From War-Torn Ukraine to Minnesota: Couple Starts Gluten-Free Bakery

MINNEAPOLIS — A couple from Ukraine, Vlad and Polina Lahoda, have found a new home in Minnesota after fleeing their war-torn country. Their journey from Kiev to starting a small business, Heaven Gluten Free Bakery, is a heartwarming tale of resilience and hope.

Polina, who has a passion for baking, and Vlad, who worked in IT, had to leave their home in a hurry when the war broke out in 2022. With the help of a Peace Corp volunteer, they found their way to Minnesota, where they decided to share their love for baking with the community.

Their bakery offers a variety of vegan, gluten-free loaves made with natural ingredients. Despite the challenges of starting a business in a new country, the couple is grateful for the opportunity to feel safe and free in Minnesota.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to feel safe, to feel free. You don’t know how important it is until you lose it. We think the people here are absolutely incredible,” Vlad said.

Their story is not just about baking bread, but about planting roots in a new place and sharing their love and gratitude with the community. Heaven Gluten Free Bakery’s loaves can be found at various locations in the Twin Cities metro area, spreading a message of resilience and hope with each slice.