Real bread for real people—that’s the motto behind Sister Loaves, a micro bakery founded by El Dorado Hills native Karen Wells, who gathered inspiration from her mother’s sourdough baking. Wells makes breads and other baked goods using wild yeast/sourdough; all are naturally leavened. She created the starter (dubbed Jacob, the Party Boy) in 2018, took classes to learn more, and opened Sister Loaves in 2021.
What makes your products unique?
Sister Loaves only works with wild yeast, also known as sourdough, producing artisan boules, batards, and baguettes, plus other baked goods: galettes, crumb bars, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and focaccias, sweet and savory. We make over 45 different types of loaves and focaccias. All rely on blends of organic flours, which give each loaf a unique taste and texture. Sister Loaves strongly supports El Dorado County growers and includes many local products in our breads, including olive oils, fruits, and vegetables.
What is your role with Sister Loaves?
As lead baker, I create 100% of Sister Loaves’ products, which starts with making dough through proofing, baking, packaging, and distribution to various retail outlets. I also work with a team to staff the beautiful Coloma Community Market through the summer and Hart 2 Hart Community Markets through December 2026.
Tell us more about Jacob, the Party Boy.
He was born in 2018 from a very simple combination of flour and water. He’s matured to become an integral part of each loaf and product. Real people deserve real, long-ferment sourdough. Lactic acid bacteria in flour and water digest sugars to produce organic acids; this creates the signature sour taste, improves its texture, preserves the bread, and makes it easy to digest.
Where does the baking happen?
The Sister Loaves micro bakery production takes place in my county-inspected home kitchen that is licensed for direct sales and wholesale/concessions.
Where can we find Sister Loaves?
Distribution locations include Placerville Food Cooperative, Kitchen Goods on Main, Hart 2 Hart Winery, Crystal Basin Cellars, Coloma Community Market, and Burke Junction Farmers Market.
Tell us about Sister Loaves’ community donations.
Since 2023, Sister Loaves has donated 30–40 loaves to the annual Empty Bowls meal managed by Hands 4 Hope, Placerville. Hands 4 Hope offers youth programs that impact our community in many positive ways. Also, products that don’t sell are donated to Upper Room Dining Hall in Placerville.
Where did the name “Sister Loaves” come from?
I have many, many sisters. Some by birth, some by adoption, some multigenerational, and some by community. They inspire me. They make Sister Loaves possible.
What is your “why?”
We love what we do and we love the people we serve. We will always remain small and small-batch to preserve the quality, and so the lead baker literally touches every loaf with good spirit, love, and kindness. We hope eating a simple slice of great bread brings a smile to those that need a little light and happiness.
sisterloaves.com
Using wild yeast, Sister Loaves produces artisan boules, batards, and baguettes, plus other baked goods: galettes, crumb bars, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and focaccias, sweet and savory.