Thrina Low’s story is an unexpected one. After two decades in the corporate world — starting as an engineer and later transitioning into human resources — she took the plunge to become an entrepreneur, opening Bakery Brera in 2016.
Originally from Muar, Johor, Thrina, 59, was the middle child in a bustling family of 11. Growing up in a kampong, her home was always full of life, with her mother frequently hosting neighbours and cooking up large pots of food to share.
After finishing her studies, Thrina made the move to Singapore. In 2010, life took another turn when Thrina and her family moved to the Philippines for a work opportunity.
Thrina thrived in the hospitality of the Filipino culture, one she was familiar with growing up in a kampung.
"I cooked everything — pizza, pasta, Chinese food, all kinds of meat. I loved it, and my guests really enjoyed it too."
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The birth of Bakery Brera
After Thrina returned to Singapore, a chance encounter allowed her to revisit her love for hosting. She was offered an opportunity to take over a shop space at Empress Road. Thrina was hesitant initially, as she had no prior experience in running a business on her own.
After lots of soul-searching — and running into a baker looking for a job — Thrina took a leap of faith and launched Bakery Brera.
The bakery specialises in freshly baked artisan breads and pastries, made with top-quality ingredients from France and Japan. Their bakes have garnered praise from food lovers in Singapore, with their croissants, kouign-amanns, cruffins, and Basque burnt cheesecakes among the popular favourites.
The devout Christian credits her success to her faith.
For the next seven years, Thrina poured her heart into Bakery Brera. Business at the bakery continued to rise steadily, attracting a group of loyal customers who showed constant support, turning it into a cherished spot in the Empress Road neighbourhood.
With the success of her bakery, Thrina considered venturing into a dine-in concept with a twist. She envisioned creating a space where the elderly could gather, feel cherished, and share their stories — much like her own family had done in their kampong home.
In March 2023, she launched Café Brera in collaboration with Reunion, a social space within the National Museum of Singapore designed for individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Beyond baked goods, Café Brera carries a more extensive menu for those craving something heartier. Diners can choose from local delights such as chicken curry with bread to slightly more fusion offerings like steamed otah sandwiches and hae bee hiam baguettes.
The café is also thoughtfully designed to accommodate the elderly, offering roomier seating areas and a wheelchair-friendly covered walkway leading to the entrance.
Café Brera’s mission
Extending her vision of creating a welcoming space for the elderly, most of the staff Thrina hires are also seniors. To accommodate the needs of her employees, Thrina closes her bakery at 5pm and her cafe at 6pm and provides flexible working hours, ensuring her employees have time to go for medical appointments and take care of their grandchildren.
Café Brera is also positioned beside Reunion at the museum and often serves as a space for the elderly and their caregivers to connect.
Credit: Thrina Low
Partnering with organisations like Dementia Singapore, the café regularly hosts events such as Memories Café — a programme designed for individuals with dementia and their caregivers to connect in a safe and supportive space.
Credit: Thrina Low
Like most F&B businesses in Singapore Thrina also faces the difficult reality of staff turnover, including the departure of her head baker.
Thrina envisions her team extending their impact beyond Singapore, with plans to teach youth at risk in Cambodia and Vietnam the skills needed to run a business.
