My Story
Meet the Baker Behind Chef SEBA
From Poland to Des Plaines—Baking the American Dream One Sourdough Loaf at a Time
I’m Sebastian Nowak, founder and artisan baker behind Chef SEBA Artisan Sourdough Bread. After 33 years in America and 31 years in the automotive industry, I followed my passion and built a Des Plaines micro-bakery centered on real food, community and an 8-year-old living sourdough starter.
Poland, America and a New Beginning
The American Dream Behind Chef SEBA Bread
My journey started in Poland and brought me to the United States more than three decades ago. I arrived with determination, a love for people and the belief that honest work could build a beautiful life.
Starting over taught me how much courage it takes to build something from nothing. It also taught me to respect every opportunity, every customer and every person willing to support a dream.
Years later, a simple jar of flour and water began changing my life. My living sourdough starter became a symbol of patience, growth and possibility—and eventually the heart of Chef SEBA Artisan Sourdough Bread.
“Good bread—like life—takes time. It rises, it rests, and it transforms.”
Today I make small-batch artisan sourdough breads, rolls and pastries using organic flour, filtered water, Himalayan pink salt and time-honored fermentation. The final ingredient is always love.
Thirty-One Years of Service
From the Automotive Business to Artisan Baking
For 31 years, I served customers in the automotive industry. I began as a porter and advanced through every level: salesman, finance manager, sales manager, finance director, general sales manager and general manager.
Those years taught me leadership, discipline, integrity and how important it is to take care of people. I brought those lessons into my bakery. Every customer matters, every order matters and every loaf represents my name.
Baking began as a passion, but the response from neighbors, families and local communities showed me that it could become something much bigger.
More Than a Bakery
Real Bread, Local Events and a Growing Community
Chef SEBA grew through farmers markets, apartment communities, neighborhood events and the people who returned week after week for real artisan sourdough.
The People Behind the Dream
Family, Friends, Customers and Community
A business is never built by one person alone. My journey has been supported by family, friends, neighbors, customers and people who believed in Chef SEBA before it became a recognized local name.
Every market conversation, every repeat order and every photo of someone enjoying my bread reminds me why I bake. Bread is not only food—it brings people to the same table.
I am grateful to the apartment communities, local businesses, farmers markets and loyal customers throughout Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Wheeling and Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
Neighbors and friends have also carried Chef SEBA loaves around the world. My bread has now been shared in 36 countries, proving that honest bread can connect people everywhere.
Why the Bread Is Different
Real Artisan Sourdough Made Without Shortcuts
Every loaf is handcrafted in small batches with organic flour, filtered water, Himalayan pink salt and a living sourdough starter. The dough is given the time it needs to ferment and develop naturally.
Slow fermentation creates deep flavor, a crisp artisan crust and a tender, airy crumb. It is a process that cannot be rushed and a tradition that should not be replaced by shortcuts.
Meet Chef Seba
Watch the Story Behind the Sourdough
Hear the passion, patience and purpose behind every Chef SEBA artisan sourdough loaf.
Your Local Artisan Baker
Handmade Sourdough in Des Plaines and Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs
Chef SEBA offers artisan sourdough bread through local pickup, apartment-building drop-offs, community events and custom orders in Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Wheeling, Glenview and surrounding communities.
Taste the Artisan Sourdough Behind the Story
Order real, small-batch artisan sourdough handmade by Chef Seba in Des Plaines, Illinois. Local pickup, community drop-offs and custom orders are available.
Fresh • Organic • Naturally Fermented
Taste Chef SEBA’s Artisan Sourdough
Every Chef SEBA loaf is handmade in small batches using organic flour, filtered water, Himalayan pink salt, my living sourdough starter—and the fifth ingredient: love.
Questions & Answers
About Chef SEBA FAQ
Who is Chef SEBA?
Chef SEBA is Sebastian Nowak, an artisan sourdough baker based in Des Plaines, Illinois. After 31 years in the automotive business, Sebastian followed his passion and created a local small-batch bakery built around naturally fermented sourdough.
What makes Chef SEBA sourdough different?
Chef SEBA sourdough is handcrafted in small batches with organic flour, filtered water, Himalayan pink salt and a living sourdough starter. The dough is naturally fermented to develop its flavor, texture and artisan crust.
Where is Chef SEBA located?
Chef SEBA is based in Des Plaines, Illinois and serves customers throughout Des Plaines and nearby Northwest Chicago suburbs.
How can I order Chef SEBA bread?
You can order fresh sourdough bread and bakery favorites online. Because everything is made in small batches, ordering early is recommended. Visit the How to Order page for current ordering and pickup information.
Ready to Reserve Your Fresh Sourdough?
Browse Chef SEBA’s fresh bread, pastries and small-batch bakery favorites made locally in Des Plaines.
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