A Journey to Creating an Extraordinary Bakery: Dreams and Determination

Embarking on the journey of setting up a shop is far from a walk in the park. The road is marked with challenges, but it's also adorned with incredibly satisfying moments.

After nurturing a dream for nearly a decade, I am now at the precipice of realizing this dream and opening those long-awaited doors alongside my partner Lance Little who has been such a support and the mastermind behind many of the things we are creating.

My journey began during my years as a seaman, traveling and working on cruise ships, exploring the nooks and crannies of the world. I made it a personal mission to visit as many coffee shops as possible at each port we docked at, cherishing a cup of Joe in each. Over these years, I kept the flame of my dream alive. There were times when it seemed like the dream might not materialize, but I held on to faith, knowing that things would eventually fall into place.

Though the doors of my dream Coffee Shop are yet to swing open, I can only hope that it becomes a space where people will love to gather and experience the unique offerings we've diligently crafted. Nestled in the picturesque valley known as Franschhoek, often referred to as The Valley of Dreams by The Times magazine, our bakery will embody the essence of my dream and more as it evolved with everything that came my way the last 3 years.

As a florist and a lover of all things natural, our bakery will boast fresh flowers, aromatic coffee, and delectable baked goods. Our commitment lies in the use of natural fermentation processes, ensuring that everything we offer is not only tastier but also healthier, devoid of any unnecessary additives.

Bread, Flowers, and Coffee - a trinity that epitomizes our venture. My partner and I have been honing our craft in the Sourdough world for about three years now in South Africa. With changing times, we've decided to take a leap and translate our passion into a bakery. A place where you can not only acquire freshly baked bread and a cup of coffee but also grab a bunch of locally grown, fresh flowers. And perhaps, linger for a moment, savoring the experience while gazing at the Franschhoek mountains and the mesmerizing trail of cars on the Franschhoek Pass.

We've done much of the work ourselves - from painting and creating doorways to building counters and restoring furniture pieces. Our journey has been generously supported by amazing friends who have lent their time and efforts, helping us in various capacities - from assembling restored fruit bins for counters to prepping the walls for a fresh coat of paint.

To all our friends who have been instrumental in spreading the word about our soon-to-be bakery and those who've supported us in myriad ways - a heartfelt thank you. And most of all, I extend my gratitude to my partner. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

We are eagerly looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming you to a space that's not just another coffee shop but a place that offers an extraordinary experience of properly fermented baked goods and other foods.

Stay tuned to all our social media pages for updates on the opening date.

Until next time, may your dreams rise like perfectly baked bread!