About me
Hi, I’m Amara Yamamoto-Smith. My love for baking started early in Edmonton, when at 13 I began selling pies to coaches, family, and friends. What started as a small passion grew into a career that’s taken me across the world.
I trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where I built a foundation in pastry, chocolate, bread, and sugar work, and gained experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants and Parisian patisseries. Later, I expanded my breadmaking knowledge at the San Francisco Baking Institute, focusing on naturally leavened breads.
After returning to Edmonton, I worked in the city’s growing food scene and ran a small catering business, creating menus for weddings, showers, and private events. Over time, I realized my greatest passion is teaching—helping others discover the joy of French pastry and baking.
Since 2022, I’ve been teaching in-person and online classes through the Edmonton Public Library, where sessions often sell out in minutes. More recently, I’ve partnered with the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre and the Japanese Heritage Cooking Program in Vancouver, connecting with my Japanese roots while expanding my teaching.
Today, I share a blend of French technique, Japanese influence, and artisan breadmaking with students of all levels. My goal is to inspire confidence, creativity, and joy in the kitchen.
Thank you
Amara Yamamoto
