We had the good fortune of connecting with Celine Ikeler and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Eleven years ago, I embarked on a journey that would blend my passion as an artist with the realm of vegan and gluten-free baking, giving birth to Karma Baker. What distinguishes me is my unconventional background as an artist, bringing a fresh perspective to the craft.
The path to where I am today hasn’t been without its hurdles, but I faced each challenge head-on, fueled by unwavering self-trust and determination. As an entrepreneur, I embraced risks and followed my instincts, guided by a vision that transcended the boundaries of traditional baking.
Through this journey, I’ve learned the value of authenticity and integrity, remaining true to my core values and principles. This unwavering commitment has allowed me to forge genuine connections with our customers, fostering trust and loyalty. Surrounding myself with an amazing team who shares my passion has also been vital to our success, as together we’ve elevated Karma Baker to new heights.
Karma Baker is not just a bakery; it is a symbol of compassion, creativity, and the belief that delectable treats can be enjoyed by all, regardless of dietary restrictions. We take pride in our role as part of the vegan and gluten-free movement, striving to make a positive impact on the world. Our delectable cakes, cookies, and pastries are not merely culinary delights; they represent our dedication to excellence and our mission to spread joy and kindness through our creations.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite thing about Los Angeles is how vegan forward it is! The best restaurants and forsure stops are: Crossroads Kitchen ( we love the Calabasas location) and the brand new and hyperfresh Love.Life Cafe. We serve desserts at both of these high end restaurants so I may be a little biased. But other fun stops are Hugo Tacos, and Magpies. The best italian food is at Pura Vita… they have wonderful pizzas and pastas you’d never guess where vegan.
And because i’m a SoCal native, the beaches are an absolute must! I’m at the beach every time i’m not at the bakery!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A heartfelt thank you is extended to each and every one of our customers for their unwavering support and open-heartedness. Their presence in the journey of Karma Baker has been nothing short of inspiring, and we are profoundly grateful for their continued patronage.
The loyalty and trust they have shown towards Karma Baker have been instrumental in our success. Their choices to embrace our vegan and gluten-free delights goes beyond satisfying cravings; it reflects a shared commitment to a compassionate and conscious lifestyle. This support motivates us to push the boundaries of plant-based baking and create treats that not only delight the taste buds but also contribute to the well-being of the planet, animals, and ourselves.
The heartfelt feedback, kind words, and smiles we receive are the driving force behind our passion. Our customer appreciation for Karma Baker nourishes our creativity and encourages us to continuously refine our recipes and expand our offerings. It is this enthusiasm and satisfaction that affirm the importance of our mission everyday.
Website: https://karmabaker.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thekarmabaker
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celine-ikeler-b148a523/
Twitter: twitter.com/thekarmabaker
Facebook: facebook.com/karmabakerbakery
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/karma-baker-vegan-gluten-free-bakery-westlake-village
Image Credits
Riley Yahr, Arek Reeder and Karma Baker