Katherine Rice
Owner & Baker
Hi everyone! I’m Katherine, the human behind Lela Scratch Bakery. I’ve loved baking for as long as I can remember, and what started as a simple hobby has become a constant source of comfort throughout the places and experiences that have shaped my person. Baking brings me the greatest joy when I can share abundant and beautiful food with others, and I hope that you find both beauty and delight in Lela’s scratch-made breads and pastries. My prayer is that our baked goods offer physical as well as spiritual joy and foster connection between family, friends, and neighbors.
Why Lela?
The name “Lela” embodies multiple facets of our vision. It has Arabic roots, one of the meanings of which is “born in the night.” So much of baking and bread making - the most important parts - happen slowly, quietly, and often in the dark when no one is watching. I wanted a name that reflected this beauty that unfolds in the dark and in the quiet; a process that I’ve seen mirrored in my own life.
Additionally, some of the most influential months of my life were spent in Turkey, and it was during my time there that I not only fell in love with Middle Eastern flavor profiles, but I learned the real meaning of hospitality. I hope that Lela’s baked goods convey the deep gratitude I have for those who have shown me love and generosity during my travels.