The Story

It all started with a mom, a class, and a passion.

 
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LEAD STAFF

Ginny and David Tran | Owners

Jason Lindsay | Executive Chef

Katelyn Lindsay | Head Pastry Chef

Banks, Lila, Colbie, Lincoln Tran | Dessert Testers

 

It all started at home. After taking a baking class at a local shop, Ginny Tran found a love of baking Macarons. On a whim, she signed herself and her mom up for a fun afternoon date on a fall afternoon. Little did she know, that class would turn her into a macaron baking machine!

After learning the basics, Ginny went home and just started baking. At the time, she had three kids under 3, so finding time to learn a new skill was difficult. She would often get up before the sun to start baking and stay up late to keep practicing. It took a while to perfect the skill, as baking Macarons is tricky. But she didn't quit and kept learning, researching, and troubleshooting to make the tastiest Macarons from her home kitchen in Raleigh, NC.

David, Ginny's husband encouraged her to begin selling her treats. After much thought, Ginny and Tiffany started “Avalee Bakery and Boutique” from their home kitchens. Using social media platforms, they served many people throughout their community.

A couple of years later, David and Ginny felt God calling them to move to Pinehurst, NC, to be closer to David's full-time job. They moved in December 2020 during the COVID pandemic and after having their 4th baby. As their move came together, God opened many doors. They partnered up with two other families, the Bortins and Morgans, and recruited a talented Head Chef, Emmy Hirengen, to open Agora!

Agora means '“a gathering place,” which is their vision for the bakery and cafe. They want Agora to be community-focused, where anyone can come to grab a drink, eat a treat and build a deeper relationship. Whether it's an informal get-together, a business meeting, a mom play date, a Bible study, or a book club, let Agora be that gathering place. Not only do they want to bake their goods, but they want others in the community (especially the stay-at-home moms) to come together and share their talents. Agora will partner with local at-home “momtrepreneurs” to promote the local community. Check out the Mission.