About the Owner
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, the owner and Head Pastry Chef at Chelley Belly's Bakeshop, Chef Chelley Francis, has been chef'n it up and creating delicious sweet treats since the age of 7. From an early age, her great grandmother, grandmother and mother would allow her to assist in the kitchen. Her love for cooking continued to grow every moment she was able to participate in putting together a delicious family meal or homemade dessert.
She went on to develop a strong passion for science and art during her high school years. She loved to painting portraits and chemistry experiments.
During her senior year of high school, her culinary arts teacher encouraged Chelley to apply to Johnson & Wales University and to pursue a career in culinary arts becuse of her love for food and art.
At the age of 18, she went on to refine her craft at Johnson & Wales University, where she studied Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. In 2016; before graduating from Johnson and Wales University with her Bachelor's Degree in Science, Chelley secured her first pastry cook position at db Bistro Moderne by Daniel Bolud, formerly loacated in downtown Miami at the JW Marriott Marquis hotel. Chelley Francis went on to work in several fine dining restaurants, five star hotels, catering companies, and Michelin star restaurants.
With over 13 years of food service and hospitality experience, Chelley Francis has been privileged to work with Michelin star chefs, celebrity chefs, football players, basketball players, and has ultimately witnessed the beauty and versatility of the food service and hospitality industry on several levels. From an intimate five course meal hosted in a plant based farm to late nights catering large corporate events, Chef Chelley Francis has just about seen it all. Now a mommy to one sweet little energetic child, Chelley continues to bake delicious sweet treats from her cottage bakery, while also being able to spend precious, sweet and important moments with her little baby who now gets to be her assistant(making personal meals, not customer orders) Chelly Belly's Bakeshop was planted at just an idea in 2019 and has now spouted into something more. As a major pastry lover Chef Chelley's number one goal is to ensure that every customer of Chelley Belly's Bakeshop loves every bite ( and comes back for more of course).