Doers and Dreamers – Karianna Haasch
A Packer’s fan in the “Land of Giants” might find it difficult to get traction as a business owner, but this artisan and entrepreneur is off to a great start right in the heart of Midtown Kingston. Meet Karianna Haasch and Local Artisan Bakery. The practice of utilizing locally sourced agricultural products is one many food-related businesses are implementing, but Local Artisan Bakery puts its own spin on this system, and allows this philosophy to inspire its menu offerings. The locally-sourced mindset goes well beyond food and libations, to include a quaint corner of the shop devoted to a diverse range of goods from local artisans and makers. Karianna and Local Artisan Bakery demonstrate how small businesses can interact to support each other and encourage other “doers and dreamers” to thrive in the Hudson Valley. To learn more about Karianna and Local Artisan Bakery, read below!
Your name: Karianna Haasch
Business or organization: Local Artisan Bakery, 448 Broadway, Kingston NY
Occupation: CEO | Lead Baker
What is your approach to your business or occupation that makes you unique?
I believe in the art of baking,and I also believe in celebrating the arts of others. This results in a very collaborative business approach! We source as many local ingredients as possible for all of our baked goods, so we’re a “farm-to-table” bakery in a sense. The bakery features new flavors every week with a constantly rotating menu,which allows us to showcase the seasonal ingredients of the Hudson Valley, and it also keeps me creatively fresh! We also partner with many Hudson Valley food producers and artisans to offer local goods and handmade gifts in our store.
Where are you from originally?
A small town in rural Wisconsin where there were more cows than people.
What brought you to the Kingston area and keeps you in this area?
I think I ended up here on accident. I originally moved to New York for college (in Troy), and made my way down to the Hudson Valley after graduating. But I love Kingston! The history and vibrant arts culture of the city really keep me here – and made me want to open the bakery right in the heart of Midtown.
What is your favorite hangout in this area and why?
Do I have to pick just one? I can probably narrow it down to three – the farmers markets to support local farmers and producers (and we have a booth at the Uptown Kingston Farmers Market on Saturdays), Village Coffee on Railroad Avenue (they are a fantastic little shop creating a great sense of community!), and the Shawangunk Mountains (because sometimes I just need nature).
When you’re not in Kingston, what’s your idea of a wonderful city to visit, and why?
I love exploring new places and cultures! If I had to pick one favorite city, it would be Paris, France. The culture, the architecture, and the overall vibe of the city meshes well with me. Oh, and did I mention the fabulous French bakeries?
Tell us something that we never would have guessed about you.
I’m a hard core football fan, and I play in several fantasy leagues (one of which I won last season). Green Bay is my team – Go Pack Go!
Local Artisan Bakery is located in Midtown Kingston, directly on Broadway:
Local Artisan Bakery
448 Broadway
Kingston, NY 12401
Photography: Veronica Fassbender, verofass
