Michelle Hess, Judge

Pastry Chef, Engine 14 Brewery

Michelle grew up in Canaseraga, NY, and now lives in Pittsford. Her love for baking began in childhood, watching her mom in the kitchen. One of her earliest memories is making cupcakes from one of her mom’s old cookbook’s —a moment that sparked a lifelong passion for baking.

Throughout high school and college, Michelle worked at a local, family-owned butcher shop in Canaseraga before joining Oak Hill in 2016 as a Pastry Cook. There, she refined her skills, gained extensive culinary knowledge, and worked her way up to Pastry Chef. In 2023, she embarked on an exciting new adventure, helping her family open a restaurant at Engine 14 Brewery in Naples, NY.

As a returning judge at EPI’s Chocolate Ball Cake Competition, Michelle is excited to provide feedback and support to both new and returning chefs as they continue to grow. A true artist at heart, she also enjoys crafting and sewing in her free time —creativity runs through everything she does, where she’s working with fabric or flour!