Meet Noris Velazquez | Kung Fu baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Noris Velazquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Noris, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My White Tiger Kung Fu training is by far the most important factor behind my success; not only in business but in all facets of life! I attribute the skills of:

Focus- being clear about what I want.
Strategy- knowing how to get it.
Self discipline- getting tasks done when they need to get done even when it’s not convenient.
Leadership- people look to me for guidance and trust I will keep my integrity.
Service- my decisions are made with the customer’s well-being in mind

This last point of service is paramount! Many times I’ve had the opportunity to short cut my process or use cheaper ingredients which would greatly impact the bottom line and though it may look good on paper (short term), It would be compromising The Whole Purpose and my excitement for what I do would dwindle. So I adhere to my Kung Fu instructor’s teaching, “follow your heart, and do what you know is right”!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I once had a customer ask me if I had to just pick one: being a baker or martial artist, what would I choose? My response was, “they are both intertwined, one feeding the flames of the other”, and that’s what makes me a great baker- it’s what makes baking an art for me!

For example, how I move when mixing large batches of dough by hand is rooted in my Kung Fu. The stance work I train in, the strength and balance I’ve learned through working with pole weapons like the Guan Dao, and the developed awareness and sensitivity to how far a dough will stretch during shaping is all part of my Kung Fu training!

My Sourdough Bread is alive and changes, adjustments to seasonal temperature, ingredient capabilities, a starter’s characteristics and even my mood all impact the final product!!! Therefore, an understanding of how nature works and how I work with nature is Kung Fu. So whether I’m moving out of the way from an opponents strike, or slashing a loaf of bread to give it a decorative and functional flare, it’s all Kung Fu to me!

So is my mission to deliver Greatness! Sourdough Bread is one of many vehicles to do this with; one that I have a passion for and experience great fulfillment knowing someone will is nourished by my added efforts. This fuels me to continue the hard work of baking professionally. It feeds my passion (sometimes literally), helping me to stay focused and keep a positive attitude; something challenging to do when I’ve had an active day working while raising 3 young children. But that’s what it takes to be a professional- shear repetition done with a positive mindset. Luckily the types of meditation, teas, herbs, diet and nutrition; all of which I’ve learned from my Kung Fu instructor has provided me with ample strength, energy and rejuvenation; it’s a real game changer!

Our next adventure for me and the bread community I serve is farming wheat! I’ve teamed up with a local farmer Mike Reeske of Rio Del Rey Beans to grow over 20 varieties of heirloom wheat is fall. We’ve researched and found some rare gems- landrace strains of wheat that have been naturally growing in different regions of the world for thousands of years; unadulterated by modern gmo practices. Fun stuff like Blue Bearded Durum and India Jammu, that’s what we’ll be harvesting like our ancestors did, milling it fresh, baking and bringing the communities together for food, fun and festivities in a Great Way! Join us on this epic journey as it unfolds…

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego has some beautiful beaches and coastal hot spots, including La Jolla (the jewel). Here, we’ll check out Birch aquarium and enjoy the sun, surf and The Marine Room for a sensational seafood dinner right on the water’s edge!

Next up is Mission beach for a more casual amusement park setting at Belmont Park with an iconic Wooden Roller Coaster, bumper cars, and a slice of ZoZo’s New York style pizza!

And we’ve got to check out all the big attractions like the Wild Animal Park, Sea World and stop by the San Diego Zoo for some more animal high jinks!

We’ll also take a stroll through Balboa Park visiting museums, or take in a show at the Old Globe, and finish off at The Prado for an amazing dinner.

Lastly, if you like sports we can visit downtown’s Petco Park and stay at the Omni hotel which has a private sky bridge that links the hotel and stadium for easy access. Afterwards, the nightlife begins downtown where nightclubs and restaurants are galore!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Kung Fu instructor Joel Rizzo Jr. whose sacrifices, hard work, tenacity and mentorship has and continues to be a guiding light for tens of thousands of students! It’s an honor and blessing to be part of his school- Authentic White Tiger Kung Fu. He’s built a community of positive and success oriented folks working hard to make a difference in themselves and the world around us; thank you teacher!

My soulmate Brooke, who’s also a black sash in Kung Fu, so watch out cause she’s got quick hands! Her love and support, her patients and faith, has humbled and motivates me into being a better person. Even the crap that irritates me is really just a mirror that life provides for me to grow from. She reminds me to not take things personally and is always there for us – thanks My Love!!!

Website: www.sourdoughdelight.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sourdoughdelight

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/noris-velazquez-031606152/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SourdoughDelight

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sourdough-delight-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFD_el1X_UKqQakbxnCaQfA