Moving to another country is a step very serious. Despite the multi-ethnicity of the United States (in fact, this country was founded on immigrants) take years to adapt here and feel a part of the American community.
Probably, including therefore, many immigrants cherish the bond with their roots and pass on knowledge about the land of the young shoots. Lisa MacDonald, the granddaughter of immigrants from Ukraine, also remembers and honors the traditions of their ancestors. She told the story of their business, which is built on love for the country where she never lived.
The loaves that baked grandma Lisa — Malania Gontarik
«Love and pastries for me go hand in hand. Although I don’t bake much. Can sometimes make cupcakes with a filling, Easter bake Pasca and his grandmother, that’s all. But buns is my love. Love to the ancestors and all their heritage. Bake loaves was taught to me by my grandmother — Malania Gontarik.
In 90-e years, being a student of the Department of Ukrainian folklore studies at the University of Alberta, I had the opportunity to do a project based on traditional art forms. Some of my classmates chose eggs, some dancing or embroidery. I grew up surrounded by all this, but nothing pleased me as loaves of my grandmother. She and her friend, Mrs. Kachmar, was a noble carabinieri in Edmonton (Canada). They were busy the entire wedding season and always kept a few pieces in the freezer for urgent orders. So my choice was simple: make a video with his grandmother as she bakes a loaf to print the desired text and to pass the homework. I thought that my contact with my grandmother’s business will end. There it was…
The first loaf Lisa (2010)
In ten years my friend from Toronto, Melanie was getting married and asked me: «Lisa, could you bake me a loaf?» My grandmother was then 90 years old and she’s already moved away from the «loaf agate Affairs». And I had no choice but to go to the University archives, to find my videos and get to work.
His first loaf I was satisfied. Showed a photo of your creation to grandma — she loved it too. After the wedding, Melanie, many began to wonder where she booked such a wonderful loaf. Thus began my loaf agate business — first in Canada, then in 2002, in the United States. And in 2016 I got my first international order.
The first double-Decker loaf Lisa went to Florida
Usually I do 40 to 50 orders per year. The number seems small, but in reality it very much! I not only bake breads, but also embroider towel, make flower decorations, ribbons and test… only one loaf needed about 15 hours! So the entire process — mixing, rasstoyki, baking, decoration and packing — leaves day three. Delivery usually takes 2 days.
I share a secret. Before to send a parcel with a loaf, I always put my hand on the box and wish: «Saliva way!» («Happy path.»)
When customers open the box with a loaf, they say that felt the most delicious smell that ever came before them is insanely nice!»
