Alumni Spotlight: Wendy Schay and Jill McDonald
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
Alumni Spotlight: Wendy Schay and Jill McDonald
From Classroom to Croissants: The Story of Wendy Schay and Jill McDonald
In 2015, two women with very different backgrounds crossed paths at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute—Wendy Schay, a former NICU nurse from Southern California, and Jill McDonald, a determined Dumas, Arkansas, native with a passion for cooking despite a serious back injury. Their bond was instant, forged in the heat of the kitchen and strengthened by shared dreams. McDonald accidentally cut her finger during her knife skills class in culinary school, and Schay, with her nursing instincts, rushed to help. McDonald and Schay became fast friends and that moment marked not only the beginning of a deep friendship but also a future business partnership.
Schay graduated from UA-Pulaski Tech with a Technical Certificate in Baking and Pastry in 2016, while McDonald earned her Associate of Applied Arts in Culinary in 2015. Schay’s passion for baking led her to compete in SkillsUSA, a national organization that hosts competitions at the state, regional and national levels. She discovered her love for teaching and` mentoring young culinary students through her involvement in SkillsUSA. Meanwhile, McDonald recovered from her back injury and was able to pursue her culinary dreams, proving that determination can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Schay and McDonald soon dedicated their weekends to the Hillcrest Farmers Market, a busy local market open every Saturday. Schay’s croissants quickly became a local sensation. One customer’s question— “When are we going to get a breakfast croissant?”—sparked a new idea, and the duo began experimenting with savory creations.
In November 2020, they took a leap and bought a food truck. Their food truck business thrived even during the Covid 19 pandemic. The community rallied around them, and their croissants continued to sell out. They realized they needed more than a food truck.
They opened their first brick and mortar restaurant in 2021 in West Little Rock. They were recognized in 2023 as the Small Business of the Year and in 2024 as the Woman Owned Small Business of the Year, both by the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Croissanterie is open for breakfast and lunch with made-from-scratch options. They also offer catering and an exclusive supper club experience. Their commitment to sourcing local ingredients not only ensures freshness but also supports fellow small businesses.
Now, they’re preparing for their biggest move yet: moving from their west Little Rock location to a larger space on Cantrell Road, set to open in August 2025.
During a recent interview, Schay revealed she’s never been to Paris—yet customers say her croissants taste like they’re straight from a Parisian bakery. And McDonald’s advice? “Just do it! Can’t fail if you don’t try. Also, be a sponge and mentor others.” Schay adds, “You’re not going to please everybody. Take care of people and they will take care of you.”
Looking ahead, they hope to grow their team and open more small locations. For them, it’s not just about food—it’s about people. And making people happy is what keeps them going.
Wendy Schay and Jill McDonald
