XX Files: Christine Dundas, Baking People Happy

By Rebecca Wright

PROFILING LOCAL WOMEN AT WORK

Christine Dundas

Baking The World A Better Place

Dubbed a “comfort bakery,” Christine’s Bake Shop Owner Christine Dundas, says she’s all about taste and not necessarily the looks.

“My bakery is all about family and comfort baking,” she describes. “We often joke about the fact that you can easily tell our product is not factory made, as no two items look the same.”

Dundas opened Christine’s Bake Shop in 2013, on a part-time basis, while she was still working at a full-time job. In 2018, she made her business her full-time job. Located at 53 Talbot Street East in Leamington (online at: (ChristinesBakeShop22.ca), her bakery is a family-run business, with the whole family pitching in to take care of their customers!

Her oldest sons work alongside her as the bakers; her youngest son helps with deliveries and supply shopping; her husband does deliveries, supply shopping and working the booths at festivals or farmers’ markets; her sister works for her; her mother comes in to help when they’re really busy and her father helped with renovations on the new storefront.

“Any other staff we have quickly become family,” Dundas adds.

And many of their recipes are old family favourites that have been passed along from generation to generation.

“I’ve always loved to bake and I come from a long line of bakers in my family,” Dundas explains. “I’ve always wanted my own business — and why not turn a fun hobby into that business? If you love what you do, it isn’t work!”

All of their sweet treats are made from scratch, in small batches — something she claims sets them apart from other bakers.

“Our butter tarts are hand-pressed with a thinner crust, our cookies come in various sizes — as do our loaves and coffee cakes — we love to change our flavours, sometimes week to week, others season to season, and we make cake and cupcakes to order so that they are fresh,” she mentions.

All types of customers have become regulars at Christine’s Bake Shop, from the mom who doesn’t have time to bake cookies or cupcakes, to the seniors who just do not have the energy the baking process requires.

“The children love to come in and see our cookie bar, with up to eight large cookie jars displaying all of the fresh-baked cookies for the day,” she indicates. “And we have those customers that stop in after an appointment uptown, or for dessert after going for lunch. We have something for everyone.”

Running any business has its challenges, but it’s about finding something you love and turning that into your business so it doesn’t feel like work, Dundas asserts.

“Start small and grow your business slowly, if you can,” she advises. “And if you do not know how to do something, there are others that can help you. Do not be afraid to ask for help!”

Owning and operating a business when you have children can be hard, she acknowledges, but there is always the option of having your children help you.

“They can help do stickers, package, and in my case, scoop or even bake,” Dundas explains. “My father had his own business for many years and watching him taught me so much. Having your family and friends’ support makes a huge difference, I find.”

When you come to Christine’s Bake Shop, you’re in for “a taste of home,” promises Dundas.

“Our kitchen is right there, so you are often met with the smell of fresh baking when you open the door,” she states. “And if you time it right, you may just get a warm cookie or muffin!”

Christine’s Bake Shop Owner, Christine Dundas, offers a wide variety of baked goods, such as muffins and strawberry scones that are a favourite with the locals. Customers can purchase items at her Leamington store; order for home delivery in Windsor and Essex County or pick up any sweet treats they crave every Saturday from her booth at The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market, April to December. Photo by Rod Denis.