Meet Tessa Porter | Baker & mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tessa Porter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tessa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Creative expression has been an essential part in combating some very difficult mental health struggles and big life changes I have experienced all throughout my life. I didn’t always feel confident or energized by other types of work or subjects in school as an adolescent. Then, when I became a mother and experienced some other major life changes all at once, I began to lose a sense of who I was. I knew that I could come back to baking and creating and find myself, so that’s what I did. It started very small and I’ve been slowly learning and growing as time goes on.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I bake sourdough breads, cakes, scones, and other sweet and savory treats and sell them at farmer’s markets, pop-ups, annd events around Cincinnati. I started in 2020 baking out of my home kitchen and just recently moved in to a commercial kitchen that I’m renting. Something that sets me apart from other bakers is my dedication to making treats that fit the needs of a variety of treat eaters—people with food allergies, dietary preferences, young children, or anyone who has trouble finding something delicious at a bakery. Some family members and I have experienced different digestive and/or autoimmune conditions that don’t always allow us to enjoy traditional baked goods, and I am a firm believer that everyone should be able to have a treat and it should taste delicious and not be an afterthought. I am committed to high quality, seasonal ingredients and cutting back on the sweetness whenever I can.

I am very proud of where I am today, but it was anything but easy. Starting small and growing slowly means not a lot of profit, so I have had to work part-time and take care of a little one at home the whole time. I’m tired. I’ve had Covid multiple times and probably will never be the same. I’ve dealt with low wages, harsh working conditions, and unfair treatment in the baking and food industry and then some nights I would come home and be up all night with my son. It’s a grind! But, I have learned a lot and I’ve made some pretty delicious food that has brought people together and has showcased some of the most beautiful things nature has to offer. And that’s what it’s all about for me.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that everything I do and make is an expression of love, grit, passion, and wisdom from those who raised me, taught me, and inspired me. I take food and eating very seriously, and it is my biggest joy in life to create things that foster comfort, joy, and community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My two favorite things about Cincinnati are how green and lush it is and how much amazing food there is to eat! I would take a friend to my favorite hiking and birdwatching spots—Bender Mountain, the Cincinnati Nature Center, and California Nature Preserve. Then I would do a bakery tour of my favorite bakeries—Chako Bakery Cafe, Cafe Mochiko, Brown Bear Bakery, and Deeper Roots Coffee Company. Then we would spend a day at the Cincinnati Museum Center to entertain the kids (and grown ups) and finish off at Washington Park. For dinner, I would show off some staples from my neighborhood, Price Hill—Maya Indian Cuisine, Thai Taste, Veracruz Mexican Grill, Prima Vista, and of course Skyline Chili!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Will, has been my biggest supporter. He sees my strengths and remembers my goals and dreams even when I can’t. He has also done a lot of my dishes and shows up as an active parent and partner consistently so that I can have a creative career.

A former employer and mentor, Chako, of Chako Bakery Cafe in Covington, KY was an excellent teacher and taught me some foundational baking techniques that she learned in pastry school. I am forever grateful for her passing on her knowledge to me.

My mother, Ginger, my father, Russ, and my sisters, Lizzy and Leah, have also been integral parts in keeping me and my business afloat. They are caretakers to my son, co-conspirators, dishwashers, display decorators, bakers, and recipe tasters. I am extremely privileged to have a great support system around me.

Website: https://tessaskitchencincy.net

Instagram: @tessaskitchencincy

Image Credits
Photos taken by me!