The idea of opening my own bakery began after the birth of my first child, my daughter. When I returned to my previous job, I felt it was no longer quite where I wanted to be. A few years later, I discovered the baking programme at Kuressaare Vocational School. I decided to give it a try, and baking soon became much more than a new skill — I found myself truly drawn to this world.

After graduating, I was expecting my second child, my son. Later, I did not return to my old job, but accepted a new opportunity in a field I knew well. That role eventually ran its course too, and being made redundant gave me the chance to ask myself: what do I really want to do?

After registering with the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund, I began writing a business plan for the bakery and applying for a business start-up grant. The more I worked on the idea, the more excited and certain I became that I had to at least try. I felt that if I did not do it now, I might never do it. Alongside the EVAT start-up grant, I also applied for funding from EIS. Both applications were approved, giving my dream a real beginning.

I first looked for premises around Tallinn, but the places were either too expensive or did not feel right. Then I thought of returning to Paide — my beloved hometown, where I grew up and where a bakery like this was still missing. I found suitable premises on Pikk Street, and within two months SU:SI bakery was ready.

On 11 September 2026, I opened the doors of my dream bakery. To me, SU:SI means the courage to begin, the wish to create something truly my own, and a love of handmade bakes.

The name SU:SI is very personal. Suusi is the nickname we use at home for my daughter Susanna. The first part comes from Susanna and the second from Sille. SU:SI carries both my dream and the name of someone very dear to me.