Despite the prestigious location, it was never Ms Métayer’s ambition to work in the French capital’s grand palaces.
“I was lucky enough to have the doors open in those places,” she said.
“I always need a challenge and these places are so demanding. I’m a little bit hyperactive and really love discovering and searching. My aim is always to do better than I did the day before.”
As a woman you have to justify yourself all the time
She might be on top of the pâtisserie world now, but Ms Métayer, a mother of two young daughters, has also had to deal with her fair share of tough times.
“I fought a lot. I faced a lot of difficulties, but it’s become easier now,” she said.
“When I started, a lot of doors closed and some opened, and that’s why I’m here. You need a strong personality.
“When you take on a position of responsibility, you are taking on a job that was initially made for a man, so there is competition and jealousy.
“There’s always this view that women are less competent. You get to do things because you’re a woman or because someone wants to help you.
“You have to justify yourself all the time.”
She continued: “When you succeed, when you’re a woman, you have to show it is thanks to your work, like everyone else, and not to your pretty smile.
“We still have a lot of room for improvement in that area but I have the impression that it’s a little bit easier to get respect than before.”
Although she was clearly thrilled to be the first woman to be named World’s Best Pastry Chef, when asked if she feels like a pioneer, Ms Métayer said: “There have been others who paved the way for me, but there weren’t many.”
She cited Michelin-starred chefs Anne-Sophie Pic and Hélène Darroze, as well as fellow pâtissière Christelle Brua.
“I don’t know if I’m a pioneer but I dare to hope I have helped other young girls to start out on a career.”
She added: “The problem is, I didn’t have an example of how to start a family with a job like this. I was always told I had to make a choice: it was impossible to be a mother, a company director and be fulfilled.
“What I want to convey as a message is that you can do it.
“You can be fulfilled. You just have to make sure you surround yourself with the right people.”
Ms Métayer’s cakes and pastries can be bought in Paris at Printemps du Goût, boulevard Haussmann and the new Halles Biltoki, Issy-les-Moulineaux or order online.
