Today we’d like to introduce you to Alise Breedlove.
Hi Alise, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I have a large family and food was often the focus of any gathering, large or small. I grew up believing that food keeps us connected to our loved ones and is a way to show we love and care about each other. I would use our family recipes for birthday treats and Christmas gifts for family and friends. After my mom passed away unexpectedly, baking turned into something therapeutic. I would play Louis Armstrong while I baked and play memories over and over in my mind. It helped me to still feel connected to her. I took some time off from teaching to have our two children, Theodore was born December 2018, and Cecelia was born July 2020. Instead of going back to the classroom, I decided to start Breedlove Bakery.
The pandemic was a blessing in disguise. Not only did quarantine give me quality time with my growing family, but it gave me the time to experiment with baking. I hosted a chocolate chip cookie tasting with friends. I baked eight different recipes and dropped them off to their houses, so we could all vote on which we thought was best. I wanted to figure out what I liked from each recipe in order to create my own. I never would have thought I would start my own bakery, but I had so much encouragement from my husband, family, and friends. The summer of 2020 I started selling baked goods at Barrel & Taps in Grandview. The following year I started selling at Saint Mary’s German Village Farmers Market every Saturday. I started out with making a large variety of baked goods including cookies, biscuits, babka buns, hand pies, brownies, and muffins. I quickly discovered that creating unique cookie flavors wasn’t just a creative outlet but was something people looked forward to trying out each week. Now I am focused on growing my business and getting my name out there. I’ve been doing popups at Seventh Son and Townhall. This spring/summer I will be at different markets.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a bakery during the pandemic was hard for obvious reasons. It didn’t help that I had an 18-month-old and another on the way at the end of the month. It’s hard to bake 100 cookies by myself, in our tiny kitchen, during naptimes. I would have to clean up all evidence of baking too because Theo would get so upset if he wasn’t able to help me bake. I’ve also had to learn the ins and outs of farmers’ markets and popups. Luckily, my husband has been incredibly supportive.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Breedlove Bakery specializes in 6 oz mega cookies. I create cookie flavors with unique and fun ingredients. We always have our staple cookies available on our website (salted chocolate chip, cookies and cream, s’mores, peanut butter & chocolate, and spicy peanut) and limited-edition cookies. Currently, we have breakfast-themed cookies like everything bagel, blueberry muffin, waffles, and Fruity Pebbles cereal.
Pricing:
- Mega Cookies $5-$6
- Poblano Cheddar Biscuits $5
- Handpies $5
- Babka Buns $5
Contact Info:
- Email: thebreedlovebakery@gmail.com
- Website: www.breedlovebakery.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/breedlovebakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Breedlove-Bakery-143804954153758
Image Credits
James Schuller
