In 2018, I, Suzi Unwin, a trade qualified pastry chef, launched Bella & Tortie with humble market stall beginnings and an online shop.

Rapid growth and demand combined with wholesale supply to many popular Brisbane cafes led to the need for a larger kitchen space, which also provided a space for a small shopfront.

Bella & Tortie V.1. opened its doors in November 2019 with a small range of sweet products. The team quickly expanded to include 4 pastry chefs, 1 apprentice, 6 retail assistants and grew a loyal customer fanbase. However, such rapid growth throughout Covid, floods, staff shortages and global supply chain issues took its toll on me and I decided to close the Grange Store in December 2022.

Instantly regretting most of my decision, I decided to relaunch Bella & Tortie in a new commercial kitchen space, in a more sustainable way for me with a focus back to caneles, sweet treat boxes and the occasional savoury.

I absolutely love what I do and can’t wait to see how Bella & Tortie can adapt to a more liveable way of business.

Thanks for coming along with me on this journey!