Nashville resident launches holiday campaign to open community-focused bakery

Nashville, Tennessee Dec 22, 2025 (EMWNews.com) – In a city known for its vibrant culinary scene and generous spirit, Nashville resident Jem Del Rosario has launched a GoFundMe campaign this holiday season with a goal as warm as fresh bread: raising $3,000 to bring her lifelong dream of opening a small, community-focused bakery to life.

While the campaign aims to fund a new small business, Del Rosario’s vision blends fresh, homemade food with a personal, faith-based mission to support people facing hunger and hardship in Music City.

Originally from Southeast Asia, Del Rosario’s journey to entrepreneurship has been paved with resilience.

Growing up in extreme poverty, she learned the value of hard work early on.

After immigrating to the United States, she took on multiple low-wage odd jobs, working long hours simultaneously to support herself while faithfully sending money home to support her mother.

Through years of financial struggle and cultural adjustment, she held onto her passion for cooking as a source of hope and connection.

“I come to realize America is land of opportunity,” Del Rosario said. “I work many jobs for my support, cleaning and working hard. But my lifelong dream is owning my own bakery business. I love to cook and bake, and my friends tell me I should open my own place for homemade soups, sandwiches, and breads. I want to share the flavors of my heart with this city.”

Del Rosario’s vision is rooted in humble beginnings and a specific memory that drives her business model.

While working for a bakery in her home country years ago, she watched owners discard perfectly good food at the end of the day simply because it hadn’t sold.

Instead of letting it go to waste, she took the initiative to distribute the leftover pastries to the homeless and poor families in her village, a practice she vows to continue in Nashville.

Her commitment to service has caught the attention of local community leaders, including longtime Nashville preacher and musician Lonnie Hill, who has become a vocal supporter of Del Rosario’s efforts.

“I have watched Jem labor tirelessly for years, often working in the background without complaint, but always with a song in her heart,” Hill said. “She embodies the true spirit of Nashville, grit, faith, and a deep desire to lift others up. When she talks about feeding the hungry, it isn’t a marketing slogan; it is a mandate from her soul. This bakery will be more than a place to buy soup; it will be a sanctuary where dignity is served alongside the bread.”

The bakery aims to be a modest but vital community hub, offering a menu of homemade soups, signature sandwiches, and fresh baked goods that reflect both American comfort food and the flavors of Del Rosario’s heritage.

But the core operational philosophy remains centered on charity.

“I hope I can bring my humble beginnings to my own bakery business one day,” Del Rosario said. “If a poor family came in one day with no money, I would feed them. I believe we are to care for God’s creation. With help of wonderful people, I know I can make this dream come true so I can be service to others.”

Funds raised from the GoFundMe campaign will go directly toward essential startup costs that are often barriers for immigrant entrepreneurs.

This includes purchasing commercial bakery equipment, securing bulk food supplies to stock the kitchen, and leasing a suitable, modest location.

Del Rosario has already scouted several promising prospects for the building and is prepared to begin operations immediately upon reaching her funding goal.

“We talk often about the ‘Christmas Spirit’ in December, but Jem lives it every day of the year,” Hill said. “Supporting this campaign is an investment in a woman who has given everything to her family and now wants to give everything to her neighbors. I am calling on the Nashville faith community and food lovers alike to rally behind her.”

Supporters can donate or share the campaign to help Del Rosario turn her dream, and her commitment to serving others, into reality during this season of giving.

To view the campaign or donate, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-jems-bakery-for-a-brighter-future.