Meet Katie Kantzes | Founder & Head Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Kantzes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, how do you think about risk?
Risk is an integral part of entrepreneurship, and a key component to leading a meaningful life for me. I become bored when I’m not taking risks and challenging myself. Additionally (and critically), the vulnerability inherent in risk helps to create true connections with other people. You will need support at some point, whether it’s emotional, physical action, financial or otherwise. So risk-taking offers multiple benefits – it helps you create something new, something you’re proud of and that represents your personality and what you value. At the same time, I’ve found that it can help build and deepen your connections with the community around you.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The name of my business is The Bonnie Beinn Bakeshop, which means “beautiful mountain” in Scots Gaelic. I focus on seasonal flavors of shortbread, cookie sammies, and European style cakes (less sweet and with a focus on butter and cream). I wanted to offer something unique to the Northern Colorado area, as well as express my own history and values (the Moffetts on my mom’s side moved from Scotland to what would become Maryland in the 1640s).

I’m most proud of the quality of my bakes and the happiness I see on people’s faces when they take their first bite. I use real butter, make my own jam and caramel, and am uncompromising when it comes to flavor and texture. The most important thing to me is that people get to experience my bakes as an opportunity to slow down and have (or share!) a little bit of joy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohhh where do we begin?! We’d do a lot of hiking, preferably early in the morning because the colors of the sunrise in Colorado are consistently incredible. I’d take them shopping and house touring in Old Town, so they can get a sense of history and admire all the adorable bungalows. We’d hit a bar or two downtown for some live jazz, or western at the Swing Station. Ice cream is an absolute must – I love Glacier and Edison’s. We could ride our bikes to/from Estes, or stick close to town with Lory and end up at one of the many amazing breweries we have in Fort Collins. Since Rocky Mountain National Park is close, we’d also spend a day or two in the mountains.

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?
My friends and inspirations Sonya, Diana, and Whitney – all of whom either run their own businesses or have an unconventional approach to the world of work. My partner Paul whose unwavering support has helped me make decisions with confidence (or nudged me along if I’m dragging!).

Website: https://www.thebonniebeinn.com

Instagram: @thebonniebeinn

Image Credits
John Robson