Owners

About Us

Piece & Freedom Bakery is proudly Ukrainian-owned, co-founded by Shalika Khindurangala, her mother Iryna Khindurangala, and their business partner and friend Hanna Petrova. Rooted deeply in our Ukrainian heritage and inspired by European baking traditions, we set out to create more than just a bakery—we wanted to craft a space where flavors tell stories and communities come together.

Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to expand the palate of Iowa by introducing both classic and contemporary Ukrainian and European desserts, pastries, and savory treats. Every item we bake is made with care, using time-honored techniques and high-quality ingredients, bringing a taste of home to some and a new experience to others.

We are endlessly grateful to be part of the vibrant and welcoming community here in Ames, Iowa. This bakery is for our American friends who’ve embraced us, and for all the international folks who may be looking for a little reminder of home. Whether you're trying something new or rediscovering a familiar favorite, our bakery is your bakery.

Come for the pastries, stay for the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Answer: As much as we love seeing your faces, all three co-owners have full time jobs at ISU and Mary Greeley Medical Center. We work a total of over 120 hours a week to bring you the best crafted goods. Plus we enjoy seeing you weekly and learning how your week went!

  • Answer: We truly try! We bake from Monday all the way to Sunday. There is not one day that something is not being done. There are only 3.5 bakers at all times and we are doing the absolute best we can. There are also weeks when we make 12 cakes and 300 people come on a Saturday (which we LOVE) and then we bake overnight what we hope to sell Sunday. You can imagine that sleep is out of the question for us!

  • Answer: If it is not Ukrainian, it is inspired by that part of the world, for sure. We also try to integrate our names of dishes into the menu, so you can recognize them when you travel! Like our famous pyrizhky (pronunciation) or the keks that we make for your indulgence.

  • Answer: Who knows?! At this point we are just overwhelmingly excited for you to come see us every week.