Today we’d like to introduce you to Irina Radzinsky.
Hi Irina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey to where I am today has been anything but planned, which is probably what makes it so meaningful.
I was born and raised in Ukraine and moved to the United States in 1995 in search of new opportunities. For many years, I built a successful career as a Computer Programmer/ Business Analyst in the federal contracting world. I enjoyed solving problems, improving processes, and helping organizations work more efficiently. I never imagined that one day I would become a baker.
Baking has always been a part of my life. For many years, I baked homemade bread and other treats for my family and friends simply because I loved it. Seeing people enjoy something I had made from scratch was always rewarding, but I never imagined turning it into a business.
After losing my long-term job, I found myself at a crossroads. What had always been a hobby suddenly became an opportunity to start something new. Friends and neighbors encouraged me to share my sourdough bread with a wider community, and their support gave me the confidence to take the next step. In early 2025, I launched The Sourdough Circle, a small home-based micro-bakery in Montgomery Village, Maryland.
Today, I bake naturally leavened sourdough bread in small batches using long fermentation and high-quality ingredients. My goal isn’t to be the biggest bakery- it’s to create bread that brings people together around the table and reminds them what real bread tastes like. Nothing makes me happier than hearing that someone who thought they couldn’t enjoy bread anymore has fallen in love with sourdough, or that a family now looks forward to sharing one of my loaves every week.
Starting a business was not something I expected, but it has become one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. Building a business from scratch has challenged me to learn everything from baking and photography to website design, social media, and marketing. It’s been a steep learning curve, but also an incredibly fulfilling one.
Looking back, I realize this journey has been about much more than bread. It’s about resilience, lifelong learning, and having the courage to begin again. I hope my story encourages others to believe that it’s never too late to discover a new passion or create something meaningful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a business from scratch after losing my long-term career was both exciting and challenging. As demand grew, baking in my home kitchen was no longer enough. I had to make a significant investment in commercial equipment, including a professional oven, mixers, and refrigerators, and transform my basement into a dedicated bakery workspace. Fortunately, my background in business analysis and programming helped me create my own website, online order form, and order management system, which saved both time and money. Every challenge became a learning experience, and the support of my customers and community has made it all worthwhile.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Sourdough Circle?
The Sourdough Circle is a home-based micro-bakery in Montgomery Village, Maryland, specializing in naturally leavened artisan sourdough bread. Every loaf is handcrafted in small batches using my mature sourdough starter, long fermentation, and high-quality ingredients- without commercial yeast, preservatives, or artificial additives.
What sets my bakery apart is the personal touch. I bake every loaf to order, connect directly with my customers, and create breads inspired by their feedback. I also participate in several local farmers markets, where I enjoy meeting customers in person and becoming part of the local community.
What I’m most proud of is building a local brand based on quality, trust, and connection. Seeing customers return every week and hearing that my bread has become part of their family traditions is the greatest reward.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is my customers’ satisfaction and helping people discover healthier choices through real sourdough bread. I love seeing the joy my bread brings to families and hearing their feedback. I also enjoy educating customers about the benefits of naturally fermented sourdough, traditional baking methods, and how choosing quality ingredients can make a difference in everyday eating.
Pricing:
- $7
- $12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sourdough-circle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourdough_circle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesourdoughcircle
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSourdoughCircle
