Today we’d like to introduce you to Errin & Grace Johnson.
Hi Errin & Grace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We started as sourdough hobbyists during COVID in 2020, when our son was born and the world felt chaotic. Stuck at home, we learned to bake sourdough—and named our starter Lazarus, after Jesus’ friend who was brought back to life.
Everything we do is based on John 11:11: “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” It reminds us that even when something looks dead, Jesus can bring new life. Every loaf we bake is risen with purpose.
Today, we naturally leaven everything we make with local organic flour and simple ingredients. Before we had paying customers, we drove around East Dallas sharing sourdough with people experiencing homelessness. We still do. About two years ago, we decided to pivot from long standing careers in financial technology and education. We opened our baking to the community, giving us the joy of meeting our neighbors and sharing bread made with love, right from our home, as cottage bakers.
At Lazarus Bakes, we believe nutritious food should be accessible, and that good bread doesn’t need a long ingredient list. Our foundation is simple: organic flour, filtered water, and salt—sprinkled with prayer, hard work, and love.
Righteous bread, risen with purpose.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been an easy journey. Leaving behind long-standing careers was a significant leap of faith. However, we gradually realized that the kitchen was where we belonged. Financial constraints were challenging, and navigating social media has been an ongoing learning process. Nevertheless, when God instructs you to do something, you do it. This period has also been a time of personal growth as business partners and a married couple. We’re constantly together, but our marriage has strengthened in numerous ways!!
As you know, we’re big fans of Lazarus Bakes. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lazarus Bakes is a faith-based micro bakery in East Dallas, Texas. We specialize in sourdough bread and baked goods. We don’t believe delicious baked goods need to have a long ingredient list. We are known for our sourdough loaves and our sourdough cinnamon rolls. What sets us apart from other micro bakeries is that we are also a ministry. Though some may not like our business model, we give our food out freely to those experiencing hard times or even homelessness. This is something we are proud of but being a cheerful giver is a posture we will always have. As we continue to grow, we would love for your readers to know that we bake with excellence and with simple ingredients they can feel good about. We offer weekly preorders and fulfill custom/corporate orders and catering. We also wholesale to a local coffee shop in our community.
What were you like growing up?
Grace: growing up I was quiet and quite shy, though around good friends and family I felt freedom to be silly and boisterous. I was a diligent student and avid sports fan. I loved to draw, read Lord of the Rings, and cook. I’m of Korean descent so Asian flavors are a must for me. I try to incorporate this into our bakes every so often. Our favorite Asian inspired loaf is our Ube & Coconut sourdough loaf.
Errin: growing up I was very observant, loved to laugh and make people laugh. I was also a student athlete throughout grade school and college. I always loved to cook as well. Coming up with new recipes and cooking for my family are things I loved to do and still do today! I’m of African American descent, so soul food is a favorite – though I have many favorite foods that I love from different cultures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lazarusbakes.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/lazarusbakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jiw3FaXXz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://Substack.com/lazarusbakes
