Today we’d like to introduce you to Nour Bizri
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2018, I was involved in a freak accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder. This condition affects mental, emotional, and physical processing, causing my body to physically manifest anxiety through seizures rather than allowing me to fight, avoid, or flee from stressful situations.
Fast forward to 2024, I was introduced to sourdough by my sister and began selling sourdough bread and treats in Killeen, Texas, while my husband served in the U.S. Army. After a few months of baking for friends, I noticed a reduction in my seizures. As an online graduate student, I realized that working with bread dough helped me slow down and process my thoughts and feelings in real time. This led me to start selling sourdough bread and treats at local farmers’ markets.
After relocating to Charleston and officially launching Bright Light Bakery, we participate in markets around the city and can find our bread and treats at The Veggie Bin & Big Kick Coffee in Downtown Charleston! The mission of Bright Light Bakery is not only to provide simple, clean bread to the community but also to raise awareness and normalize the conversation about mental health.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Relocating a business has been quite a transition, especially since Bright Light Bakery originally started in Killeen, TX. Business regulations vary by state, so it took some time to get everything sorted out and establish the bakery officially in South Carolina. I am very grateful for the support from fellow business owners and members of the Charleston community who have helped me navigate this transition and learn about the local area.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in South Carolina. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston and my Master’s in Mental Health Clinical Counseling from Northwestern University. I specailize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I focus on a person centered integrative approach that focuses around client goals.
I am proud of the dedication my clients show in their counseling journey. Discussing emotions can be challenging, especially when life feels like it’s spiraling out of control. I am also proud of myself for not letting my seizures prevent me from living life to the fullest. For a time, my seizures did control me, but with the support of my own counseling journey, I have become who I am today.
When asked what sets me apart, I initially found it a difficult question to answer. However, I believe my unique perspective, shaped by my personal experiences, distinguishes me. For instance, a traumatic brain injury significantly influenced my path, leading me to become both a counselor and a sourdough baker. This experience underscores the importance of pursuing what makes you happy, regardless of where you are in life. Life is too short not to follow your passions.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I spent 12 years of my childhood living in Kuwait. Food played a crucial role in my family, and some of my fondest memories from that time involve experiencing the rich culture through food and traveling to explore it in different countries.
Baking was an activity that my sister and I shared. It allowed us to experiment, be creative, and enjoy each other’s company. Despite being my younger sister, she has looked out for me a lot over the years, especially after the accident. I deeply admire her.
Combining different flavor profiles from around the world with bread and treats is something I dreamed about as a child, so this feels like a full-circle moment for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hotplate.com/brightlightbakery
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightlightbakery?igsh=YmJrNHo3MXppbW1w&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556283584159&mibextid=LQQJ4d
