Nelly Garcia, 2023 Chairwoman

Rocheli Patisserie

Born in Monterrey, Mexico and immigrated to Austin, TX in 2002 at the age of 15. Having the influence of her mother, who is a Chef, and after working in several restaurants as waitress and then as a cook, Nelly realized that her passion was the culinary world. Shortly thereafter, Nelly founded Rocheli Patisserie with her mother and sister. They specialize in novelty cakes, wedding cakes, and international pastries. In 2013, they worked alongside with TLC’s Cake Boss Buddy Valastro and in 2014 they received the College Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Entrepreneur Magazine. Ever since then, Nelly has been featured several times in Univision’s Despierta Austin; KXAN News, Austin Business Journal, Periódico El Norte, Forbes Mexico, and several other publications. My mid 2014, Nelly was featured in Austin Monthly Magazine as one of Austin’s 20 In Their 20s who are changing the city. In 2015, Nelly received the honor to be chosen as one of Forbes Magazine 30 Under 30 in the category of food and wine. The trio is now planning the expansion of Rocheli until it becomes an international brand.