An award-winning baker from Stevenage has started crowdfunding, with the aim of opening a store in the Old Town's High Street.

Izabela Stuchlik currently runs the Leavened Bakery located in Stevenage Indoor Market.

The baker was diagnosed with MS prior to opening the shop, having to leave her profession as a photographer due to her hands shaking too much.

The Comet: Izabela Stuchlik runs the Leavened Bakery in Stevenage Indoor Market.Izabela Stuchlik runs the Leavened Bakery in Stevenage Indoor Market. (Image: Izabela Stuchlik)

Leavened has been running for over two years, and Izabela now hopes to move her business into Stevenage Old Town.

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Izabella's plans would see Leavened continue to use their kitchen in Stevenage Indoor Market, with a smaller kitchen space located in the business' new premises.

The Comet: Inside the Leavened Bakery.Inside the Leavened Bakery. (Image: Izabela Stuchlik)

Izabella's Crowdfunder page states: "Everyone who comes by loves our bread, but the location is just not strong enough to sustain the number of regular customers that we need.  

"In addition, we are only allowed to access the market from 6.30am till 6pm from Wednesday to Saturday and 6.30am to 1.30pm on a Tuesday.

                                                                                    

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"That’s not a lot of time for a bakery! So we desperately need additional premises...

The Comet: Izabela worked in a coffee shop to learn her trade.Izabela worked in a coffee shop to learn her trade. (Image: Izabela Stuchlik)

"...Opening an independent shop will enable us to extend our trading hours and access our business when we want to and open our doors in the evenings (occasionally).

"That means more delicious bread and baked goods for everybody!  

The Comet: zabela had a career in photography before being diagnosed with MS.zabela had a career in photography before being diagnosed with MS. (Image: Izabela Stuchlik)

"We have found an amazing space in Old Town High Street, where we will be able to create our own space, where we will be able to invite you to buy bread, have some good coffee and share a pastry or two with your family or friends.

"My dream has always been to create a meeting point filled with warmth, smell of cinnamon, sugar and butter.  

The Comet: Izabela turned her attention to baking when her hands became too shaky to hold a cameraIzabela turned her attention to baking when her hands became too shaky to hold a camera (Image: Izabela Stuchlik)

"The time has come for that to become a reality."

The baker is hoping to raise £10,000 to help her towards her goal, with £1,230 donated so far.

This money will go towards a bespoke counter, fitting of ventilation, benches and tables, one or two small domestic ovens, equipment, cups and plates.

To donate to the Crowfunding page, go to crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-us-open-leavened-bakery-shop-in-old-town