Meet Justine Parra | Sourdough Bread & Bakes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justine Parra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justine, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
There was a point I was prepping dough/baking every day of the week. I was taking every order that I could and trying to appease everyone and their schedule. Prepping dough in bulk is a lot of work. Its time consuming and hard on your body. I quickly found out I needed to take time for myself to rest and reset. I now make sure I have 2 days off a week and its worked out fine. Everyone has been so supportive when I post my bake days. I still do make exceptions but at my discretion.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is “Baking Parradise”. Im a cottage baker in Oracle, Arizona that specializes in sourdough breads & bakes. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, small-batch baking using traditional methods that prioritize time, care, and heart. Every loaf is naturally leavened and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, creating rustic breads that feel like home.Like most starting this business wasn’t easy—it took patience, practice, and a lot of early mornings to perfect the craft and build a local following. But the challenges only deepened my appreciation for the process and the community that supports it. I’ve learned that staying true to your values, creates something truly magicfull. I want the world to know that Baking Parradise is more than just bread—it’s about warmth, connection, and bringing a little slice of comfort to everyday life.

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.
Oracle is a small town 30 minutes north of Tucson with hidden gems. The first stop is Parradise Ranch of course! Haha! My grandparents have owned this property for 40 years and have made it SO sweet! You will find so many treasures.There are 4 different stores on property and they also host the Wednesday night farmers market. Next I would head to the Way of Bean Coffee Club for yummy breakfast & coffee. The Oracle Patio Cafe & Market for lunch and rare culinary finds. The Zip Line is so fun, too! They have a balcony with the best view to take in after you do the 5 courses. The Ore house is a bar on top of a hill so on a cool evening its nice to relax outside.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family. Always. They’ve been so supportive every step of the way. From the beginning when it was all just a thought to bouncing ideas off of, venting, needing encouragement etc. They’re always there. I also have to say my community. Obviously, I couldn’t have a business without their support. They show up week after week and I cant thank them enough.

Instagram: @bakingparradise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakingparradise