Our Story
Welcome to Bread By Élise, an artisanal online bakery deeply rooted in family values and driven by a mother-daughter duo with a passion for crafting the freshest sourdough bread you'll ever experience. Our story began in 2018 when my daughter Élise and I, as a close-knit team, embarked on a culinary adventure like no other.
Inspired by a desire to infuse more health-conscious choices into our daily meals, we ventured into the realm of fermented foods. We sought nourishment with a low glycemic index, and as fate would have it, sourdough emerged as our culinary muse.
Our humble beginnings saw us crafting 100% plant-based, vegan-friendly sourdough loaves. Yet, our passion and dedication to exceptional breadmaking couldn't be contained. Today, our menu has blossomed to offer a tantalizing array of mouthwatering options that can seamlessly enhance your daily dining experience.
But we're more than just a bakery; we're a haven for sourdough enthusiasts. Our online store is a treasure trove of all things sourdough. From our signature sourdough bread to proofing baskets and meticulously curated baking tools, we provide the essentials to elevate your home baking endeavors.
For those who crave the magic of our freshly baked loaves, we offer a Saturday pre-order service. You have until Friday at 9 am to place your order, ensuring you can savor the taste of perfection in every bite.
And for those eager to embark on their own sourdough adventure, we extend a warm invitation to join one of our renowned sourdough classes.
At Bread By Élise, our journey is a testament to the love and dedication we pour into each loaf. We invite you to be part of our story, to taste the difference in every slice, and to explore the world of sourdough with us. Together, we rise.
Introducing Our Sourdough Master Classes
Since stepping into the world of bakery, we've had the privilege of guiding countless individuals on their baking journey. We've seen the joy of success and the satisfaction of conquering the art of breadmaking. It's been an incredible journey, and we're excited to take the next meaningful step with you.
In the summer of 2023, Bread By Élise proudly unveiled its inaugural Sourdough Master Class. The response was nothing short of remarkable, and it quickly became evident that there was a growing hunger for knowledge among our community. Whether you're a novice yearning to learn the basics or someone who has faced challenges mastering the art of baking bread, our classes are designed with you in mind.
Our classes provide a hands-on, immersive experience where you'll discover the secrets of crafting exceptional sourdough items. From mastering the fundamental techniques to creating a wide array of delectable sourdough creations, we're here to nurture your skills and ignite your passion for baking.
At Bread By Élise, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the taste of freshly baked, wholesome bread. Our Sourdough Master Classes are designed to empower you to create your own healthy, delicious bread at home, all while saving money in the process.
Join us on this exciting journey of discovery and empowerment. Whether you're an aspiring baker or a seasoned pro, our Sourdough Master Classes are here to elevate your breadmaking skills and bring the joy of baking into your life.
Why Sourdough Bread?
Who We Are
My name is Lisa! I am a mother, business owner, and baker. Since I was a young girl, I have spent my time in the kitchen baking with my mother and grandmother. My grandmother was such a wonderful baker who made delicious pies and bread throughout her life, and through watching her I developed a love for baking. It was my grandmother who inspired me to continue baking as she was always very proud of my cakes. I wanted to continue making her proud by feeding my passions (and my loved ones!).
In my 30s, I had my very first experience kneading bread dough on my own. The process was therapeutic as it brought me to a wholesome space that connected me to the earth and natural way of bread making. As I started a family, I made baking an important part of our lives and found incredible joy when my daughter Élise and I began making sourdough bread.
The more bread we made, the more I was reminded of my love for holding dough and it brings back that feeling I had learning to knead bread for the first time. With sourdough bread being such a healthy alternative and great for many people with sensitivities, I saw an opportunity to bring my passions and a healthy food option to my local community.
Bread By Élise is inspired by my grandmother, my love for baking, and most importantly my daughter. I love having my own place where I get to experiment with the menu, test out new treats, and also enjoy my daughter’s company and support along the way.
My biggest support in the kitchen is Élise, she is autistic and is an exceptional visual learner with amazing memory capabilities. Élise has a wonderful mind, and when we began making sourdough bread, she was fascinated with learning the art and science of wild yeast and enjoyed watching the sourdough starter grow. Élise enjoys the process as much as I do, and I’m proud to give her an environment where she can apply her abilities through baking in a loving and comforting atmosphere. This year, Élise will begin working with her culinary coach and make “Élise’s Dessert Box” every Friday.
I am so grateful for the wonderful support from our community and we are continuing to expand and grow our menu! I’ve got many exciting ventures planned for the future - Stay tuned!
We acknowledge that Bread By Élise and Kingston Ontario is on the shared traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory.