Meet Alisa (she/her), owner and operator of Little Bean Bakery!
Little Bean Bakery’s story began during the COVID-19 pandemic when, like many people during lockdown, Alisa started experimenting with sourdough baking. She spent countless hours watching YouTube videos, honing her skills, and understanding the process before seriously considering the idea of baking for others. Encouraged by positive feedback from family and friends, Alisa began to explore the possibility of turning her passion into a business.
When it came time to choose a name for the bakery, Alisa drew inspiration from her first rabbit, Bean, incorporating his silhouette into the logo. She had adopted Bean shortly after moving out of her family home, and he became her companion as she discovered her love of baking and experimenting with new recipes. Reflecting on the inspiration behind her business, Alisa shares, “Years ago, I daydreamed about starting my own business and sketched a logo with Bean on it and did nothing with it, until now. Little Bean Bakery was the perfect name for my bread business because rabbits often sit in a ‘loaf’ position, and Bean was my little loaf.”
Alisa feels fortunate to have had a strong support network throughout her entrepreneurial journey. Family and friends not only encouraged her to open the business but also helped with early tasks such as logo creation, website design, and photography.
As a new entrepreneur, Alisa believes 10C offers a great starting point for small business owners. For her bakery, Nourish Kitchen provided everything she was looking for. Having previously collaborated with local business owners in the same kitchen, she was already familiar with the space, making 10C feel both welcoming and approachable. As Alisa explains, “It felt much safer and more approachable than trying to rent or purchase my own commercial space or build a new kitchen in my home. It’s also very reassuring to know that 10C is in your corner and truly wants you to succeed.”
Beyond access to kitchen space, Alisa has appreciated the support 10C provides through workshops, resources, and opportunities to promote members’ businesses. She is also looking forward to building connections with other members and exploring future collaborations within the community.
Looking ahead, Alisa is excited to continue experimenting with her products, developing more seasonal flavours, and finding new ways to highlight local ingredients in her baking. Learn more by following her at: https://www.instagram.com/little.bean.bakery/
