Nadia Ahissou has become a familiar face for many who visit the Downtown Farmers’ Market in Des Moines looking for pastries and other baked goods. Her fans no longer have to wait for the next farmers market for a treat. With the opening of Nadia’s French Bakery at 2705 Grand Ave., she’s got a permanent location, and a packed menu with everything from handmade pastries and desserts to breads, quiche and sandwiches. Ahissou is an immigrant from West Africa who developed a love for baking in 2020 after losing her job during the pandemic. Loyal customers flocked to the new bakery during opening week — Ahissou says she’s in the soft opening phase now but hopes to hold a grand opening soon.”I like that it’s a one-woman show, somebody starting from the ground up and making her way and something different in the area. There’s not a bakery like this close by,” said Tracey Jones, of Des Moines. Nadia’s story has been a blueprint for the Center at Sixth, a small business incubator in the works. Founder Marquas Ashworth says he hopes to replicate Nadia’s success with other Black entrepreneurs. Get the latest headlines from KCCI» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

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