Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Tree
Hi Shawna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My family and close friends have always been at the center of my life, and I’ve enjoyed baking and cooking for them. The kitchen has always been the heart of our home! Back in 2009, I had a challenging time with a cancer diagnosis. My husband and six kids were wonderfully supportive through this trial, and I was able to enjoy spiritual peace despite the rocky road, but I needed an outlet and something to focus on besides my health. I went to culinary school to get my mind off myself and ended up learning more than just how to cook…
As it is for many people, cooking was and is very therapeutic. I find comfort making new recipes and then perfecting them, and I ultimately enjoy sharing my creations with others. I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my husband and kids, practicing pastries, bread and other dishes, and discovering a passion that would continue to grow.
A year ago, I decided to focus on eating a little better while still being able to enjoy my love for carbs. I knew sourdough had good health and gut benefits, so I created “Millie,” my sourdough starter, and began experimenting with various sourdough breads. My neighborhood friends became my official taste-testers, and I practiced endlessly to perfect every loaf. With their support and encouragement, in October 2024, I opened the Windermere Bread Company, providing breads to my local community. It’s been an amazing experience to watch people fall in love with fresh sourdough and see them realize the difference it makes for them as part of a healthy diet.
For me, it’s about so much more than just bread—it’s about sharing love, nourishment, and connection with others. Every loaf I bake is a reflection of my journey, my family, and the joy I find in bringing people together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but it’s been an incredibly rewarding one. One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn is understanding my own limits. I didn’t expect so many people to love fresh bread as much as they do, which is wonderful, but it also means I had to set boundaries. For example, I can’t make more than 75 loaves a day without extra hands, so I’ve had to find a balance that works for me and my family. With my husband’s help, we’ve made over 130 loaves in one day, but that is a lot of bread!
In the beginning, I wondered if people would really want my bread or if I could make it all work. I’ve also had to accept that with artisan breads, each loaf is unique. Minor variations in room temperature, humidity, rolling and scoring the dough, and oven decks can impact the final baked loaf, and there is never a totally “perfect” one. However, the variance in each loaf is what makes artisan bread so beautiful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I want people to enjoy the bread when it’s as fresh as possible. Sourdough will keep at room temperature for several days, but there’s something about fresh bread – it’s tough to beat! All the breads are made-to-order, and it takes a couple days to prepare the sourdough loaves and then have them rest in the refrigerator to fully develop the fermentation. Unfortunately, that means that I must know the orders two full days in advance, so I may prepare the correct quantities and flavor inclusions. (I will often prepare some extra loaves for last-minute orders and/or changes.) Each customer is getting bread that was baked that morning!
My journey began with a passion, and I stay true to those roots. I use high-quality, natural ingredients and a slow fermentation method, which helps give it a golden crust and soft, tangy interior. This bread should be as good for the soul as it is for the body, and as nourishing as it is delicious.
My business is rooted in community and relationships. Whether you’re ordering a loaf to share at your family table or looking to learn more about the art of sourdough, I enjoy making each interaction personal and meaningful. For me, my bread is more than just food – it’s an experience, a connection, and a celebration of the simple things that bring us together, and I’m happy to share that with everyone.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love connecting with my customers – it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. If you’d like to support WBC, the simplest way is to order a loaf of fresh sourdough! Sharing your love of the bread with friends and family or spreading the word about my business is incredibly helpful and much appreciated. For collaborations, I’m always open to working with local businesses, events, or community groups who share a passion for quality, health, and relationships.
Ultimately, WBC is all about community, and I’m grateful for everyone who supports my little corner of the world—whether by ordering online, sharing their story, or simply enjoying a loaf of bread! I’m loving the journey, and I’m excited to see what the future may hold…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://windermerebread.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windermerebread/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566118829646
- Other: Link to Order Bread… https://vev.co/windermere-bread-company
Image Credits
George Crudo Photography
