Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Yu.
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story begins in 1999—the year I was born and the year my parents started Shilla Bakery. I grew up in the bakery running around as a child, to folding boxes and packaging, to starting my first high school job in the store. Even then, I didn’t plan on going into this world for my future. In high school, as I was planning my future and dreaming about waht I wanted to achieve in this world, I started getting interested in baking videos, cook boos, and the world that was pastries. Luckily, my parents saw my interested and allowed me to explore this path.
It was then, (with the amazing help of my parents) I decided to move to Paris to study at Le Cordon Bleu, I ended up in a dual degree bachelor’s program where I would also earn diplomas in pastry, cuisine, and boulangerie, while also studying business and hospitality management at Paris-Dauphine.
To round out my perspective, I worked in kitchens across Paris, Singapore, Seoul, and the U.S.—seeing different standards for quality, workflow, and guest experience. I worked in all the aspects of the F&B industry from a Michelin pastry kitchen, large-scale commissaries, small businesses, administration, and hosting/serving as well.
When I came back to the family business, my goal was simple: protect what made Shilla special and evolve it for today. That’s meant developing recipes that reflect our Korean heritage and our local community, building a strong team culture, and taking feedback from my surrounding and our valued guests to constantly curate new items to enjoy.
Now I’m leading our Vienna location and continuing my parents’ legacy—keeping the warmth they built in 1999 while pushing the craft forward for the next generation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road! The F&B industry is tough; staying in this fast paced environment and doing it well takes stamina and I truly have a deep respect for the people on the floor and in the kitchen who make it happen every day. I’m fortunate to stand on my parents’ foundation, and their reassurance has carried me through a lot of “firsts,” but there were many obstacles and challenges that I faced and are still facing today.
One of my biggest challenges was stepping into a business with decades of history and trying to modernize it. Trying to add new technology, different operational standards, changing expectations around training and consistency while continuing to upload our core values and day to day functions. I learned that changing something that already exists can be harder than building from scratch— much like trying to fix a damaged cake versus just making a new one.
I got the opportunity to open and own a new store, and that surely added its own tests: dozens of unseen details that only reveal themselves in real time, such as permits, build-out surprises, supplier hiccups, staffing, training, and guest flow. You have to be proactive, make decisions quickly, and work on your toes. It’s been demanding, but those stretches have made me a better operator and leader. Without my family and my team I would have not been able to navigate the obstacles I face everyday.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Shilla Bakery
We’re a family-owned Korean bakery & café founded in 1999. The name “Shilla” nods to Korea’s Shilla dynasty and to our family’s dream of building something that lasts for generations. Today, we’re grateful to serve the DC–Maryland–Virginia community with multiple locations.
What we do
We’re a full-service “total bakery.” Every day we bake soft breads and fresh pastries, and we offer whole cakes, cake slices, roll cakes, and desserts like shaved ice (bingsoo). You will also find a range of breakfast and lunch items, coffee and tea, smoothies, ice cream, and more. We aim to be your neighborhood one-stop shop—whether you’re meeting a friend for coffee, picking up a celebration cake, or treating yourself after a long day.
What we’re known for
We were one of the first Korean bakeries in the area back in 1999, and while we now showcase flavors from around the world, we stay rooted in what made Shilla, Shilla. Our guests also love “not too sweet.” cakes and pastries.
What sets us apart
We are so proud of our 26-year legacy that showcases our experience and knowledge of the industry while being able to constantly evolve and showcase modern craft. We are a bridge between Korean heritage, seasonal ingredients and global influences. Being in the space for as long as we have, offer consistency you can taste. Many of our core breads and signatures taste just like they did in 1999—thanks to small-batch methods, strict freshness standards, and a team that cares.
What we’re most proud of—brand-wise
Staying true while evolving. We honor the recipes our community loves and introduce new items that feel current and thoughtful. It means a lot that multiple generations now visit us—and that we get to carry Shilla into the next chapter.
What we want readers to know
We are always listening to feedback and we want to make the most customized experience for all of our guests. We are continuously expanding options for different dietary preferences; just ask our team and we’ll guide you and do our best to accommodate your needs. We offer custom cakes, catering for gatherings, and a rotating selection of seasonal pastries and beverages after feedback on what people are looking for the most. Most of all, we’re here to make your day a little warmer—with great coffee, beautiful pastry, and genuine care.
Any big plans?
Our plan is to carry Shilla forward and expand its reach so more people can visit us, know us, and become part of the community. Practically, that means measured growth , continued investment in training and consistency, and a creating a stronger calendar of seasonal menus and community events. We want each shop to feel like a neighborhood hub for everyday rituals, molding ourselves to the community we are a part of. And of course always providing great coffee, beautiful pastry, and genuine care. We hope to expand in the DMV area, while also looking into franchising so we can reach as many people as possible.
On a personal note, I’m excited to continue stewarding Shilla while also, in the future, creating a concept of my own that complements what we do—something that lets me explore a different slice of the craft without losing sight of our roots.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shillabakeryusa.com
- Instagram: @shillabakeryvienna / @shillabakery
