Toughen Up to Stay the Course

Berolina Bakery co-owner Youna Karlsson was just 25 years old when she arrived, 31 years ago, in America from Europe with her husband Anders. Anders had knowledge of baking and the bakery business and it wasn’t long before the pair purchased Berolina Bakery.

In addition to the challenges of owning a small business there were challenges of learning the laws of the land.

“We weren’t familiar with California and its regulations,” Youna recalled. “We were learning by experience.”

And during that learning curve came their first son Simon. Youna shared that it was especially hard during this time.

“We had no family around to help out,” she said.

So she did what many women do: she brought Simon, and later his brother Philip, to work.

“It was the only way to keep our business going,” she said.

Anders was doing most of the baking and Youna was running much of the business. And if running a small business with two young boys in tow wasn’t difficult enough, Youna also had to navigate the attitudes of those who expected to speak to a man when talking business.

Youna said that in the first 10 years sales people would only want to talk to Anders; it felt as though they thought she didn’t have a say in the business. But she got tough and told them if they wanted to get to the back of the bakery to talk to him, they had to first go through her.

She said that over the years there have been changes in the way business is done – and who does it.

“In the old days, it was a little intimidating when walking into a male-dominated business,” she said. “Now it feels like we’re all more equal.”

Due to cultural changes and an increase in the number of women-owned businesses, women have a stronger voice now in the business community.

“Women can also be more creative in starting their own businesses,” she said.

She does offer a piece of advice for anyone who wants to start a business.

“It’s hard, especially the first 10 years,” Youna said. “You work really hard and have no money. If you’re not prepared, it’s not for you.”

Berolina Bakery is located at 3421 Ocean View Blvd. in Glendale/Sparr Heights 91208. www.berolinabakery.com