In the heart of San Francisco, a small bakery is making waves. A proud CleanPowerSF customer, Rize Up Bakery, founded by Azikiwee Anderson or “Z” to most folks, has become a beloved destination for those seeking delicious bread and a taste of community. As we celebrate Black Business Month, it's fitting to shine a spotlight on this inspiring business and the story behind its success.

A Name with Meaning

Inspired by the Hamilton song “My Shot,” the name "Rize Up" is a reflection of Azikiwee's personal journey and his desire to inspire others. It symbolizes the power of resilience, resistance, and standing up for what you believe in. The bakery's logo, featuring a raised fist, further emphasizes this message of empowerment.

From Pandemic Hobby to Flourishing Business

Rize Up Bakery's journey began in the early days of the pandemic. As people were forced to stay home, many turned to baking as a way to pass the time. Azikiwee, a former aspiring chef, was no exception. Initially hesitant about sourdough bread, he eventually embraced the challenge and fell in love with the process.

More than just a hobby, baking became a therapeutic outlet for Azikiwee. As he navigated the challenges of the pandemic and the social unrest following the murder of George Floyd, baking provided a much-needed escape. The act of kneading dough and watching it rise offered a sense of peace and control in a world that felt increasingly chaotic.

As Azikiwee's skills improved, he began sharing his creations with friends and neighbors. The positive response inspired him to start selling his bread online. Word of mouth spread quickly, and soon, Rize Up Bakery was gaining a loyal following. Embraced by the Bay Area, Rize Up has had successful pop-ups and farmers’ market appearances and can be purchased at retailers and markets such as Bi-Rite, Rainbow Grocery, and Berkeley Bowl.

More Than Just Bread

What sets Rize Up Bakery apart is its commitment to community and inclusivity. Azikiwee's passion for making people feel seen and valued shines through in every loaf. He believes that food has the power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. "It was a mixture of wanting to make a difference, wanting to give back, wanting to stand up, wanting to resist," Azikiwee explained. “There was a lot of those feelings that went into the beginning of this.”

Paving the Way for Future Generations

Azikiwee's success has not gone unnoticed. He is proud to be a role model for young people, especially those from underrepresented communities. By demonstrating that it's possible to turn a passion into a thriving business, he hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams.

The Future of Rize Up Bakery

As Rize Up Bakery continues to grow, Azikiwee envisions opening a brick-and-mortar location where customers can experience the bakery's unique atmosphere and connect with the community. Additionally, he hopes to expand the business to other cities and regions.

A Testament to Resilience and Community

"I feel like I'm getting paid to learn," Azikiwee said. "I'm getting paid to represent. And it's a luxury that I haven't had most of my life, and I feel so thankful that people believe in me enough and care enough to help my dreams happen right."

Rize Up Bakery is more than just a bakery; it's a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the human spirit. Azikiwee's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it's possible to find joy, purpose, and success.

You can order Rize Up at www.rizeupsourdough.com, with local pickup or national shipping as an option. Also available for pickup at the following location times and days: 

• Rize Up Bakery (1160 Howard St.): Monday-Saturday, 8am-3pm
• Ferry Building Farmers Market: Tuesday, 10am-2pm // Saturday, 9am-2pm
• Heart of the City/Civic Center: Wednesday, 10am-4pm
• Grand Lake Farmers Market: Saturday, 9am-2pm
• Clement Farmers Market: Sunday, 9am-2pm
• Marin Civic Center Farmers Market: Sunday, 8am-1pm
• West Oakland Farmers Market: Sunday, 10am-2pm

As we celebrate Black Business Month, let’s recognize and support businesses like Rize Up Bakery and the inspiring individuals who are making a difference in their communities. To find other Black-owned businesses in San Francisco or your respective neighborhood, check out the Office of Economic and Workforce Development’s (OEWD) list.