Meet the Makers Mini Interview: Olivier's Bread
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Olivier’s Breads Mini Interview
Carrying on the family business of traditional bread making started by their father, Olivier, is the brother and sister team of Solal and Thais Audibert who run Olivier’s Breads (Olivier’s La Boulangerie) in Coquitlam. These delicious breads have come to be a favourite at Pomme, enjoyed for not only their taste, but the fact that all their products are made with as few ingredients as possible and nothing artificial. Olivier’s daughter Thais tells us how it all started with her father back in France.
Share the story of Olivier’s Breads with us in 150 words or less
Olivier, my father, initially worked as a salesman in France but harbored a deep passion for baking, which he regularly indulged in for our family. His love for the craft became so apparent that my mother suggested a career change, prompting him to shift gears in his 40s. He returned to school, earned certification as a baker, and fulfilled his dream by opening a Boulangerie in Perpignan. This Boulangerie was open for six years. In 2008, seeking a better future, my parents, Olivier and Valerie, immigrated to Canada. The following year, he started Olivier's Breads. His goal was to make a simple, natural product that people would enjoy and know each ingredient listed.
Getting from an idea to a small business is a lot of work! When did it first sink in for you that ‘this is really happening’?
He had this realization when he no longer had to work 7 days a week for 12-hour shifts every single week. Within two years, he had a team of dedicated individuals who could assist him. The company was expanding rapidly, transitioning from servicing 10 grocery stores to a remarkable 50.
Out of all your products, which is his personal favourite and why?
His favorite is a well-crafted baguette, and the satisfying crunchiness of its outer layer when warmed was a quality he always looked for. It is something that is shared at our dining table and passed among us to break bread as per tradition. You will see him quite often with some cheese and a piece of baguette at the dining table.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
Witnessing the courage it took for our parents to come to a new country with four children and not only start a new life, but also build a business, is truly inspiring. Seeing the effort and love they put in over 16 years is not something we can easily let go of. From our childhood, we were consistently involved in the bakery in various capacities, and their dedication has been a constant source of motivation for my brother and I to carry forward their legacy.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
As an immigrant, what stands out the most is the diversity. Since immigrating, we've had the opportunity to explore numerous cultures that we never encountered in France, right here in Coquitlam. I remember watching Bollywood movies growing up, going to Mandarin school on Saturdays, and let's not forget the amazing food. This aspect is undeniably one of the beauties of this city and country.
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