We were lucky to catch up with Dorothy Smith, Mba recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dorothy, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Dorothy’s resilience was forged long before Bread and Bake ever came to life, in a small, vibrant neighborhood in Bogotá, Colombia. Growing up in a community where opportunities were scarce and higher education was a distant dream, Dorothy’s mother instilled in her children the belief that hard work and determination could move mountains.
The Early Years: Planting Seeds of Resilience
Education was Dorothy’s escape route, her lighting path. With only 1% of her neighborhood accessing higher education, every achievement felt like a battle won. Her mother’s relentless support ensured she and her siblings didn’t just dream big—they acted on those dreams. Long nights studying, and balancing responsibilities, prepared Dorothy for a world much larger than her beginnings.
Resilience in Action: The Move to the USA
When Dorothy moved to the United States, she found herself in a new battle. The language barrier was daunting, and she was often the only one in the room who looked or sounded like her. Yet, rather than retreat, Dorothy leaned into her inner strength. Each presentation, networking event, and class discussion during she was taking her MBA classes was an opportunity to grow, prove her worth, and make her mark.
From Corporate Setbacks to Bakery Success
Years later, as she transitioned from the corporate world to artisan baking, Dorothy once again called upon her resilience. Every challenge, from remembering the science of sourdough passed to her from as a family heritage, to balancing business demands, was met with the same determination that had carried her through her earlier years. Mistakes became lessons, and failures became steppingstones.
Bread and Bake: A Testament to Resilience
Bread and Bake isn’t just a bakery—it’s a symbol of persistence. It reflects a journey marked by hard work, adaptability, and grit. Each loaf of sourdough and every cookie carries the story of someone who refused to give up, who believed in the transformative power of resilience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At Bread and Bake, we specialize in creating artisan bread and baked goods made with love, care, and top-quality ingredients. What makes us unique is the heart behind every loaf and cookie—we’re not just baking; we’re sharing a piece of a journey rooted in resilience, culture, and passion.
I transitioned from the corporate world, where I used my MBA to lead strategic initiatives, to artisan baking—a field that challenges me creatively while connecting me to my community in a meaningful way. Bread and Bake began as a stress-relief hobby but quickly turned into a business fueled by my love for sourdough and other traditional techniques.
What excites me most is the connection we build with our customers. Our pre-order model often allows people to pick up their bread while it’s still warm, fostering a sense of connection and trust. Every bite tells a story—one of heritage, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence.
Our products are special because they’re not just food; they’re an experience. Whether it’s our signature sourdough bread, decadent cookies, or unique treats like sourdough rings inspired by my Colombian roots, everything is crafted with intention and care.
We’re thrilled about several upcoming developments:
STL Coffee Fest on February 22: We’ll be showcasing our best products and connecting with the vibrant local coffee and food community.
New Monthly Shaped Breads: Inspired by seasonal celebrations, these breads are perfect for everyday enjoyment and special occasions.
We’re collaborating with local bakeries and exploring opportunities to bring our baked goods to more people in St. Louis and beyond.
An Invitation to Our Community
Bread and Bake is more than a bakery; it’s a symbol of perseverance and the belief that it’s never too late to follow your passion. I’d love for readers to follow our journey, try our products, and share in the joy of artisan baking. Visit breadandbake.com to learn more, and connect with us on social media @breadandbakestl to see what’s baking next!
Let’s make life sweeter and bread fresher—one loaf at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As I reflect on the path that led me to create Bread and Bake, there are three key qualities that I believe played an instrumental role in my success: resilience, adaptability, and a passion for learning. These attributes have not only shaped my personal and professional growth but have been the foundation of the bakery’s evolution.
1. Resilience
Starting a business—especially one that requires so much hands-on work—comes with inevitable setbacks. There were moments when I doubted myself, from struggling with dough recipes to managing the overwhelming amount of work needed to scale my business. But the resilience I developed early in life, especially through overcoming challenges in my hometown of Bogotá, allowed me to push through even the toughest times.
Advice:
If you’re early in your journey, know that setbacks are a natural part of the process. Embrace them as learning opportunities rather than failures. Build a strong support network, whether it’s friends, family, or fellow entrepreneurs, and lean on them when times get tough. Resilience is a muscle that grows stronger with each challenge you face.
2. Adaptability
In both my corporate career and now as a bakery owner, adaptability has been crucial. I’ve had to pivot quickly from one model of doing business to another, whether it was adapting recipes to cater to new dietary preferences or shifting my business strategy to meet growing demand. The world is constantly changing, and being able to pivot when necessary has kept Bread and Bake relevant and thriving.
Advice:
Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as you go. Flexibility is key when you encounter unexpected changes or new opportunities. Try to stay open to feedback, and use it to refine your approach. The ability to adapt will make your business more resilient to both challenges and opportunities.
3. A Passion for Learning
The journey of starting Bread and Bake has been a steep learning curve. I constantly seek new knowledge, whether it’s learning about new baking techniques, understanding how to manage a business, or studying trends in the food industry. This passion for growth and learning has not only helped me create better products but also made me a more confident and informed business owner.
Advice:
Never stop learning, no matter how experienced you become. There are always new skills, trends, and techniques to master. Take advantage of workshops, online courses, and even informal learning from peers. The more you know, the more empowered you’ll feel, and the more successful your journey will be.
Final Thoughts
To those just starting out, I would say: Embrace the journey, knowing that it will be full of challenges and rewards. Build resilience, stay adaptable, and feed your passion for learning. The combination of these qualities will empower you to not only face obstacles but thrive despite them. Don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way—those moments are what will keep you motivated to keep going.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My mother’s unwavering dedication to providing a brighter future for our family fueled my own ambition. Her tireless efforts instilled in me the resilience and determination necessary to overcome any challenge, paving the way for my professional success. My husband, a constant source of encouragement, consistently reminds me of my strength and the unique qualities that make me a trailblazing Latina. He champions my dreams and inspires me to use my story to uplift those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breadandbake.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breadandbakestl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breadandbakestl
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breadandbake
Image Credits
Photographer – Calvin Smith
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
