Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Gelzinis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ashton learned to bake the old way, standing beside her mom and grandmothers, watching their hands move through flour and dough. To keep them close, every piece of kitchen equipment bears one of their names. Frankie and Jeffie are the mixers, Chuck and Pete are the ovens, and Doughlaine is the starter, named for her mom, who passed in 2024. Opening a bakery together was a dream they shared for when she retired, one they’d talk about often. Though they never got that chance, Ashton’s mom’s and grandmothers’ presence lives on in every square inch of the kitchen. Every loaf embodies their wisdom, love, and the countless hours spent learning alongside them.
Finding sourdough when she did, Ashton found passion and a new sense of purpose. After baking bread for her community for a few months, it didn’t take long for her to realize she was on the right path. In the first year, Lady’s Bakery was being sold in multiple locations and was growing faster than she could have dreamed.
At Lady’s Bakery, we’re all about lifting each other up. We love partnering with other local businesses, especially women-owned ones, building a community where we rise together rather than compete. Our founder spent years observing women find their power in childbirth, and that spirit of support continues here.
We believe in keeping it local. We source fresh blueberries, jalapeños, and other ingredients from nearby farmers, like Po Hous Farm, keeping money in our community and supporting the people who work this land. Any leftover loaves find their way to Mama Edna’s Project for distribution to those who need them most. Building these relationships with local makers has become one of the most fulfilling parts of the journey.
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?
Lady’s bakery has definitely been a challenge, but one that has felt right every step of the way. Scaling from mixing 6 loaves at a time to almost 300 a week comes with its own learning curves. However, everything has fallen into place so seamlessly that I’ve never doubted whether this was the right path for me. Other than occasionally questioning everything when I see the mountain of dishes at the end of the day! I truly believe that when you’re on the path you’re supposed to be on, things fall into place the way they should.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We believe in honoring the old ways. Real sourdough isn’t fast, and we’re okay with that. Actually, we love it! We’re committed to long, slow fermentation because that’s where the magic happens, the flavors deepen, the good bacteria do their work, and the bread becomes something your body can actually recognize and digest.
We’ve had so many customers tell us this is the only bread that sits right with them, and that’s no accident. It’s the time, the patience, the purity of the process. Every loaf is made with intention and the freshest ingredients we can find. Bread is sacred work, and we treat it that way.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have had incredible support along this path with me. My amazing family that has watched our home transform into a bakery before we really knew what was happening. I have the most wonderful customers who have offered their time and talents to build my website, connect with other community members to help me grow, take beautiful photos, and simply trust me to feed their families. My husband, who is at every farmers market, has been my muscle, money man, and any other roll I might plop on him this week. My assistant Addy joined the team a few months ago, and I couldn’t be more grateful. She shows up with enthusiasm, new ideas and the work ethic every owner dreams of. I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my family, friends and team.
Pricing:
- Loaves $13-14
- Cookies $2
- Scones $4
- Lady Buns $7 or 4/$25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LadysBakery.com
- Instagram: @ladysbakerycary
- Facebook: @ladysbakerycary
