My Dream Job: Chaya Suri Leitner Of Spice And Zest

We all have our dreams and passions.What makes one follow them to make money? How do you go from idea to full-on company? What were the steps you took along the way? Was it a conscious decision or organic growth? This column will explore different avenues and paths various entrepreneurs have taken to fulfill their dreams while following their passions and making a parnassah.

Chaya Suri Leitner of Spice and Zest began her culinary exploration as a way of self-expression. She just wanted a place to share the dinners she prepared for her family. But after seeing a Pinterest-worthy image of sourdough bread, she challenged herself to learn the art of artisan bread making. What soon followed was not just a burst of creative energy but a full-blown business. On a beautiful sunny day, I traveled to Lakewood to meet Chaya Suri in her microbakery (which is in her house). Over some light, airy, and delicious slices of sourdough and the wafting scents of more of that amazing bread in the oven, we discussed her early beginnings and how she’s made the art of sourdough baking into a business that provides for her family in more ways than one.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO MEET WITH ME TODAY. LET’S GO BACK IN TIME. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR EARLY BEGINNINGS AND HOW YOU GOT STARTED. 

I love cooking for my family and wanted to share recipes and meals with my followers. I never really had a blog. I tried starting one, but it never took off. Instagram was the place to be at the time, so that’s where I started building my community. One day, I saw an image of sourdough bread on Pinterest and instantly fell in love. I challenged myself to learn everything about the process. I love how each bread turns out different, depending on the starter, spices, and scoring; it’s a real art. What I didn’t realize was the effect it would have on my family.