Meet Frankie Leyva-Doherty | Baker-Entrepreneur-Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frankie Leyva-Doherty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frankie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
What drew me to pursue a creative career was the freedom and enjoyment it gives me. I’m allowed to put all the random thoughts and ideas I have into use. I’m free to use my imagination to create new flavors, colors, textures, patterns, and basically make edible art. Once I discovered that I could make money and that others would pay for my baked goods, I was committed to the idea of using my skills to pursue launching a baked goods business. I discovered a niche market of underserved people that wanted a tasty baked good that was vegan and or gluten free. After a few years of taste tasting I launched Nana Louisa’s Bakeshop, a vegan-gluten free-organic concept that specializes in mini bite sized treats. All the flavor, none of the guilt.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
By day I work as a paralegal for a busy employment law firm. I speak, read, and write in English and Spanish, so that helps to offer our legal services to more people. The road to get here has been full of adventures. I went back to school full time while working a full time job and raising two kids. I’ve learned that anything is possible with a little determination and persistence. I’ve learned to be willing to adapt to changes and face adventures with an open mind and heart. I bring the same mind set to the bake shop and face the challenges of running a business equally. Over the years Nana Louisa’s has navigated through tough times with ease and has created vegan and gluten free tasty treats that don’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok bestie, I put together a few options for while you’re in town visiting.

Must see places around town; Mt. Lemon- there’s a cute little cafe to check out after a nice hike or some fishing. Sabino Canyon is also a must to check out. The Tohono Chul Gardens are so chill and there’s a great place to grab a bite or a drink. We could go for a stroll down fourth ave and do a little shopping, maybe stop for lunch at Bison Witches or the Brooklyn Pizza Co, or the B line. If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican food I insist on Mi Nidito, also we can stop by La Caves and pick up some pan dulces. For some chill time we can head to the San Xavier Mission. For some night time activities we could have a drink and check out the view from the Moonstone, atop the Graduate. The Owls Club has a great vibe as does the Shanty, the Buffet or for some dancing IBTs. Enjoy!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe my success to the support, love, and encouragement of my kids, my husband, my business mentor, and friends. My son Gavin and daughter Viana were crucial with the creation of the business. With their honest reviews and suggestions we created a solid brand of baked goods and treats. My husband Mike continues to motive me to be my best and pursue my dreams. Mike also helps to run the business and has been amazing with managing our work/life balance. My business coach/mentor, Manny is the best kind of human you could meet. His knowledge, patience, and resources have been vital in the creation and growth of the bake shop.

Website: Nanalouisasbakeshop.com

Instagram: nanalouisasbakeshop