Our business was founded by my father. At the age of 15 he started learning the craft of baking from his uncle, and this became his whole life. My dad was very devoted to making the best cakes he could possibly make, and he worked very hard all his life. He’s also invested his time and talent into teaching hundreds of other people how to become the top professionals in this field.

We, as his children, became his students even before we went to school. When I was about 5, my mom made a special uniform for me, and I was very excited every time I could go to work with my dad. Very often he would come up with new ideas at home, and he loved to share these ideas with us. He loved his work, he loved his craft, and he had a lot to share! At the time he was one of the top confectioners in Russia!

Needles to say, I had absolutely no doubts about what I wanted to do, and what profession I should choose. After graduating from high school I enrolled in culinary school, and then worked together with my dad for several more years.

In 1991, our family immigrated to the United States, and we came to Denver. At that time we didn’t quite know how to start a business here in the States, but we would always make cakes at home for our friends and relatives. People that knew our family back in Russia would occasionally make some big orders, but it took us some time to gain confidence and to learn how to start a business properly in America.

I launched my career in this country by first, working at a restaurant, then at the Safeway and King Soopers bakeries, and then working at a Russian bakery. Finally, I decided it was the right moment to venture out on my own. On July 3, 2010, we opened our Russian bakery in Arvada, Colorado.

There’s a saying in Russia, and I believe, the same is true for America — “a good reputation is worth more than money”. Working in a bakery is not easy, but when you do what you love, then it’s a source of joy!

My children have grown old enough now to be helping me more and more! And nothing brings more excitement to a parent than seeing your children following your professional career and sharing your passion in life!

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. My dad’s name was Boris Nikolaevich Ermilov. He worked in Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Essentuki — cities in the North Caucasus region. Maybe some Russian immigrants from that region reading this story would remember him.

 Views of Pyatigorsk and the North Caucasus region