Meet Leila
Meet Leila
Connecting Cultures, Breaking (Flat)bread Together
Hello. I'm Leila, a trained human rights lawyer turned cultural connector. I'm passionate about creating meaningful experiences through the universal language of food. My journey with Bake2Explore is about breaking bread together, empowering ourselves with tools to discuss our cultures and cultural practices, and building meaningful connections in a fragmented world.
The Roots of My Passion
Born and raised in Tehran and now calling London home, I've always been surrounded by the vibrant diversity of big cities. My journey as a migrant woman has shaped my deep appreciation for cultural heritage and the power of community. Living in London—a melting pot of cultures—fueled my love for exploring new flavours and understanding their stories.
Growing up, the aroma of freshly baked flatbread was a daily comfort, a connection to my roots that I carried with me across borders. Over time, I realised that food is more than sustenance; it's a way to communicate, share stories, and build bridges between people from different walks of life. It helped me survive socially, feel connected, and claim my space in my immigration experiences.
The Athens Influence: A Taste of Greece
My journey took an unexpected but enriching turn when I spent a year and a half living in Athens, Greece. Immersing myself in the local food culture, I was captivated by the authenticity of Greek products, the sophistication of their cuisine, and the deep-rooted traditions that define their culinary practices. From the bustling markets to the family-run bakeries and a community of sustainable independent farmers, every experience added a new layer to my understanding of how food can connect us.
This time in Greece profoundly influenced how I approach my workshops. I've prioritised incorporating authentic Greek products and practices into Bake2Explore, bringing a taste of Greece to every session. Whether using premium extra virgin olive oil from a female-founded farm in Messini or exploring the stories behind traditional Greek aromatic herbs, I strive to create a workshop experience that is as enriching as it is delicious.
In every detail of my practice, I incorporate my values for local communities, sustainable practices, indigenous people, and communities and their stories.
Turning Passion into Purpose
Bake2Explore began as a tiny seed of an idea that combined my love for food with my passion for connecting people. The pandemic gave me the time to cultivate this idea, and what started as a personal project quickly evolved into a mission: to create spaces where people could come together, share their cultural practices, and engage in meaningful conversations.
The more I interacted with clients, mentors, and my network of women-led small business owners, the more I saw how my personal experiences—my background, travels, and curious nature—deeply intertwined with my business. My lived experience as a migrant woman in the UK and Greece has taught me the importance of inclusion and the richness of diverse perspectives.
Why Bake2Explore?
Through my Cultural Team Bonding workshops, I've witnessed the transformative power of food in the workplace. Baking and sharing bread isn't just a creative sensory activity; it's a mindful experience that brings people together, breaks down hierarchies, and creates an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
Each workshop is unique, shaped by the stories, flavours, and traditions participants bring. Whether discussing the origins of spice, the memories tied to a particular dish, or simply enjoying creating something together, these moments open new avenues for connection and understanding.
Join Me on This Journey
Bake2Explore is more than a business; it's a movement towards a more inclusive and connected workplace. I invite you to join me on this journey, where we use the simple act of breaking bread to build bridges, celebrate diversity, and create a sense of belonging in every workplace.
If you care about your people and the impact of your work on communities and the environment as a responsible business, following a holistic approach to EDI and well-being, we should CONNECT.