Bread and Smiles
Vanessa, who manages our market at Victoria Park, writes about how selling bread brings her and those around her so much joy.
I have never really been a bread person. It’s not that I have not eaten bread. I have tried only one type of bread and it’s called Agege bread (known to Nigerians). Agege bread is a very soft bread, unsliced but very easy to tear apart if you are in a hurry and cannot reach for a table knife.
When I say I have eaten only one type of bread, I actually mean that I have never wondered about the types of breads or read the history of breads.
In a recent training with Breadwinners, I learnt that bread was first made in Egypt and also learnt that it was used at some point as a means of payment.
Working with Breadwinners is very exciting to me for various reasons. I enjoy working with charities that support people seeking asylum and refugees because I have a lived experience. I have also learnt about the various types of breads and how much effort is put into making artisan breads.
I have seen how joyful people look when they come to the stall and their favourite bread is in stock. I have met the most peaceful people whilst managing the market stall. I smile at people and they smile back.
The various stalls in the market are managed by friendly people as well who seem to enjoy what they are doing.
I always look forward to Sundays because it is when I get to see people smile when they buy bread from the stall.
Thank you Vanessa for your beautiful words, your hard work and infectious smile.
Come and share the joy of bread with Vanessa every Sunday at Victoria Park Market.