Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Partovi.
Hi Sara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My brother Julian Partovi and I (Sara Partovi) own and operate Bastion Bakery with Bakers Kneaded in Grand Central Market offering pastries, whole-grain sourdough, patisserie, and coffee. When we were around 10 years old, our dad started a small orchard, and we began vending in Southern CA farmers’ markets. That’s where it all started. We would wake up at the crack of dawn to pick apples and schelp to markets on the weekends. We became accustomed to many facets of farmers’ markets, including the importance of shopping local, the huge food scene & amazing produce in CA, along with running a small business. I went on to manage the West LA Farmers Market for 12 years, and Julian started a successful coffee & baked goods booth (Refined Grind) with Bakers Kneaded in 6 markets around Los Angeles. Together, we opened our first storefront location in the historic food hall in June 2023!
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?
I don’t think anyone has a smooth journey! You work hard, you make mistakes, and you learn. You really have to keep at it. Sometimes, it’s just that simple: not giving up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
We’re rooted in whole grains, local & organic ingredients, high quality, and sustainability. Our coffee is all roasted in Mar Vista, CA. We bake in the community and for the community. Our pastries and desserts stand as a beacon of French tradition yet with California innovation.
Bakers Kneaded was the first bakery on the West Coast to create the bi-colored croissant. Our bi-colored lineup includes the Guava & Cheese and Nutella croissant.
We’re super proud when someone tries an item based on how beautiful it looks but then come back to let us know it tasted better.
What does success mean to you?
I feel like success is having a return customer. You left an impression in the midst of people having so many options to choose from, social media influencing them, and things to do with their time. If they’re coming back multiple times, you have to be doing something right.
Contact Info:
- Website: bastionbakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bastionbakery/
