Meet Angela Cannella | Sourdough Specialist and Baker

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

Hi Angela, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Growing up in Willis, TX, in a blue-collar family, has undeniably shaped who I am today. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic from a young age—my father’s mastery of the grill and my mother’s reliance on her microwave cookbook were emblematic of our humble beginnings. By the time I was a teenager, I was already juggling multiple jobs, learning the value of hard work and determination.

After high school, I ventured out on my own and discovered a passion for cooking, which eventually led me to embrace a cleaner eating lifestyle. However, life threw me a curveball when I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2019, forcing me to adapt my diet drastically.

Despite the challenges, I never lost sight of my entrepreneurial spirit. In 2023, with a growing family to support, I decided to turn my passion for sourdough baking into a side hustle. Starting with simple posts on my neighborhood’s Facebook page, I was overwhelmed by the positive response. Soon, I found myself participating in farmers markets, expanding my online presence, and even teaching sourdough classes.

Today, nearly a year into this journey, I’ve gone from home baker to microbakery owner. With a bread oven to aid my baking, partnerships with local stores, and a thriving online community, I’ve not only found a way to support my family but also to share my love for baking with others.

My upbringing in Willis, TX, taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and community, all of which have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today—a passionate baker, entrepreneur, and advocate for wholesome living.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is centered around artisanal sourdough baking, but what truly sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. Every loaf of sourdough I produce is made with 100% organic flour because I believe in nourishing both my family and my customers with the best possible ingredients. While this may not always be the cheapest option, I can assure you it’s the cleanest and most wholesome.

In addition to prioritizing organic ingredients, I also place a strong emphasis on supporting local farmers and businesses. Whenever possible, I source ingredients locally, not only to reduce our carbon footprint but also to contribute to the community around me.

The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. I started with long, grueling bake days in my home oven, experimenting with different techniques to increase production. Bulk-batching sourdough loaves was a learning process filled with countless errors and setbacks, but through perseverance and dedication, I’ve honed my craft.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of timing. Sourdough baking is a delicate balance of fermentation and timing, and mastering this balance while juggling a busy lifestyle has been a challenge. However, it’s also taught me to prioritize and adapt, ensuring that I still have time for my family amidst the demands of my business.

Another challenge I’ve faced is learning to say no. As someone passionate about sharing my knowledge and empowering others, it’s been difficult to turn down opportunities. However, I’ve come to realize that by focusing on what truly matters to me—teaching others and making sourdough baking accessible—I can have a greater impact.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that my brand is more than just sourdough—it’s a testament to my commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. Through my journey, I’ve discovered a passion for teaching and empowering others to embrace cleaner alternatives for their families. Sourdough baking may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and determination, anyone can embark on this rewarding journey toward wholesome living.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a week-long trip with my best friend, I’d want to show them the best of what our area has to offer, blending delicious food, great drinks, and plenty of outdoor fun.

Day 1:

Evening: We’ll kick off our trip with dinner at Xalisco, one of my favorite spots in The Woodlands for authentic Mexican cuisine. We’ll indulge in flavorful dishes and savor every bite.
Night After Dinner: I would take them to Two Tones Piano bar for a fun sing along night.

Day 2:

Lunch: We’ll grab lunch at Woodson’s Local Tap + Kitchen, taking advantage of their outdoor green space where the kids can run and play while we enjoy delicious food.
Afternoon: We’ll spend the afternoon exploring Porky’s Food Truck Park, indulging in a wide variety of food options and tasty drinks. With so much to choose from, there’s something for everyone here.

Day 3:

All Day: We’ll escape to Lake Conroe for a day of fun on the water. We’ll rent a boat and spend the day wakeboarding, tubing, and swimming in the refreshing waters of the lake. It’s the perfect way to soak up the sun and enjoy some adventure together. On the way home check out Southern Star, one of the original local breweries in town with the best beers.

Throughout the week, we’ll also explore other local gems like hiking trails in the area, quaint downtown shops in Old Town Spring, and perhaps even catch a live music performance at one of the nearby venues. It’ll be a week filled with good food, great drinks, and unforgettable memories with my best friend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible husband, whose unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in the success of my sourdough baking journey. From diving headfirst into helping with this crazy idea to being the technical guru behind our social media platforms, he’s been my rock every step of the way.

Not only does he handle the logistical side of things, like running errands for ingredients and delivering online orders to the post office, but he’s also right there with me in the kitchen, doing stretch and folds and ensuring that everything runs smoothly, even when I’m away at work.

His selflessness, enthusiasm, and willingness to go above and beyond have made all the difference, and I’m endlessly grateful for his unwavering support. This journey wouldn’t be the same without him by my side, and I’m truly fortunate to have him as my partner in both life and baking.

Website: www.doughmamatexas.com

Instagram: @doughmamatexas

Facebook: @doughmamatexas

Youtube: @doughmamatexas

Other: Tik Tok: @DoughMamaTexas

Image Credits
Angela Cannella