My Bakery Story

My name is Michelle Wierda, I’m 50 years old, and this is the story of how my bakeries came to be.

I started baking butter tarts in 2013 as a fundraiser for mission trips, with my kids helping beside me. When the fundraiser ended, people kept asking for more—and as a single mom on welfare with five kids, I saw baking as a way to support my family. With the encouragement of friends, family, and our community, I kept going.

In 2019, I began working at Sugar Me Cookie and spent three years supporting the owner, Carrie Arsenault. I told her that if she ever sold the bakery, I’d buy it. On April 1st, 2021, in the middle of a global pandemic, that opportunity came. We reopened under new ownership, navigating restrictions, lineups, and constant uncertainty—but we showed up every day, adapted, and kept serving our customers.

In June 2022, an unexpected chance came to bring The Butter Tart Lady to Winnipeg, where La Belle Baguette had previously been. We had ten days to move in and start paying rent—with no plan, just determination and the belief that we could make it work. And we did!

Since then, our bakeries have continued to evolve through new locations, challenges, and growth. But one thing has stayed the same:
Our mission to stay rooted in tradition and serve quality, handmade treats that bring warmth and nostalgia.

From a kitchen fundraiser to two thriving bakery brands, this journey has been built on resilience, hard work, and the unwavering support of my family, friends, staff, and community.

And we’re still rising.

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