, especially in fall. You can really see the true beauty of this small town city when things are a bit more mellow.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
Not to be self-centered but probably the early something 20’s of myself and perhaps grab an ice cream at Dairy Lodge. Then we’ll walk towards the beach and sit on one of the wooden benches by the water. As we gaze at the vastness of Lake Michigan, I’ll tell my anxious younger self that life turned out just fine after all we’ve been through.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The overwhelming support of the community and local businesses with each other. The enthusiasm and open-mindedness on learning and trying something new are remarkable!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I won 1st place in my elementary school district chess competition with less than 2 weeks to learn the game as a sudden replacement.
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
Currently it’s the Christmas parade and tree lighting in downtown TC with my family.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
Fall Season. A road trip for pumpkin donuts and hot apple cider with friends and family.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
“HOME is where you make it.”
