Minyoung Kulesza, owner of Minnie Bakery, prepares to open her pop-up storefront. Kulesza offers her pop-location 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 54 Canyon View. Courtesy/Minnie Bakery
Minnie Bakery offers a wide assortment of delicious baked goods. Courtesy/Minnie Bakery
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Six years ago, Minyoung Kulesza opened Minnie Bakery from her home, offering online ordering and takeout services. Since then, her business has expanded to a booth at Thursday’s Farmer’s Markets and now a pop-up storefront that Kulesza sets up in her garage 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 54 Canyon View.
Hungry for a blueberry muffin or craving a scone made just that morning? Maybe something more decadent like a slice of chocolate cake? Kulesza offers all of that along with freshly brewed coffee.
Kulesza said she really enjoyed being a part of the Farmer’s Market, but it required her to get up at 1 a.m. to prepare her baked goods, plus, she was out of town for most of the summer. Still, she said her customers kept asking her when she might return to the Farmer’s Market.
She explained the idea for a pop-up store from her home originated, in part, because of her customers’ interest, but also from her desire to find an actual storefront in town. Kulesza said she ran into obstacles trying to find something with reasonable rent and the right amount of space.
So, she and her husband, Joel, emptied, cleaned and painted their garage and on Oct. 20, Kulesza opened her pop-up store for business for the first time.
She credits her customers for helping her progress her business.
“I am so thankful, so happy (and) so busy,” Kulesza said.
The idea to start a bakery began when Kulesza moved from South Korea to the U.S. and was disappointed with the breads and desserts sold at American grocery stores.
“I’m a very big dessert person and bread person (but) when I came to America, I couldn’t find good bread or desserts,” she said.
She added she is busy raising two young sons but still wanted to do something that allowed her to bake and make things for family and friends.
It has become, in fact, a family affair. Kulesza said her husband helps a lot and is very supportive. She added that he does everything from photographing baked goods to creating a website. Even their sons have gotten into the business – Kulesza said their teachers have ordered items from her bakery.
“Right now, I am so happy,” she said. “I love that this is my job.”
To find out more visit Minnie Bakery’s Facebook page or website, https://minniebakery.com/. Kulesza can also be contacted by email at minyoung.baker@gmail.com or by calling 505.663.6202.
