LOCAL LEGENDS: The High Tea Bakery story, a sweet legacy in Winnipeg

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What’s the surprising link between Mount Kilimanjaro and High Tea Bakery? For Belinda Bigold, owner of High Tea Bakery, the journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is more than a personal triumph — it’s a powerful metaphor for her rise to the top in baking and her entrepreneurial journey.

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Just as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires meticulous preparation, unwavering determination, and a passion for the journey, so does running a successful bakery. Belinda’s ascent to the summit of her culinary career mirrors her trek up the mountain. Each step, whether on the rugged trails of Kilimanjaro or in her bustling bakery kitchen, is a testament to her resilience and dedication.

High Tea Bakery is a cherished part of the community and a testament to Belinda’s hard work and creativity. From mastering the art of baking to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, Belinda’s story is one of resilience, creativity and elegance.

The mother-daughter duo Carol and Belinda Bigold founded High Tea Bakery in 2003. Inspired by the rich heritage of the English tea room, this bakery has become a labour of love.

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Carol, an accomplished watercolour artist, learned the art of baking from her mother while growing up in Australia. Her delicious and beautifully decorated cookies were always a hit among friends and family, but she needed a little push to bring them to the market. Enter Belinda, the eldest daughter, with a background in the arts and a vision to turn her mother’s talent into an award-winning business.

Baking has been in the Bigold family’s DNA for decades, but the journey to High Tea Bakery began with a fundraiser. Carol sold intricately iced cookies for $3 a dozen, the cost of a bag of Oreos. “Mom didn’t see that people would pay more for quality,” Belinda laughs. Their popularity grew, and people began to order them year after year. Recognizing her mother’s hidden potential and long-held dream of owning a business, Belinda decided to leap out of faith.

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The Journey to success

To all our entrepreneurs, look at their humble beginnings and carry on to great heights. In 2003, High Tea Bakery opened its doors. “It was opening day, and we made $12.32 and thought, Woohoo, we’re awesome,” Belinda recalls. With just nine cookie varieties, the Bigolds faced the challenge of surviving their first year. Their efforts paid off, and soon, their imperial cookies became a sensation.

Belinda and Carol spent months perfecting the recipe, tweaking jams, and finding the perfect combination of flavours. Their hard work culminated in a proud moment when their imperial cookies were chosen to be served to the Queen during her 2010 visit to Winnipeg. “Now these cookies outsell pretty much everything else in our bakery 10 to one,” says Belinda. Other known names who have also experienced the delights of their baking are the likes of Bon Jovi, Ed Sheeran, and, yes, your very own Art Alexander. High Tea Bakery also made headlines when they created imperial cookies with small, pink crowns to celebrate the birth of a royal baby. “This time, they had crowns in baby pink for the new little princess,” says Belinda.

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In our city, you will see their creations and baking delights at corporate events, weddings, anniversaries, fundraisers, and many other special occasions. Every great bakery has a team of talented individuals, and High Tea Bakery is no exception. Belinda says: “Our team is a blend of energetic, passionate, and extraordinary people, including bakers, decorators, baristas, and customer service staff, ensuring you can always trust the delicious treats and the great service from High Tea Bakery.”

Belinda and the team are involved in the community, supporting various groups and causes, including veterans, Deer Lodge, Folklorama and many more. Belinda’s climb to the top of Kilimanjaro also brought awareness and support to our local Children’s Hospital.

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Many of their recipes are handed down through the family, making the experience much more enjoyable. Each bite of their baked goods carries the warmth and love of these traditions, making every visit a nostalgic journey.

In Julia Child’s words, “A party without cake is just a meeting.” At High Tea Bakery, every day celebrates love, family, and delicious treats.

So, whether you’re craving an imperial cookie, a slice of carrot cake, or a unique creation, High Tea Bakery has something to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Our wide range of products is a testament to our dedication to quality and creativity. Every cookie and pastry is a delightful masterpiece, crafted with the freshest ingredients.

You can place your order by phone at (204) 775-0264, and be sure to follow them on social media to stay connected and be the first to know about their new creations.

Stop by High Tea Bakery at 2103 Portage Ave to meet Belinda and her team. Enjoy some delightful treats with a cappuccino or freshly brewed coffee in their cafe lounge, and be sure to let her know that Art sent you.

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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