AROUND IZOLA'S TABLE
This week we've been working on installing our new IZOLA sign at the front door and I sent a sneak peak to my mom. She responded saying that Grandma Izola would be overwhelmed by seeing her name up on our wall. My mom just has this special way of pausing to reflect, remember, and appreciate the journey...And so I was reminded of my grandmother, Izola (pronounced eye-zola) Eaton, for whom our bakeshop is named after.
Growing up as a closeted queer kid in Kansas, I spent my teenage years feeling on edge, knowing I was the kind of different that wasn't welcome by many in my community. But at Izola's kitchen table? Everyone was welcome.
She would invite you in with open arms, sit you down at her kitchen table, and serve you a slice of warm cherry pie with a cup of hot Folgers coffee. It was a gathering place where folks seeking refuge, comfort, or just good conversation could come. This is why we named our bakery after my grandmother. We strive to create a space like Grandma Izola's.
We welcome you in with open arms. No matter who you are, what you look like, where you come from and who you love.
Welcome to IZOLA.
(above) Oooey gooey Lao Gan Ma Gruyere. Served hot and melty to your table or to go. Emmi AOP Gruyere and a mountain of Chinese Chili Crisp. Yum, yum, Yum.
This week, we had so much fun welcoming 20 fourth graders (!) from the Urban Discovery Academy to IZOLA. The kids gathered around the table to learn about how croissants and sourdough are made, share their culinary traditions, and eat. They each received a hot-from-the-oven croissant to enjoy, and afterwards, team member Cliff helped guide the kids through cleaning up and wiping the tables down.
On their behind-the-scenes tour, Colin shared all about our proofers and ovens at the Bake Bar and proper handwashing. Then, they got hands-on with egg-washing croissants. In the Dojo, Chef Lidia taught us how we get all that butter into 96 layers in each croissant, and everyone helped roll a croissant!
It was a joy to share with each of these children. Big thanks to Miss Abbey for creating this learning opportunity for her class and for all the work you do to shape the young minds of our future.
JOIN US TOMORROW
If you want to learn more about how you could help support IZOLA's justice-based mission, join Jenny and me tomorrow on Google Meet.
We aim to change the way America thinks about croissants and sourdough. The IZOLA way. Hot from the oven, great hospitality, amazing quality. Justice. Investing in American Green Manufacturing. Creating careers. Improving the quality of our bread and croissants. Planning to open 12 IZOLAs in SoCal. Hard? Yes. But it is so exciting to invest in American manufacturing and our community.
Believe in what we do? Join us.
To learn more, RSVP for our call, drop by for a minute, and say hi or stay the whole time. It's a fun time and super casual. We'll share with you where we've been, our plans for the future, and why we are raising over $3M next year.
Never invested before? Not to worry! It's super simple.
*Please only invest an amount you would feel comfortable losing. Investing in private businesses involves risk. Though potential returns are designed to reflect that risk, there is a possibility that you will lose your entire investment.
IZOLA LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS
Each Saturday from 8a-1p IZOLA becomes a space where local artists can come to share their music. Here are a few of the musicians that will be joining us this week!
LEATEA
8-9a
Leatea (San Diego native Dylann Jelden) has been a musician all her life, beginning with classical violin at age 4. She began writing songs and incorporating guitar in high school. She performs regularly in San Diego.
LILIA ROSE
11a-12p
Lilia Rose is a local singer- songwriter in San Diego. Her sound is melodic and warm. Some of her influences are Fleetwood Mac, Alanis Moorisette, and Vance Joy. Lilia is excited to share more of her music with others.
BRIANNA GRACE
12-1p
Brianna Grace is a San Diego-based dreamer, nature lover, and musician. Often compared to Alanis Morrissette, Stevie Nicks, and Jewel, Brianna has a unique yet nostalgic americana/rock sound.
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