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How Bread Was Born: A Note from Nicholas Prentiss

I walked away from a division 1 athletic career to build Bread—a brand rooted in comfort, culture, and hustle. I was able to turn an epiphany into a multi-million-dollar movement.

Bread is the first business I have started. But long before the paperwork, there was a belief—a deep-rooted feeling that I was meant to build something bigger than myself. That belief carried me through years of change. No matter what shifted around me, that inner conviction stayed.

Like many others, I hit a low point during the pandemic. In April 2022, I quit my security job without a clear plan—only a blurry vision and a gut feeling. I couldn’t explain it, but I felt something calling me forward. I stepped into the unknown.

What people don’t talk about enough is what happens after college—when you're no longer on the rails of the school system. I call it “free-range mode.” It’s disorienting. As the youngest in my family, I was used to being told what to do. Suddenly, that structure was gone, and I was left with a blank canvas and too many brushes. It felt like depersonalization, like watching yourself from the outside with no script. I had to become someone new.

To survive, I threw myself into a strict routine. Alone in my college apartment, I structured every hour of my day. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was creating space for creativity. And soon, it hit me.

On May 4th, 2022, I had what I call the “Bread Epiphany.” I was lacing up my Nike Blazers and realized how frustrating they were to get on. That moment sparked something. I dropped the schedule, leaned into the idea, and started building.

At first, I told no one. Early-stage ideas are fragile—easily broken by outside opinions or stolen before they can bloom. I worked around the clock, living off caffeine and curiosity. Bread wasn’t just a business; it became my mirror. As I built Bread, it rebuilt me.

I gave myself a goal: launch by the first day of the new school year. I had no idea how much work that would take. Dozens of product samples, over 75 pages of documentation, late nights, eye strain, and a leap of faith later, Bread launched on September 22, 2022—the first day of autumn.

Now, as we approach Bread’s three-year anniversary, I look back in disbelief. Who knew an elastic shoelace could change my life—and maybe one day, change the world.

— Nicholas Prentiss
Founder of Bread

 

Forbes30U30

Walton College Article

19 comments on How Bread Was Born: A Note from Nicholas Prentiss
  • Annale
    AnnaleMay 21, 2025

    Please check email and please kindly let me know when my pending commission is paid. I did send many e-mails and leave the messages in page but no reply yet.

    Many thanks!

  • Rickeya
    Rickeya May 21, 2025

    Hi my name is Kia and I am 36. I am a caregiver and I am taking my personal finance more serious . I am thinking of all the ways to overcome the matrix. I have a 10 year plan for my life and I just wanted to reach out to thank you for your determination. You right telling people who close to you is a bad Idea creativity is a gift and not everybody has that you guard it with all your heart .

    Secondly the reason for my text is to ask have your ever thought about a corporation and putting it on the stalk market ? I can see this thing going all over the world in every store . I would like to help in anyway I can do when I look bad 10 years from now I will be happy and know I am just being obedient and intentional.

  • Rickeya
    Rickeya May 21, 2025

    Hi my name is Kia and I am 36. I am a caregiver and I am taking my personal finance more serious . I am thinking of all the ways to overcome the matrix. I have a 10 year plan for my life and I just wanted to reach out to thank you for your determination. You right telling people who close to you is a bad Idea creativity is a gift and not everybody has that you guard it with all your heart .

    Secondly the reason for my text is to ask have your ever thought about a corporation and putting it on the stalk market ? I can see this thing going all over the world in every store . I would like to help in anyway I can do when I look bad 10 years from now I will be happy and know I am just being obedient and intentional.

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