Chelsa Smith is a self-taught sourdough baker. After a lifelong love affair with bread, she decided, in December of 2019, to teach herself via cookbooks and the internet how to make sourdough bread. After spending the pandemic honing her skills in sourdough baking and making breads for her friends and neighbors, she officially launched Bread By Chelsa B in 2021.
Bread By Chelsa B is a home-based microbakery in Des Moines, Iowa specializing in small batch sourdough breads and naturally leavened treats. All baked goods are made with wild yeast sourdough culture, organic flours, and a lot of time and love in a certified home bakery. Her baked goods are sold via preorder from her site, at local restaurants and markets, and at popups across Des Moines.
Chelsa has been featured as one of Iowa Restaurant Associations 2021 40 Women to Watch in Hospitality honorees and on Eater.com in The 33 Essential Restaurants in Des Moines.
Originally from Idaho, Chelsa has lived in Des Moines on and off since 2009. Prior to opening her business, she worked for men’s clothing company Todd Snyder. She is also a mother of two, a partner and when she isn’t baking or running her business, she enjoys skiing, playing tennis and travelling with her family. She is passionate about her community and bringing healthy and delicious bread to Des Moines.
