Our Story
Bread By Élise - From Bakery to Sourdough School
Founded in 2018 by Lisa and her daughter Élise, Bread By Élise embarked on its journey as a leading artisanal pre-order micro bakery, specializing in crafting fresh and plant-based sourdough. As Lisa's passion for sourdough blossomed, the story of Bread By Élise pivoted.
"Transitioning from a bakery, we evolved into a premier sourdough school nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Ontario. Now offering 5-star classes, we guide home bakers across Ontario in the art of crafting exceptional sourdough. Our students, hailing from various cities in Ontario, relish hands-on experiences that elevate their home baking skills."
Explore our online store, a curated haven for sourdough enthusiasts, featuring premium classes at Great Lakes Sourdough School and top-quality sourdough starters. As our journey continues, we invite you to join our community, embrace the art of sourdough, and let's rise together.
Great Lakes Sourdough - A Bread By Élise Company
Since our humble beginnings in the world of baking, Bread By Élise has had the privilege of baking good bread for countless individuals. The joy of success and the satisfaction of conquering the art of breadmaking has been a constant companion on this incredible journey. Now, Bread By Elise is thrilled to take the next meaningful step with you.
In the summer of 2023, Bread By Élise proudly started teaching our first Sourdough Master Class. The response was amazing, showing us that our community was hungry for more knowledge.
We decided to keep the learning going and launched the Great Lakes Sourdough brand. It's an exciting extension of Bread By Élise, where we focus on sharing the joy of baking sourdough. Now, our journey continues under the name Great Lakes Sourdough, aiming to bring even more baking happiness into your homes.
Whether you're a novice eager to learn the basics or someone who has faced challenges mastering the art of baking bread, our classes at Great Lakes Sourdough are meticulously designed with you in mind.
Experience a hands-on, immersive journey where you'll unlock the secrets of crafting exceptional sourdough items. From mastering fundamental techniques to creating a variety of delectable sourdough creations, we're here to nurture your skills and ignite your passion for baking in a relaxed, fun environment.
At Bread By Élise, we firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the taste of freshly baked, wholesome bread. Great Lakes Sourdough's 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, Great Lakes Sourdough, a Bread By Élise Company, is here to elevate your breadmaking skills and bring the joy of baking into your life.
Meet Your Teacher
Hello, I'm Lisa, a devoted mother, business owner, and passionate educator in the world of sourdough. My journey with baking began in the kitchens of my mother and grandmother, both skilled bakers. Their influence laid the foundation for my love of creating delicious treats.
In my 30s, I found solace in kneading my first loaf of bread dough, a therapeutic process that connected me to the earth and the natural art of bread making. The world slowed down and it was a memory I never knew I had. As my family expanded, baking became a cherished activity, especially when crafting sourdough bread with my daughter, Élise.
Recognizing the health benefits of sourdough and its appeal to those with sensitivities, I transitioned from baking to focus on education. Bread By Élise now exclusively offers classes in sourdough, along with the sale of sourdough starters and essential bread tools.
My academic background, with a Master's in Human Systems Intervention specializing in training and development and design, complements my passion for teaching. Though we no longer bake for our community, our commitment to sourdough education is unwavering. Join us in our classes, explore our sourdough starter offerings, and discover quality bread tools for your own home baking journey.
I am so grateful for the wonderful support from our community, and we are continuing to expand and grow our classes! I’ve got many exciting ventures planned for the future - Stay tuned!