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

Hi Francesca, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance is always a difficult thing to manage, but especially when owning your own business; It feels like you’re on the clock 24/7. Therefore, I have been trying to make the conscious effort for social things as well as time for myself. In the beginning, I tried to do everything for everyone at the bakery only to realize that it was at my expense. At a certain point I understood that my longevity was more important than taking someone’s last minute request causing me to work super late/early. It only leads to stress and anxiety as the hours took a toll on my body. Rather than thinking I should probably make time for a life outside of work, I now understand that it is NEEDED. I’m sure everyone can agree that work will always be there but our mental/physical health isn’t always at peak performance. It is a path that took a while to understand, but eventually will be reached.

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?
We are a local Bakery in Plano, TX that prioritizes the use of whole and natural ingredients. Everything is handmade and homemade as well as the personal touch of being a family-owned small business. Our most defining aspect are our values: quality over quantity and only real ingredients! It was not easy to get where we are today especially with all that has been happening lately. For example: COVID, economic uncertainty, and the staff retaining difficulty. We overcame the challenges by pushing through as well as making sure that we continue our principles and never sacrificing any step along the way. I want the world to know that small businesses relies on everyone that chooses to shop with us. We don’t have the safety of being a large corporation so our passion fuels us to continue rather than a corporate head enforcing procedures. If you only take away one thing from this, I want it to be that we work to make our products to the best of our ability and that it is always delicious!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had that chance to plan a week trip around DFW I would go to a variety of different things! Arbor hills or parks to walk and Costco just to experience the huge stores we have here. For food: Urban Crust, Urban seafood, Bella Italia Ristorante and Uchiba would be on the top of the list. We’d go to MeowWolf, mini golfing, museums in Dallas and tulip picking (if in season).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is dedicated to my friends and family for being the best support system! I don’t know where I would be without them. Much love for them always.

Website: millstonebakery.com

Instagram: @Millstonebakery

Facebook: Millstone Bakery

Yelp: Millstone Bakery

Other: Email: cakedecorator@millstonebakery.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.