Inspiring Conversations with Julie Hutton of Reve Patisserie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Hutton

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in Bordeaux, France, I was surrounded by boulangeries and pâtisseries that were part of my everyday life. After moving to the United States as an exchange student, I didn’t realize how far I’d eventually travel—not just geographically but also in life! After meeting my husband, we moved around the country for his work, living in some truly beautiful places. During that time, I built a career working in tourism—as a concierge, a luxury travel planner, and even a butler—and later transitioned into project management. Each of these roles taught me invaluable skills in organization, creativity, and customer service, which ultimately gave me the confidence to start my own business.

The turning point came when we were living in Missouri. Being so far from France, I began to miss my childhood boulangeries terribly. I especially longed for the authentic croissants and macarons I grew up with but couldn’t find anywhere. That longing turned into a challenge—I decided to teach myself how to make them. What started as a way to reconnect with my roots quickly became an obsession. I discovered a love for working with my hands, especially the process of laminating dough for croissants. It’s such a rewarding experience to see the layers rise in the oven and fill the room with that incredible smell.

Over time, this passion grew into something bigger. Encouraged by friends and family, I launched Rêve Pâtisserie to share my creations with others. Every croissant and macaron I make is inspired by the memories of my childhood in France, and my goal is to bring a little taste of that magic to others. My background in tourism and project management laid the foundation, but it’s my love for French pastry that keeps me motivated every day.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s not been a very smooth road and I’m still figuring it out. My initial struggle was with committing to the launch. A few days after signing a lease on a commercial kitchen, my husband learnt that he had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We were looking at 4 months of heavy chemo and a few months for recovery if everything went well. I backed up from the lease immediately, but after we assessed our situation for a few weeks, we decided I might as well go for it, since I’d already left my PM job. It was not the ideal launch but it was a welcome distraction for everyone in the family. Something else to focus on than the pain and worry.
Other than that, my main struggle has been with finding an affordable, clean, well equipped commercial kitchen, and figuring out where my ideal niche is.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Reve Patisserie is a boutique pastry business based in Santa Barbara, California, specializing in handcrafted French macarons and buttery croissants. Drawing inspiration from my roots in Bordeaux, France, and the memories of my favorite French treats, I strive to bring an authentic taste of France to my community.

At Reve Patisserie, we are known for our attention to detail, premium ingredients, and customizable creations that elevate any occasion. Whether it’s personalized macarons for weddings and events, seasonal flavor collections like our fall-themed boxes, or wholesale options for local cafes and restaurants, we aim to deliver not just pastries but experiences.

What sets us apart is our commitment to craftsmanship and creating lasting connections. Every macaron and croissant is made by hand with care and passion, reflecting a dedication to quality and the joy of sharing something truly special.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the ability to connect people to French culture through food, whether it’s reliving a cherished memory of a trip to France or introducing someone to the delight of an authentic macaron for the first time. Our offerings are versatile, with event services, wholesale partnerships, and corporate gifting.

At its heart, Reve Patisserie is about creating memorable moments, one bite at a time.

What makes you happy?
#1 is Santa Barbara. It’s the best place in the world and it’s where I get to raise my kids with my husband. There is nowhere quite as enchanting as Santa Barbara. Everyday I feel so lucky to be here, tucked in between the mountain and the sea.
Close #2 is chocolate. Need I say more?

Pricing:

• Box of 6 macarons $18
• 6-tier macaron tower $ 299
• Box of 12 croissants (plain and chocolate) $48

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.revesb.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revesantabarbara
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557926092875

Image Credits
Silas Fallstich