Kimberly Licht shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kimberly, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I pride myself on baking and selling the freshest challah possible. Some customers have assumed I have extra challahs on hand when, in reality, everything is made to order. It’s the best way for me to ensure the highest quality and that each loaf is made with love especially for you.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Baking started for me as a way to cope with the Covid outbreak during quarantine 2020. It started with banana bread, zucchini, bread, cookies, etc.. One night, when I was putting my seven-year-old to bed. We were reading a book about Shabbat. There was a recipe for challah in the very back and he asked if we could make it. My very first attempt was an epic failure! I had no idea what I was doing and, while the challah came out looking beautiful, it was as hard as a rock! I promised him we would try again until we got it, right. We were lucky that no one chipped a tooth on it!
After a few different attempts with a variety of recipes, I landed on the one that I loved the most, and have stuck with it ever since. It came from Jennifer Komsky, a dear friend of mine. I just doctored it up a little bit and made it my own. My specialty is stuffing most of my challahs with different ingredients. I have over 30 varieties of both sweet and savory flavors. I offer Oreo, chocolate chip, kalamata olive with za’atar, salted caramel, pretzeled cheddar, chocolate chip cookie dough or white chocolate macadamia nut stuffed, to name just a few. My newest flavors that have been a real hit are Ube white chocolate chip, Dubai Chocolate Pistachio, and matcha green tea challah.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Growing up, my parents instilled in me a “don’t give up” attitude. They taught me to see things through, keep my word, show up for people, and do the right thing. I believe that is where by tenacity comes from. I would have to say October 7, 2023 was the moment that really shaped how I see the world now. It opened my eyes to the depths of antisemitism in the world that I never realized existed to the degree that it does. It has only strengthened my Jewish pride, my love for Israel and my belief that critical thinking is vitally important. Baking challah is one of the ways I stay connected to my Judaism, my community and my spiritual side.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear of failure used to hold me back until I read the book “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. I realized that no matter what life threw my way, I would handle it and be more than okay. I read that book over 20 years ago and it’s still a guiding force in my life.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I deeply admire Noa Tishby. She is an actress, author, and activist who wrote the book “Israel, the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth”. She has been speaking out and educating people on the truths about Israel for many years and, even more so, since October 7, 2023. Not only has she educated me and thousands of others, she has, inadvertently, made the baking of challah for me a more spiritual and connected experience. I hope I am passing these values of love for Israel, critical thinking, Judaism, peace and integrity down to my children.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Baking is meditative for me. I’m at peace and in a zone when I start braiding my dough. Combining that with my family being around me, that is what brings me the most peace. Shabbat is a time to stop working, connect with loved ones, tune out the noise and be present. If nothing else, my challah business has inspired me more to celebrate Shabbat and provide that experience to my family. The icing on the cake is that I get to provide that to other families too.
Contact Info:
- Website: The–accidental–baker.ueniweb.com
- Instagram: @kimtheaccidentalbaker
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3344141245643761/?ref=share_group_link&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theaccidentalbaker?si=F7QQoKA5dQoixCXA
