Meet Alyssa Dufresne | Vegan Baker

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

Hi Alyssa, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
A piece of conventional advice I don’t necessarily agree with is honesty and vulnerability in the workspace. I genuinely think we’ve lost touch of the idea of kindness, honesty and being personable today. To “keep it professional”, we are taught to hide and repress not only our emotions, but our very real and personal struggles. Who I am outside of business does affect me and how I will operate at work, it’s not something I can or want to hide. There are ways of professionally coping with our issues with one another, and I think it’s okay to show your emotion, and share what you are comfortable with as far as your personal life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My entire life, I’ve had a strong sense of entrepreneurial spirit; from the lemonade stand, yard sales, creating jewelry and even playing strategy games like Roller Coaster Tycoon. Together, these activities and ideas helped me avoid the “traditional” route (like going to college), and pursue every passion project I could complete.

It has not been easy! Every day there is a new struggle. As much as I want to run and operate a business alone, I know we can’t do things alone. I’m not a great negotiator and I have a hard time saying no to people and their requests.

I’ve learned we need to have each other’s backs. We need to learn from and support one another. When we raise another, we raise ourselves too.

I’m proud of my progress and my message to the world – that vegan food can be safe, comforting and delicious.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first place I would take someone, besides to the mountains, would be Luvin’ Arms Animal Sanctuary. I would want to introduce them to some amazing vegan cuisine and soft serve ice cream at Make Believe Bakery and perhaps make a stop in at City O City. Make it Vegan is an amazing meal prep and eatery as well, and close to my house!

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 husband is my main source of inspiration, and he is the person who helped me become a vegan baker. Also, the documentaries showcasing the goodness of veganism and the harm of the dairy industry. Where would we be without the truth?

Website: www.vegandreamdesserts.com

Instagram: Dufresnesbreadsdesserts

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-dufresne-05b181104

Image Credits
Headshot – Andy Johns Other pics – me