A B O U T

Meet Kelly Sours

I am a proud wife and mother of two. I have enjoyed baking since I was young, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to gain experience at such an early age. I earned an associate’s degree in Hotel Restaurant Management which served as an excellent introduction to professional cooking. I then proceeded to take a French baking course at Sur-La-Table where I began to learn the tricks of baking. These experiences started my journey towards becoming a self-taught cottage baker. 

I grew up in Maryland but have had the chance to travel extensively and live in wonderful places, including Colorado, Germany, North Carolina, and now Virginia. Each place has given me a unique look into the local food culture, styles of baking, and unique recipes, allowing me to gradually hone my skills and blend my taste. 

Living in Germany, I was fascinated by the bakery and confectionary culture inspiring my deeper journey into the world of baking. I have enjoyed incorporating German influences into my baking. For example, I learned the value of subtle sweetness and the depth that texture can add to your creation. This German influence inspired my passion for tortes, unique breads like Schokobrötchen, and holiday specialties like Stöllen. 

When returning to the United States, I started baking at home and teaching myself how to bake breads and tortes. While enjoying my baking, I decided to begin a new journey by expanding my pallet and learning about wine. During this time, I earned my level 1 certification from the Guild Sommeliers in July 2019 and my Level 2 certification in Wine from WSET in June 2023. These studies have expanded my knowledge and allowed me to learn complimentary flavors and the fundamentals of food and wine pairing. 

In the fall of 2023, our family relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia. When the transition was complete, I was determined to find a way to pursue both my passions, baking, and wine. I accepted a part time position at a vineyard to continue my wine journey while baking in every free moment. 

Baking from home as a cottage bakery is a perfect fit, allowing me to share these treats with the community while being together with my family. Right now, I am planning to start out small, serving the Glenmore neighborhood in Keswick. In the future, I hope to grow in the community and eventually expand to local farmers markets. I cannot wait to meet you!

 

Please note, respect is mutual:

I am a cottage baker and a single-person operation. I am a busy mom with a family, a job, commitments, and emergencies. There may be rare occasions when an emergency or unforeseen situation might prevent me from completing your order as planned. In these instances, I will do everything to make it right and find a solution that meets your needs.