Tradition, Family, Friends, Nourishment

Arturo Enciso is a child of immigrants who worked hard so their son could one day have a university education.  But when going to college no longer became an option, Arturo set out to blaze his own trail. He discovered a passion for baking and dreamed of opening his own breadshop.

For Arturo, Long Beach has always been a second home and was eventually where he began his business. After a stint in community organizing, Arturo taught himself the basics of breadmaking. He strived to build up his knowledge of the process, taking classes taught by the San Francisco-based Josey the Baker and traveling to Spain and Vermont to learn regional secrets in the art of baking.

Photo of Gusto Bread baking workshop courtesy of Gusto Bread

Now, Arturo owns his own bakery, Gusto Bread, with his partner Ana Salantino. It’s a homegrown affair that takes customers through a repurposed living room to experience the quality, Old World-style of baking. Arturo is passionate about making his products the best they can be. He grinds his own flour, kneads his own dough, and uses only organic ingredients sourced from local California farms. He even heats the bread in a traditional earthen oven that is located in his own backyard. 

Recently, he has been experimenting with recipes derived from his heritage; his family comes from the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico, and Arturo’s connection to that place inspired him to try out conchas and bolillos, as well as the pan de muerto he makes special for Dia de los Muertos. He has also expanded his selection, embarking on new forays with biscuits, seeded fougasse, and apple galettes. The breads are often decorated with unique designs stenciled by a local artist, sporting hand-drawn bears and surreal, beautiful eyes.

Arturo’s journey encapsulates the spirit of the American dream, a spirit revolving around hard work, passion, and discipline, but that which is only possible through fair and equitable opportunity. Thanks to a Kiva loan of $10,000, Arturo was able to purchase a second baking oven and extra cooking equipment to keep pace with his bread’s growing popularity in Long Beach. LISC LA is committed to connecting small business owners with the resources and capital they need to succeed, grow, and give back to their communities.