In this Micronesian Monday Feature, we learn about Achoun’s Bread a small online bakery based in Oregon, run by Chuukese creator Chelsea Sound. Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy malasada dusted with sugar with a cup of coffee at the ready. Please, refrain from closing this email to get your next confectionary delight until after you’ve read it (although I really can’t blame you if you don’t). 

When the pandemic closed one door, another door opened, specifically the oven door in Chelsea Sound’s case. 

Chelsea was born and raised in Oregon and her family is from the islands of Penia/Weno and Lukunor in Chuuk. The 25-year-old is the baker behind Achoun’s Bread, a small business selling malasadas, sweet rolls and more.

Every baked good has its place on the shelf, but malasadas are a top-shelf delicacy. This is a formal petition for The Great British Bake Off to have malasadas as the next technical challenge…and to have Chelsea Sound on as one of the bakers. 

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A post shared by @achounsbread

Chelsea admits she cooks more than she bakes. 

“There’s something about cooking where you have room for error and opportunities to fix a mistake in the moment versus baking where you have to start the process all over again.” 

She’d dabbled in baking, exploring with baked goods when she was in middle school. She grew up with her mother and auntie making donuts and her father making sweet bread. 

During the lockdown, with more time on her hands, Chelsea found herself baking more. 

“Originally at the time I was just making bread as something to do during lockdown other than watching anime and K-dramas all day,” she recalled. “I joined the sourdough bandwagon and learned quite a lot about fermentation, hydration levels, and making your own starter. Eventually, I worked my way to things I was most familiar with, sweet bread and doughnuts.”

She would make the baked treats she enjoyed from her youth.

“After many trial runs I had shared some with my family and the feedback was great,” Chelsea said. “One of my aunties really encouraged me to consider selling to the public.” 

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A post shared by @achounsbread

achounsbread

A post shared by @achounsbread

Chelsea added that she wouldn’t have started selling to others had it not been for the encouragement from her elders. 

“I didn’t really know how they would sell and who would actually purchase them. I was laid off at the time and I didn’t really have much to lose. Except for my pride, if the people didn’t like what I made,” she said with a laugh.

“So I took a chance and posted on my personal Instagram that I was taking orders and the people spoke. I went from selling to friends and family to complete strangers that found my page or heard from other friends,” she said. 

Her baked goods spoke for themselves, earning her a loyal customer with every bite. 

“Who knew it would grow into where it’s at right now? In all honesty, this was just a side hustle that eventually turned into something bigger,” Chelsea recalled. 

Her pandemic hobby landed her a gig for a pop-up event hosted by Ardent Coffee. She sold malasadas at the event, expecting to sell her treats for a couple of hours or so.

“I had no idea we would sell out in less than thirty minutes!” she said. 

Chelsea also brought Achoun’s Bread products to another event by Ardent Coffee, this time a bigger gig. There were 10 to 12 other vendors, selling all kinds of items like candles, vintage clothing and plants, Chelsea said. This time around Chelsea had the help of her family to prepare, bake and set up at the Maker’s Market event, where they fed eager customers. 

“It was a super fun day,” she said. “I could not thank my family enough with how they continue to sacrifice their time to help me. Even when I don’t ask, they just show up.” 

With every Achoun’s Bread sale, Chelsea adds an island touch, writing “kinisou” and “kinisou chapur” on the box. Kinisou chapur is Chuukese for “thank you very much.” 

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A post shared by @achounsbread

Her Chuukese background also influences her flavor profiles. 

"Mango and coconut cream were some flavors that I felt represented the islands. Still trying to figure out a kon (fermented breadfruit) flavored one for all my Chuukese folks,” she said. 

Now a skilled baker, Chelsea said one of her favorite things to bake is cinnamon rolls. She said it’s not something she makes regularly and she enjoys the challenge. 

“It’s also the best way to make your house smell amazing,” she added.

Chelsea continues to experiment with flavors and bakes. Every item from Achoun’s Bread is literally handmade. Chelsea has her sights on getting a stand mixer, but until then, it’s a fully handmade operation at Achoun’s Bread. Beyond her stand mixer, she also hopes to expand and open a brick-and-mortar shop. 

“I’ve always dreamed of owning my own café so I hope I can combine the two and create a space where people feel welcomed to rest and enjoy what I have to offer,” she said. “Eventually I’d love to host events like poetry, art shows, and live music in that space as well.” 

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A post shared by @achounsbread

She’d like to use her growing platform to encourage and support other people from Micronesia to go out and follow their passions. 

“I hope to see more representation in our community, especially in the creative field. I just know there are more creators, makers, artists within the Micronesian community that haven’t had the opportunity or they might have barriers holding them back. One of my long time goals is to create something that could showcase and highlight the gifts and talents of the Micronesian, Melanesian, and Polynesian communities. Something that would bring our communities together,” she said. ◉

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A post shared by @achounsbread

I have added Achoun’s Bread to my must-eat list and the next time I find myself on that side of the world, Chelsea, please expect an order or two from me. 

Please follow Achoun’s Bread on Instagram. All of you Portland readers, support Chelsea’s business and tell us what you ordered to make the rest of us jealous. 

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A post shared by @achounsbread

Curious about other Micronesian creators? Here’s who Chelsea likes and follows: 

There are a couple of Micronesian creators I would love to highlight! I follow these folks on Instagram. One of them is named @yellownoon. They create dope digital art, stickers, prints, and gifs. Another is @mongotongoart, also a digital artist/creator. They make various items like stickers, totes, and more! Lastly, @Saltback is a clothing brand that makes pretty awesome apparel. 

Thank you to Chelsea. Thanks to you reader for reading. I’ll write to you again soon. 

Cheers,
Jasmine 

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