Bryone Vonk

Growing up around her parents and grandparents’ cafes and restaurants, food was a huge part of Bryone’s life from a very young age. This unconsciously was the beginning of her passion for food and more specifically desserts.

Studying a Diploma of Culinary Arts from AUT, Bryone went on to work at The French Café before moving overseas to explore the world and its cuisines. She had the opportunity to work in France in a traditional French patisserie, a three Michelin star restaurant in London, and a traditional Quebecois patisserie in Montreal. All these experiences have taught Bryone different techniques and methods food businesses adapt to operate, and have helped her in creating her own business, The Good Baker.

Moving back home, Bryone felt it was the right time for her to start her own business, The Good Baker, creating 100% plant-based cakes and pastries that you wouldn’t even notice are vegan.  Struggling to find good vegan options in Auckland, Bryone was determined to create vegan products that didn’t compromise on taste and quality.

This led her to join The Kitchen Project to get the support she needed. “The Kitchen Project really helped me gain a clear vision and direction for my business and the steps in which I needed to complete to get to my goal.”

A personal highlight for Bryone was hearing from Jarrad Mckay, one half of the husband & wife duo from food truck and catering business Pūhā & Pākehā who specialise in modern Māori fusion food. “His insight and advice has been invaluable, and he was very open about drawing on his experience to answer the many questions about running a food business that I had.”

Bryone also enjoyed going through this journey with a group of other small businesses sharing a similar experience and not feeling completely alone. Being part of the group helped grow her confidence and gave her the honest feedback she needed.

Bryone’s vision for The Good Baker, is to have a store in Auckland where all people, regardless of their dietary requirements can enjoy good food. She also hopes to encourage people to embrace plant-based food and show them that they don’t have to compromise on taste or quality to enjoy plant-based products.

You can find Bryone at The Shed Collective market on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm and The Grey Lynn Farmers Market on Sunday’s from 8am – 12pm. Or follow her on Instagram or Facebook for updates.