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What happens when you take a community that's grown online and bring everyone together in person?

This week on Saving Bread, Allison sits down with her longtime friend Laila, the baker and educator behind The Early Rise and founder of West Coast Breadfest.

After attending Asheville Breadfest, Laila was inspired to create something similar for the West Coast. What followed was an enormous undertaking that brought together bakers, educators, millers, and bread enthusiasts for a day dedicated to learning and community.

Laila shares how the event came together, the decisions behind selecting instructors, what she learned from its first year, and what she's envisioning for its return in October 2027.

The conversation also explores Laila's unexpected journey into professional baking, how The Early Rise grew into a successful educational platform, and the challenges of building a career on social media while staying true to the things that matter.

And for bakers interested in technique, Laila shares the inspiration and science behind her sweet stiff starter, how she uses it to develop flavor without excessive acidity, and why it has become central to her sourdough cinnamon rolls.

Along the way, Allison and Laila reflect on the importance of accessible education, supporting small farms and mills, and why nothing quite replaces learning together in person.

In this episode:

• The inspiration behind West Coast Breadfest and what comes next
• Creating opportunities for a diverse group of bakers and educators
• Turning online connections into real-world friendships
• Growing The Early Rise and navigating success on social media
• The science and practical benefits of a sweet stiff starter
• Supporting local grain economies and preserving meaningful bread traditions

Find Laila:

Website and recipes: https://earlyrisebaker.com

Instagram: @theearlyrisebaker

Follow West Coast Breadfest for updates on the 2027 event.