Life & Work with Sylvia Situ of Irvine, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Situ

Hi Sylvia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a holistic mama to two wonderful boys, and my journey into sourdough began from a deep-rooted love for nourishing food and intentional living. What started as a simple desire to bake healthier bread for my family quickly evolved into a deep passion I never expected. Since baking my first sourdough loaf in August 2022, something just clicked. I fell in love with the process—the rhythm, the hands-on nature, the quiet patience it required. I was hooked by the smell of fresh dough rising in my kitchen, the crackle of a well-baked crust, and the satisfaction of creating something so pure with just flour, water, and salt.

But my love for food didn’t begin with bread—it has always been a creative outlet for me. Alongside my career as an interior designer, which I’ve pursued for over 20+ years, food has been another medium through which I express beauty, comfort, and care. I’ve always been inspired by the sensory experience of a well-prepared meal—the colors, the textures, the styling of the plate. Even before I cook or bake, I often find myself imagining how the final dish will look and feel. I’ve never been able to separate art from food; they’ve always been deeply connected in my world.

Although I didn’t grow up in a household full of baked goods, my mom cooked almost every meal from scratch. She believed in the healing power of food and used it as a form of medicine long before that was trendy. At the time, I didn’t realize how lucky I was—but looking back now, I see how those seeds were planted early. When I became a mother myself, everything came full circle. I became hyper-aware of what I was feeding my family, how food impacted our mood, energy, and health. That’s when I began exploring sourdough and eventually created Sourdough Sylvie—a micro-bakery born out of love, curiosity, and a deep desire to serve my family and community with the most nourishing breads and baked goods I could possibly create.

The mission behind my micro-bakery is simple but intentional: to source the cleanest, organic, and most wholesome ingredients I can find—and to bake with love and integrity. Long fermentation, wild yeast, simple ingredients—these things aren’t just trends to me. They are part of a lifestyle that values slowness, connection, and care.

Beyond baking, I’m a passionate advocate for low-toxic living and natural wellness. I love herbal remedies, simplifying the home, and creating spaces—whether through food or design—that nourish the soul. Interior design is still a huge part of my life, and I continue to blend both of my passions into one creative journey. Whether I’m styling a space or shaping a loaf, it’s always about intention, beauty, and function.

Food is my love language. I may skip coffee, but you’ll always find a warm loaf on the counter, a cup of tea in my hand, and a heart full of gratitude for this unexpected, beautiful path I’ve found.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—but that’s what makes the journey so rewarding. Like sourdough itself, this process has required patience, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

One of the biggest challenges has been finding balance—between work, motherhood, and the growing demands of my micro-bakery. I still work full-time as an interior designer, and while I love my career, launching a home-based bakery on top of it has pushed me to my limits in ways I didn’t expect.

Being a mom is my most important role, and the guilt of not always being fully present weighs heavy at times. There are moments when I’m mixing dough while helping with homework, baking late into the night after bedtime stories, or rushing through a recipe while my kids wait for my attention. That mental juggling act is real, and it’s something I’m constantly working through.

In the beginning, I also struggled with self-doubt—questioning whether I could really do this, whether people would value what I made, and whether I was “good enough” to sell something so personal. I spent countless hours researching sourdough techniques, experimenting with recipes, and tweaking every detail until it felt right. But it wasn’t until I finally let go of perfection and simply started that everything began to unfold.

There’s also the logistical side—sourcing the cleanest ingredients, organizing production schedules, packaging orders, and maintaining consistency—all from my home kitchen. It’s a constant learning curve.

But every challenge has shaped this journey in meaningful ways. I’ve learned to give myself grace, ask for help, and be okay with doing things imperfectly. I’ve learned that it’s okay to grow slowly and intentionally. The joy of seeing someone light up over a loaf of bread or a fresh cookie reminds me why I started in the first place.

This journey has taught me that building something meaningful doesn’t require everything to be perfect—it just requires heart, persistence, and a willingness to keep showing up.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Baking began as a personal passion, but it quickly became something more. I launched my home-based micro-bakery out of love for nourishing food and a desire to share that joy with my community. I specialize in organic, naturally leavened sourdough bread and baked goods using the cleanest, highest-quality ingredients. My bakes are long-fermented, handcrafted, and deeply rooted in traditional methods.

One of the things I love most is experimenting. I’m always testing new recipes, playing with flavors, and transforming classic bakes into sourdough versions. Cookies, in particular, are a favorite of mine—there’s so much creativity in flavor and texture, and I love bringing sourdough’s unique depth into every batch. If there’s a way to sourdough-ify a recipe, I’ll try it!
What I’m most proud of is the community that has grown around my baking. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing the bread and cookies I make are nourishing families and bringing a little joy to someone’s day. It’s more than baking—it’s a way to connect, give, and serve with heart.

What sets me apart is the harmony between design and baking. I approach both with care, curiosity, and a deep commitment to simplicity and quality. Whether I’m designing or creating a new recipe, I pour the same creative energy and love into every detail. My work—both in interiors and the kitchen—is an extension of who I am: a creator, a nurturer, and someone who finds joy in making beautiful, meaningful things.

My background in design influences everything I do—whether it’s styling my bakes, packaging an order, or crafting a cozy kitchen scene. At the heart of it all is a love for creating and sharing. I’m excited to keep growing and evolving this journey—one loaf (or cookie!) at a time.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that community is everything—Finding a mentor or connecting with like-minded people can make a huge difference in growth and success.

For me, the best networking has come from genuine connections and shared experiences. I’ve found mentors in unexpected places—through fellow bakers, and entrepreneurs who are willing to share their knowledge. Here are a few things that have worked well for me:

Engaging with Online Communities – Joining social media groups, baking forums, has allowed me to connect with experienced professionals and fellow creatives. Learning from others’ experiences and asking questions has been invaluable.

Reaching Out & Asking for Guidance – Sometimes, all it takes is a simple message or email to someone you admire. Many people are happy to share advice when approached with authenticity and respect.

My advice? Be open, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. Your best mentors may not always be official; sometimes, they’re simply people who encourage, challenge, and push you to grow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: sourdough.sylve