Today, we’re sitting down with Asta, the heart and soul behind Desertų Klubas—the bakery everyone’s talking about. Known for using only the finest ingredients, Asta’s passion for flavor and quality has people lining up for her pastries and cakes. Her open, welcoming personality is just as special as the treats she creates, making everyone who walks in feel at home. With a curious mind and a love for dreaming big, Asta keeps pushing boundaries and perfecting that unique umami flavor that makes everything she makes unforgettable. Let’s see what inspires her!
I&P: Asta, I remember coming to your bakery to photograph you. I was struck by the energy you had while working. The love you have for baking is almost tangible—it’s like it vibrates around you! Did you always know that one day you’d open your own bakery, or did this passion evolve over time?
A.P: I knew my mission was to work with food, but I didn't know exactly what I would do. 10 years ago I tried to work in a restaurant, to volunteer for a food magazine - I wrote letters and messages, but there were no answers. I was willing to do it for free just to get started. A couple of years later, I started a food blog with my sister. I've always been about good food, good quality, but food blogging comes with all the visuals - I had to learn and improve that because it was really bad at the beginning. After that, we wrote and published a recipe book about naturally sweet desserts, then I started a monthly dessert subscription that grew so much I had to have a team or cut it. So I decided to do it and now for 2 years I have a team, a bakery and I'm in my theme, in my element and really doing what I want. It was a big step because my life changed a lot. I have changed a lot. Change never comes comfortably, it's not easy to change, but it's so worth it.
I&P: Taste is such a powerful sense, bringing so much pleasure. But just like we need a palate cleanser between dishes, life sometimes calls for a reset too. What’s your ‘palate cleanser’ in life? What helps you feel rested and recharged, and where do you find inspiration when you need it most?
A.P: The biggest change in my life is that I no longer think while creating. Most of the time I act without thinking logically, I don't try to apply some kind of strategy. I just allow myself to do what interests me and what I want to do. I allow the creative impulses I feel to come true. And seeing your ideas come to life is a wonderful feeling and best motivation and inspiration for me.
All activities are a reflection of our personality, so feeling good is very important to me. I have a lot of faith in myself, I trust myself and sometimes I don't have an answer so I just wait and it always comes. When you start your business, the results are not good in the beginning, so you have to believe in yourself 200%. There is no space for doubts. When negative thoughts come - I just put them aside, there are some mental constructions that have nothing to do with me. If I have a lot of those thoughts - when I go to the bakery and stand by the dough, everything goes away very quickly. Those thoughts are only in my head, they have no connection with reality.
Good relationship with myself, husband and kids. Good atmosphere at home. Regular presence in nature. I really like going to the woods - just being in the woods makes me feel much, much better. Dip in cold lake water until it freezes.
I&P: I remember you once asked someone who they’d be if they were a dessert. Now, I’d love to turn that question back to you—if you were a dessert, what would you be and why?
A.P: I would be a croissant. Real, buttery, puffy, perfectly cut, crispy on the outside and moist inside.
It took a long time to make this classic pastry the way I wanted it to be, but the croissants we have at the Desertų klubas are on the highest level of my quality. This is very good feeling.
I&P: I have to say, if you didn’t have your bakery, I could see you being an incredible food or restaurant critic.But that’s just my take—did you have other dreams or plans growing up that were different from what you’re doing now?
A.P: As a food blogger, I visited restaurants and wrote reviews on my blog. It seems to me that this hobby of mine contributed to the development of my taste, because I not only tasted, but also looked for answers within myself, what I feel, what the taste is, what the ingredients are, what else has changed in plate. It was important for me to note what I liked and what I didn't like, but in a way that was good feedback to the person creating the food, but without emotions or abuse, but telling the truth.
What next will come I am very curious too - new country? new place? new concept? Anything can come. On the other hand with all new ideas my main issue now is to keep quality at Desertų klubas at the same high level as it is now - it’s very important. We have our loyal tasters, their trust and love.
I&P: We talked about your palate cleanser in life, but now I’m curious—what’s your umami? That thing that adds that extra layer of richness to everything?
A.P: There are 3 parts to my umami.
1. Real food made with real, good quality ingredients.
2. Created and prepared with love. People who cook. If they are good, positive, happy, sincere - the food will always taste better. Team and working atmosphere makes difference.
3. Tasters who value good food. The people who come to the Desertų Klubas - they all have motivation because we're not centrally located - and they know why they're here.
I&P: I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with me. I genuinely believe Desertų Klubas is going to keep growing, expanding, and surprising us all—that’s my wish for you. What’s your wish for yourself?
A.P: Good health and good relationships. When I feel good, I can do whatever I want.
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