Meet Nataly Stein | Bakery and pizza shop owner

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

Hi Nataly, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
I think one of the most difficult decisions Ive had to make, was closing one of our stores. It was the original store, and a bakery that had been there for 50 years. I closed it in 2021, after years of battling with the shopping center improvements and many other factors. Sometimes I still regret it to this day. However, I had to hope that the brand I built was strong enough to keep most of our customers coming to our other locations, and we did!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started working at these (now my) bakeries when I was in high school Christmas Eve of 2003. So exactly 20 years ago (oof where did that time go?) With several twists and turns college, other jobs etc I ended up buying the original 2 bakeries. They were horribly in debt, and I think the thing that I still am most proud of was getting us out of that situation.
This required 16-20+ hour days 7 days a week for almost 2 full years. I was 25, so that was a bit more functional. We went on to acquire another bakery, which we operate as an amazing pizza shop at night. I had a couple of babies during that, and I think that somehow juggling all of the staff needs, bakery demands and mom trials, I feel like I am doing pretty ok! Its really never easy, Im looking forward to that day 🙂

The major lessons Ive learned along the way are: trust your gut. Dont do anything impulsively, and anticipate failure , always.v

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week long trip from my best friend, how did i get so lucky!? We live so close to the beach, so most of the week will definitely be spent there. I love Crystal Cove for tidepooling and getting a great long uninterrupted walk in. We would absolutely eat at Gulfstream in Corona del mar, biscuits, grilled artichokes and margaritas. We would pick up pizza from my pizza place B+C pizza in Laguna Niguel, and then take that to eat in Dana Point. Theres awesome gelato place in San Clemente called Lucky Dogs- I need sweets always, we would definitely go there. If we were lucky the Long Beach flea market would be in full swing for random finds. Theres so much more to do, I dont know how to even begin!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Theres quite a few women and a man that have really been there for every step of the way. Those 3 are Joyce Campion (business partner), Ali Jolliff (head cake decorator) and Beth Bulgeron (long standing mentor and best friend). James Hartman Florist extraordinaire and best friend.

Website: www.buttercreambakeries.com

Instagram: @buttercreambakeries @bcpizzas