From Coding to Croissants: The Inspiring Journey of L’Appartement 4F

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Welcome to another edition of our newsletter, where we celebrate the inspiring stories of those who have 'made it' in their respective fields.

Today, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple, spotlighting the story of Gautier and Ashley Coiffard , the husband-and-wife duo behind L'Appartement 4F , a successful French bakery in Brooklyn, New York.

The Seeds of a Dream

Gautier Coiffard, once a software engineer with a comfortable salary, took a leap of faith in 2022 to chase his passion for baking.

The birth of this dream was rooted in his longing for bread and croissants from his hometown of Grenoble, France (New York City Wine & Food Festival ).

After countless trials and errors, he finally perfected his croissant recipe, turning personal nostalgia into a booming business.

Ashley, a former school nurse, saw the potential to share these delightful treats with fellow Americans and joined him in this venture (Cherry Bombe Podcast ).

Together, they embarked on a journey that has seen them transform their passion into a thriving business that generates up to $128,000 a month.

Transforming Spaces: From Apartment to Bakery

What began as a humble hobby has now blossomed into an exciting venture.

The Coiffards' small apartment, once just a home, has transformed into a beloved neighborhood bakery, revealing the immense potential they had at their fingertips.

This bakery has carved out a niche for itself with its irresistible croissants, freshly baked bread, and a surprising breakfast hit — the mini croissant cereal.

It's not merely the locals who are enamored of these delights; the bakery's reputation extends beyond its immediate locale, attracting visitors with its delicious offerings (Eater NY ).

Despite the growth, the Coiffards' financial ingenuity is equally impressive.

They have funded their dream through a mix of Kickstarter campaigns, bank loans, and credit cards.

And the most remarkable part?

They've managed to retain complete, 100% ownership of their business.

Breaking Bread: Building Community Through Authentic Taste

In the midst of their resounding success, the couple has stayed grounded, ensuring they keep sight of what truly matters.

They're committed to sustainably expanding their business for the long haul, staying true to their initial vision and never forgetting the community they belong to.

Recently, they made an announcement that highlights their commitment to expansion while staying true to their roots — they are set to bring their much-loved croissants to Manhattan.

On December 31, 2023, this hardworking couple disclosed that they had secured a lease in the West Village, specifically at 119 West 10th Street, nestled between Greenwich and Sixth avenues.

Brooklyn Heights will always be our baby but excited to bring our croissants to Manhattan, they shared on Instagram .

However, they're not rushing into anything.

Even with the opening of this new location, which follows their first bakery launched in 2022, they remain thoughtful about their growth.

Their goal is to ensure that any new shop aligns perfectly with their promise to deliver exceptional quality and continue supporting their local community.

Until Our Next Sunday Success Story

Gautier and Ashley's story is an inspiring testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and pastries.

It's a reminder that success isn't just about financial gain but also about finding fulfillment in what you do.

This couple traded engineering and nursing for flour and yeast, and in the process, they've not only built a profitable business but also enriched their community with the taste of authentic French pastries.

Remember, success is often found where passion and hard work meet.

And sometimes, it's wrapped in a warm, buttery croissant.

Until next week,

Evan Morales