Ollie Broxton, St Albans’ youngest professional baker, has taken the city by storm.
Glaze, characterised by its distinctive burgundy façade, is a new bakery on George Street run by 18-year-old Ollie. It officially opened for business on Wednesday, January 8.
In his first week, the Chiswell Green resident sold a total of 753 cookies, 540 bagels and 119 pastries.
Ollie spoke to STALBANSnews to reflect on his inaugural week.
He said: “It has been so well received, and I have so much support from everyone in St Albans.
“It has been overwhelming because I have dreamt about this for so long – I have to pinch myself!”
Ollie has been baking for most of his life, first starting at five years old at his Nonna’s house.
He continued to bake as he grew older, but his motivations changed.
He explained: “As a pre-teen, I suffered with anxiety and depression at school. I used to come home and bake as a distraction – a form of escapism.”
Fast forward a few years, when the opportunity arose to take over the George Street shop, Ollie decided to jump into the unknown.
He said: “When you are self-taught, you get major imposter syndrome. You think, am I good enough? But when I opened my shop, I knew I was good enough.
“My ultimate goal is for everyone in St Albans to know me.”
Ollie channels his creativity into baking and likes to be experimental – pushing the boundaries of what a baked good can be. He is currently developing a croissant and cinnamon bun hybrid.
He added: “The happiness and pride I get when I make something new will never go away.”
Follow Ollie’s journey at @glazebakerysta.
Photo credit – @glazebakerysta Instagram
0 Comments