Babette's Bread Ltd, an artisanal bread baking specialist business founded in South Africa and now based in Canada

Babette Kourelos is the founder of Babette’s Bread Ltd. Today she lives in Saint-Lazare, Quebec with her husband, Vasili, their baby boy, John, and their two Smooth Fox Terriers, Tango and Cash. She was born in South Africa and is of Afrikaans, Greek, and Italian descent. She holds a BA and LLB degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. After graduating, Babette traveled to Vermont (USA), to apprentice under the late French Master Baker Gerard Rubaud. At the end of 2013, Babette founded and ran what became a well-loved artisan bread bakery and baking studio in Johannesburg (South Africa) for several years before relocating to Canada in 2020. Today, she offers online and in-person bread workshops. Babette has introduced hundreds of beginner bakers to the art of bread baking and has been featured in numerous media publications. She has been a guest speaker at several Women in Business events and was a judge at the World Bread Awards USA in Las Vegas in September 2022.

Lioness Weekender spoke to the uber-talented artisanal bread baker and entrepreneur, Babette Kourelos, about her unique business building journey, her passion for introducing the art of bread baking to others, her fabulous new book, and her vision for the future of her business and brand.

What does your company do?

The company has gone through several transitions. In South Africa, the business was run as a bakery, coffee shop/café, and baking school (for home bakers). Since moving to Canada, the bread baking classes have continued and Babette has also published her debut cookbook (bread book). The company will open a brand new teaching venue and artisan bakery in Vaudreuil, Quebec, in September 2025.

What inspired you to start your company?

When I baked my first loaf of bread, I fell head over heels in love with the process. So much so, that I started baking non-stop. Eventually, friends and neighbours started ordering bread and then word of mouth did the rest. I realised there was a market for real, basic, healthy breads and I started offering just that. Learning new skills/techniques and tweaking my recipes at every opportunity.

What makes your business, service or product special?

Bread is a staple food. It is basic. It does not need to be fancy or dressed up to feed and nourish you. Babette's breads are made from simple, clean, and local ingredients. The end product is wholesome, hearty, and nutritious. Babette also shares her love of bread and baking with home bakers - encouraging them to dust off their aprons and bake beautifully rustic and nutritious breads for friends and family.

Tell us a little about your team

The business currently has no employees. But once the new premises goes live, we will start building a team of bread enthusiasts.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I fell into entrepreneurship by accident, though many of my family members were (and are) entrepreneurs. I studied a BA LLB at the University of the Witwatersrand in Jhb, and was due to become a lawyer - until I discovered bread. A humble homemade loaf awakened a passion and interest in bread baking that I could never have expected. After graduating, this newfound interest developed into a wonderfully delicious and interesting journey and career that has accompanied me across continents.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

The current focus is to open the baking school and bakery in Vaudreuil (QC), later this year. The aim is to continue providing delicious, wholesome breads to local customers as well as sharing the techniques, skills, and passion required, with those who are interested in making their own bread at home.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

Seeing the joy my baked products, bread classes, and debut cookbook bring customers and students

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Start small. Do not over-spend or over-invest. Do what you can with what you have until you are able to grow and expand. You do not need a lot in order to create a lot!
Become obsessed with providing quality and building your skills and knowledge. Be meticulous and disciplined. But remember to have fun along the way too!

To find out more about Babette’s Bread, contact Babette via email: babettesbread@gmail.com and visit the company’s website and social media platforms:

Website: https://www.babettesbread.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babettekourelos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babettesbread

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BabettesBread