Today we’d like to introduce you to Wallace Aroita
Hi Wallace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Wallace Aroita. Born in the 90s and raised on the beautiful island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. I am an entrepreneur and a Sports Coach. I enjoy music, reading, playing sports and most importantly family time with my 3 young daughters.
I grew up surrounded by the rich aroma of freshly baked bread, daily plantation and farming duties and sports throughout my entire childhood. My family has owned and operated Avarua Bakery since the 1950s started by my Great Grand Uncle and Great Grand Father and passed down to the next generations up until my parents, making baking an integral part of my life. The bakery was more than just a business; it was a cornerstone of our community, deeply intertwined with our local activities in sports, culture, church and school and local businesses.
In 2006, I moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, to attend high school and pursue my passion for sports and further grow my education This experience further fueled my love for sports, leadership and helped shape my character. After completing my education, I returned home to Rarotonga in 2018 to help with the family business at Avarua Bakery.
In 2019, I embarked on my first major project: expanding our factory into a retail space. This led to the birth of Jancey’s Bakery, named in honor of my great-grandmother, who played a pivotal role in our family’s business history alongside her husband until her passing. Jancey’s Bakery was a tribute to her legacy and a reflection of her contributions to our family and community.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unforeseen challenges. Despite our best efforts, Jancey’s Bakery was severely affected, leading to its complete shutdown in January 2021. This was a difficult time, but it also provided an opportunity for reflection and growth.
By 2024, I felt the time was right for a fresh start. With a new brand, a new location, and a renewed vision, Bread & Butter Bakery Shop was born. This new venture was more than just a bakery; it was a symbol of resilience, faith, and the blessings that had been bestowed upon our family for generations. Bread & Butter Bakery Shop quickly became a beloved spot in the community, embodying the spirit of Avarua Bakery, which had served the Cook Islands for over 70 years.
Today, Bread & Butter Bakery Shop is thriving, a testament to the enduring legacy of our family and the power of perseverance. This is our Bread & Butter, a vision from God and a reflection of the blessings we’ve received through the generations.
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?
Starting up Bread & Butter Bakery Shop has been an incredibly rewarding journey, but it certainly hasn’t been without its challenges. The road has had its bumps, but each obstacle has taught us valuable lessons and made us stronger.
One of the biggest struggles was overcoming the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of our previous venture, Jancey’s Bakery. This was a tough period, but it also gave us the opportunity to rethink and reimagine our business.
Another challenge was establishing a new brand at the time not really having a name for the new venture. The Name Bread and Butter Bakery Shop wasn’t even thought of until the very late periods closing in on the opening month.. It required a lot of planning, hard work, and dedication to ensure that Bread & Butter Bakery Shop would resonate with our community and uphold the legacy of Avarua Bakery. Find the right staff was another issue with our country facing population decrease due to families leaving home base to find better opportunities following the devastations of economic challenges caused by COVID-19. So it was hard to find people to employ. It wasn’t until I started praying and submitting everything in to God’s hands when things then began to turn and the right people started coming my way.
Despite these hurdles, the support from our community and the passion we have for baking have been our driving forces. Each day, we strive to create a welcoming space where people can enjoy delicious baked goods and feel a sense of connection. A place where they feel, they are winning. The journey has been worth every effort, and we’re excited about the future of Bread & Butter Bakery Shop.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bread & Butter Bakery Shop?
At Bread & Butter Bakery Shop, we are passionate about creating delicious, high-quality baked goods that bring joy to our community. Our bakery specializes in a wide range of products, from freshly baked bread and pastries to custom cakes and savory treats. We take pride in using the finest ingredients and traditional baking techniques to ensure that every bite is a delightful experience.
What sets us apart is our deep-rooted connection to the Cook Islands community and our commitment to sustainability. Our bakery is built on the legacy of Avarua Bakery, which has been serving the Cook Islands for over 70 years. This rich history and our dedication to preserving it through our new brand are what make us unique.
We are most proud of our brand’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. Bread & Butter Bakery Shop is not just a place to buy baked goods; it’s a warm, welcoming space where people can come together, share stories, and create memories. Our focus on community engagement and sustainability reflects our values and our vision for the future.
We want our readers to know that at Bread & Butter Bakery Shop, every product is made with love and care. Whether you’re looking for a delicious loaf of bread, a beautifully crafted cake, or a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, we have something special for you. Our offerings are a testament to our commitment to quality, tradition, and community.
Thank you for supporting us and being a part of our journey. We look forward to serving you and continuing to bring the best of baking to the Cook Islands.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Bible is my new Go to. I have it in Book for an also as an app. Sports and music is also another avenue I grab inspiration from and that usually always is enough to do well and also surround myself around the right people for support.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breadandbutter_rarotonga?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558207165810
