I have always been curious. It only makes sense that I would eventually discover sourdough.

I spent half my life in corporate America, working with people to bring technology products to life. What I loved most was the process of creating something meaningful, useful, and beautiful together.

Looking back, I realize all of that time, energy, and experience taught me a lot about myself:

— I love figuring out how things work and how they come together.
— I’m ready to tackle any challenge, big or small.
— I love meeting new people.
— I’m not afraid to ask questions.
— I’m curious, and learning something new keeps me motivated.

And I love this quote:

"I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening."
— Larry King

So here we are at Ancient Rise Bakery—a creation that brings together my love of product, my curiosity, and my love of baking. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of listening to others, staying curious, and being open to learning. But I’ve also learned to listen to myself and follow what truly brings me joy. Baking sourdough has become that joy, and seeing a beautiful loaf come out of the oven never gets old.

Some of my earliest memories are of standing on my tiptoes, peeking over the kitchen counter, completely fascinated by what was happening in the kitchen. There was something special about mixing ingredients, working with my hands, and creating something from scratch.

My summers were spent in Turkey, a special place along the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by family, culture, and some of the most delicious food on this planet. Those memories have shaped the way I think and feel about food today.

Food brings people together. It connects us to our roots and is one of the simplest ways we show love. That’s something I grew up with, and it’s a belief I carry into my own kitchen.

Ancient Rise Bakery is the next chapter of that story—a way to bring together my love of baking, my appreciation for tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with our community.

Today, I get to create with my mind, heart, and hands, making something meaningful that can be shared with others. For me, that’s what Ancient Rise is all about: family, tradition, and the simple joy of real bread made with love.