Jae de Castro

Chef Jae spent the majority of her career as a marketing and communications director in the financial and professional services world. It was not until she decided to become a stay-at-home mother did she realize her love for dessert making. Growing up her mother was known as the “dessert queen”. Her mom’s coveted sweet creations were requested at every “kainan” or family gathering, but it wasn’t till later in life did Jae realize this passion influenced and inspired her. Thus, the birth of Jae NYC Eats now known as Keyks.

Keyks, originally from Queens, NY has spent the past few years sharing their treats throughout the Eastern region of the US. We are a provider of unique, homemade, and artisanal baked goods and treats. We are mostly known for our Twinkie-inspired desserts called Keyks, Kukis and childhood treats made in a more “delicious fashion” to bring a higher level of childhood nostalgia to your palate and hearts.

This past year has been a pivotal year for Chef Jae, as she is in the process of bringing her mother’s recipes to life with her new concept, Myrna’s Sampaguita. Myrna’s will provide “merienda” bites with a taste of San Pablo Laguna soul. Her mother’s provincial hometown in the Philippines.

Chef Jae’s innovative products and flavor pairings are inspired by our Filipino roots, memorable everyday experiences and travels as a Fil-Am single mother living in NYC/OC/LA.