This bakery celebrates her tenth birthday, thanks to … Kamal Kharmach: « He has given us many tips » (Jabbeke)

He was barely 19 years old, but Laurens decided to buy the bakery in the Oude Dorpsweg. « That was actually not the plan at the time, » says De Bakker. « I had just graduated and just started my teacher training when my brother said there was a bakery for sale in the village. I soon realized that this was a unique opportunity and decided to go for it immediately. »

Participation TV program

Moments later Melissa also rolled into the case. Now the couple – which now has three children – has been providing Varsenare with pure, local craftsmanship for ten years. Although the future of the bakery could have looked completely different. Five years ago, Laurens and Melissa made a television debut with their business in the VRT program Other people’s business.

Kamal Kharmach helped the couple from a difficult financial period. The entire accounting was screened and the bakery no longer had any secrets for Kamal.

The case received a second breath and Melissa and Laurens are still continuing on the good impetus. « We are still reaping the benefits of our participation then, » says Melissa. « We received a lot of tips from Kamal, but of course we had to get started with everything. We are happy with all the support we received and with the steps we have taken ourselves. »

Also on Tiktok

Standing still is going back and that is all too good to realize Laurens and Melissa. The couple continues to invest in the future and hopes that young people will also find their way to the pure, local craft. That is why they started with their own Tiktok account.

« We give a glimpse into our work, » says Melissa. « And we just hope to reach a somewhat younger audience through that road. We also hope that they too will go to a bakery for their bread or butter cakes. There are many supermarkets, but nothing goes beyond pure craft. »

And of course there are presents with a birthday. When purchasing from 5 euros, customers get a coin to use in the nostalgic sash. Each ball has a specific number that guarantees a gift. And so the customers are more spoiled. « It is also mainly thanks to our customers that we are celebrating our tenth anniversary, » says Melissa. « We realize that all too well. »