In this episode, Mark sits down with Tessa Velazquez, a chef, entrepreneur, and co-founder of beloved DC staples Baked & Wired, A Baked Joint, and La Betty. From growing up in her family’s Georgetown bakery to navigating the chaos of COVID and launching a natural wine bar with a listening room, Tessa’s journey is a masterclass in building soulful spaces around food. They talk about the emotional side of leadership, designing a good vibe, and why structure is key to sustaining creative freedom. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a passion into a gathering place, this one’s for you.