breadART, a local sourdough bread business, found success at a local farmers market and is planning to make a return next month.
Julia Hanley, the self-taught baker behind breadART, has been delivering artisanal sourdough bread across Toronto. She has mastered the ability to score intricate designs on her sourdough that turns each loaf into a unique piece of art. This past weekend on May 23, Hanley was featured as a guest vendor at the Leslieville Farmers Market, and after spending a full 24 hours baking bread ahead of the market, she sold out in nearly two hours. Now, she's been graciously invited back next month.
Hanley's obsession with bread all started when living abroad in Paris in 2015. Day after day, she ate countless baguettes fresh from a local boulangerie. Upon returning home to Toronto, she wanted to replicate that fresh, flavourful taste, texture and quality. This inspired her to learn the foundations of bread, specifically naturally-leavened breads, and has been practicing and perfecting her craft ever since.
She learned to score intricate designs on her sourdough using a bread lame––a tool that uses a wooden handle and razor blade to create precise lines and designs when scoring bread.
After losing her job in the travel industry during the COVID pandemic, she decided to turn her artistic sourdough bread into a small business. She began baking sourdough everyday in May 2020 and safely delivering loaves to her close friends and loved ones. By June 2020, she had friends, acquaintances and several local businesses reaching out looking to place an order. By mid August, she had baked and delivered over 100 loaves. Since then, the response has been extremely positive and breadART is now sold out for pre-order until August 2021, with waitlists already in place for customers wanting to get their hands on these unique loaves.
Ever since Hanley started breadART, she made it a priority to give back to her community. She frequently donates loaves and spreads to Community Fridges, and has donated proceeds of her sales to the Royal Canadian Legion in the month of November. This month, she is participating in the CAMH Sunrise Challenge on behalf of breadART Toronto. Every individual who donates to her fundraising page will be entered in a draw to receive a $50 breadART gift card (valid until the end of 2021). For any individuals interested donating to the CAHM Sunrise Challenge, the link to the fundraising page is located on breadART's Instagram profile.
For her next appearance at the Leslieville Farmers Market on June 27, she will be experimenting with individual sized items like cinnamon buns, mini sweet loaves, and mini sourdoughs. She also plans to continue baking at 9 a.m. when the market opens so she would be able to bring in a fresh batch during the midway point, with the help of employees to represent her booth in the morning. This would ensure afternoon attendees would also get a chance to try breadART.
For pre-orders starting August 2021, she is taking orders via email, where you can state your first and last name in the subject line and choose for either pickup or delivery across GTA. Also, their website will be launching on June 30, which will have the capability to receive pre-orders and all other inquires about the brand.
