We recently connected with Manira Camara and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Manira, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I moved to the USA in 2011 from France. I really missed a good French pastry, 2017 my husband and I opened our first French bakery in Reynoldsburg Ohio, we were the most loved business on yelp in 2023. I was going through a difficult time in every aspect of my life, I then decided to move to Dallas Texas in order to start a new life. Baking is my passion, I want to pursue my dreams by opening a new shop in Dallas Texas.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Manira Camara, I am originally from Guinea West Africa, I grew up in Lyon France, I moved in Columbus Ohio 2011. I am co-founder and owner of Le Vieux Lyon French bakery. I started a new home bakery business “le palais des tartes” in 2024 in Dallas, Texas. I offer authentic French pastries, With an option of sugar less product, I love sweet, but I am pre-diabetic, I want to help my customers give up on sugar, but not their love for pastries. I have an exceptional relationship with my customers in Ohio, that goes beyond buying and selling, We are like family, I want to bring the same experience in Dallas
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I make sure all of my customers feel important to me. My goal is to make each of them feel welcome in my shop.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My first location was too small, I decided to move to a bigger one. I was thinking that it will take a month, but things didn’t go well, it took me over 8 months. I didn’t have a single penny left, every one around me advised me to give up, but I stud up, doing the renovation myself, at the same time dealing with the city for permits, with my husband’s help, I end up having what I wanted.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Le palais des tartes
- Other: I am still working on the business
