Staff Writer

When Irene Lim’s job ended just as the economy was taking a turn for the worse, she decided to head back to school.

That education has transformed Lim not only into a professional baker, but a small business owner. Lim and her husband, Thys Geldenhuys, opened Fernleaf Bakery and Coffeehouse on Free Street in Saco May 12.

Lim, who lives in Saco with her family, said she used the economic downtown as an opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of studying culinary arts. After her job as a software engineer ended, there weren’t many open positions, she said.

It was then, Lim said, her husband gently reminded her about culinary school. She spent the next two years studying at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. The couple decided to open a bakery in Saco because they love the community.

“Irene has always wanted to have this kind of store,” Geldenhuys said. “We thought it would be nice to be close to home.”

Lim converted the first floor of a house at the corner of Free and Middle streets to a bakery with a small dining area. The room is decorated with shelves lined with teacups.

“We wanted someplace where people would feel comfortable and at home,” Lim said.

Lim said her “freshly baked homestyle goods” include cookies, desserts, croissants and bread made without added artificial colors or trans fats. Her primary focus is mousse-style cakes.

“I wanted to create food I would be happy to serve my child,” she said. “We are making nice treats for people who care about the kind of food they eat and the quality of the ingredients. It’s thoughtful food for people who love to eat.”   

Lim and Geldenhuys said they are happy with their new business and look forward to meeting neighbors. The bakery is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at 20 Free St.