LEESBURG, FL — Lisa Johnson never set out to become a celebrated baker or entrepreneur. What began as a heartfelt mission to help her mother with digestive issues has blossomed into Blue Ribbon Bakery, a thriving sourdough bread business launched in 2024, fueled by a love of baking and a desire to teach her daughter valuable life skills.

Johnson’s journey started years ago when her mother, like many others, was advised to incorporate sourdough bread into her diet to ease digestive troubles. Determined to provide the best for her family, Johnson began experimenting with sourdough recipes at home. “I decided to make it for her,” Johnson said. “She loved it, and soon the neighbors did too.”

(There is a reason Blue Ribbon Bakery has won many awards. Their breads are some of the top local bakery breads you can get in Lake and Sumter County.)

What started as a small family project quickly grew into something more. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response, Johnson saw an opportunity to involve her daughter Jordyn in a meaningful way. “I wanted to spend time with her and teach her business skills,” she explained. Together, the mother-daughter duo perfected their recipes and set their sights on the Lake County Fair in 2024.

(What started as a hobby turned into a business that has our community talking. Blue Ribbon’s Sougherbread is among the best you will find in the area.)

Their hard work ended up paying off big time. Johnson and her daughter took home the coveted Blue Ribbon for their sourdough bread and banana nut bread, along with accolades for their other sourdough creations. “We worked on this together, and in 2024, we won many blue ribbons, especially in all sourdough items,” Johnson recalled with pride.

(Lisa “right” stands with ther daughter Jordyn on the “left”. Jordyn has learned a lot about business and entrepreneurship.)

The fair victories were just the beginning. Spurred by their success and growing local demand, Johnson launched Blue Ribbon Bakery in June 2024, selling her artisan breads at local markets. The response was overwhelming. “Business took off with the love of sourdough bread,” she said. What began as a labor of love has since become a staple in the community, with customers raving about the tangy, wholesome loaves crafted with love and care. It’s also all made locally.

(Bread you have to try. This is award winning bread made locally with love and care.)

For Johnson, Blue Ribbon is more than a business—it’s allowing others the joy of sharing something homemade. If you have not tried Blue Ribbon Bakery make sure you pick up some break or one of the many bakery items they sell. You will thank us! “This all started because I wanted to help my mom and teach my daughter,” Johnson said. “Now, it’s so much more.” If you want to support this local business check out their facebook page here: