Q&A: Tasso Baking
Tasso Baking is a tiny bakeshop located in Cabbagetown, Toronto, specializing in handmade croissants using simple ingredients and a great deal of time. They are open three mornings a week and typically sell out in two hours. Mike and Olyana Tasso shared with us how they bring joy into their days working and being together.
How do you cultivate joy?
By keeping life simple and balanced — always making room to explore and do things we enjoy.
If joy makes us invest more deeply in people around us and in our communities, how does your business allow you to get more connected to your community?
In a way, our business is a connection between us and our local community — it doesn't exist otherwise.
Do you think there is a connection between joy and success?
Definitely. Enjoying what you do not only reflects in the quality of your work, but helps you endure tough times.
Did you choose to follow your passion and find success or fulfillment?
Our plan was always to create something we were proud of. The fact that other people respond to it makes it even more satisfying.
What triggers a joyful memory for you from anytime in your life?
Many items in our shop have been with us since we started in 2011 — signs, decorations, equipment. These are happy reminders of the journey we're on.
Tasso Baking is featured in the book Toronto Makes by Randi Bergman. Portrait by Saty + Pratha