About Us
A little bit about our journey
In 2016, Lucia took a deep dive into the world of fermentation while working on her Undergrad thesis. She became fascinated with bread and decided to learn how to make her own. The loaves she was making caught the attention of classmates, professors, family and friends and became quite popular. So Giardino Kitchen was born, and the growing popularity was undeniable, however, at the end of 2016 Lucia moved to Vancouver.
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As time went by and she spent months, and years away from home in Mexico, Lucia was greatly missing traditional “pan dulce”. Since she had begun her plant-based lifestyle, she took on the quest to make the delicious Mexican buns she grew up with, aligned with her passion and beliefs. Realizing how much the baked goods were loved, by vegans and non-vegans alike, Lucia went all-in to bring La Bakeria to life.
A word from Lucía
I've realized, a lot of my journeys in life have revolved around food. When I was deciding whether to go to Med School, I took a class in Human Nutrition. We had a whole class on vegetarian and vegan nutrition and it was an eye-opening experience for me. From that day, I stopped eating animals and haven’t looked back.
I believe that food should be an enjoyable experience, hence I took to learn how to cook. I have found that plant-based foods are delicious. I’ve known a world of flavors I couldn’t have dreamed of and I love it.
It is my desire, that whatever you eat in your everyday life, when you want to enjoy our pastries, you know you’re getting the best.
Lucía Valenzuela Suárez
Founder and Baker
A word from Estefanía
I grew up in Mexico and lived there all my life until moving to Vancouver with Lucía. Growing up I had a very close relationship with local food. Both of my parents cooked and quite enjoyed developing new recipes and dishes.
I've developed a professional career as a Graphic Designer and I also studied 3D Modeling and Animation.
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I am always hanging in the kitchen when Lucía's up to something, and I can't stop myself from requesting her to bring to life my cravings. So it felt only natural, that we embarked together on this new adventure.
Estefanía Izaguirre Lozano
Co-Founder and Designer
"Baked with Love"