Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Stewart.
Hi Corey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
While serving as a combat medic in the military, I had the opportunity to travel extensively and immerse myself in different cultures—experiences that deeply shaped my worldview and who I am today. When my service ended, I returned home but quickly realized I was driven by something more than what my hometown could offer. That drive led me across the country to attend Le Cordon Bleu in Portland, Oregon, where I graduated at the top of my class.
My culinary career took me next to Vail, Colorado, where I joined The Ritz-Carlton. It was there that my passion for cooking evolved into a deeper love for hospitality, particularly in training and mentoring others to push beyond what they thought possible. During my time there, I was honored with recognitions such as 5-Star Trainer of the Year and 5-Star Employee of the Year. It was also in Vail where I met my Brazilian soulmate, Silandia, whose support and belief in my vision became a constant source of strength.
A few years later, the birth of our son reshaped everything. As a family, we continued to travel and work in some of the most beautiful places in the world, but our priorities became clearer. In 2020, during the lockdown on California’s Central Coast, I began teaching our son how to run a small bakery business—selling baked goods to locals and learning firsthand about responsibility, community, and entrepreneurship. Through prayer and what felt like divine timing, we were offered an opportunity in Dallas, Texas—far from the beach, but full of promise.
After settling in Dallas, we brought our bakery vision fully to life with a focus on crafting exceptional cinnamon rolls. What began as a small side project quickly became a local favorite, with markets selling out and customers lining up for Saturday morning pickups. As demand grew, so did our offerings. We’ve since expanded into naturally leavened sourdough and an assortment of artisan cookies, all rooted in the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Today, we proudly serve our community at the Wylie Farmers Market and through weekly pre-orders for home pickup. As demand continues to grow, we’re preparing to expand beyond Saturdays in the near future.
At its core, baking and hospitality have always been about service, connection, and purpose for me. Today, they form the foundation of our family’s next chapter—and I’ve never been more excited for what lies ahead
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges that have deeply shaped who I am today. While serving as a combat medic, I had the privilege of saving lives, but I was also exposed to trauma that no one is truly prepared for. When I transitioned into civilian life, I struggled to find emotional balance. I internalized much of that pain, often believing I was failing to adjust in ways that others seemed to manage more easily. Despite professional success, self-doubt followed me closely, and there were moments when giving up felt easier than pushing forward.
For years, I avoided confronting that pain, carrying it quietly through shame and fear. Moving to Dallas marked a turning point. Through the VA, I connected with others facing similar struggles, and after seeking help, I was diagnosed with severe PTSD. While the diagnosis was initially overwhelming, it ultimately gave me clarity. Being able to name what I was facing allowed me to begin the process of healing.
Cooking became a grounding force for me—a place of focus, calm, and control when everything else felt uncertain. My wife’s unwavering support played a critical role during this time, reminding me that I didn’t have to navigate the journey alone.
Today, I lead cooking classes and an emotional support group for others living with PTSD. Creating space for shared experiences, honesty, and encouragement has become just as important to me as the food itself. The challenges I’ve faced have shaped my resilience, and if sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, then every step of the journey has been worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Cooking, for me, is deeply personal. It’s where my background in luxury hospitality, my creativity, and my commitment to quality all intersect. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in high-end kitchens and hospitality environments, but what excites me most now is bringing that same level of intention and craftsmanship directly to my local community.
What we do goes far beyond cinnamon rolls. While our rolls are what many people first discover us for, we specialize in a wide range of handcrafted baked goods—from naturally leavened sourdough bread to assorted artisan cookies and seasonal specialties. Everything we make is done from scratch, by hand, using real ingredients and traditional techniques. We truly believe that when you respect the process and the ingredients, the final product speaks for itself.
What sets us apart is our devotion to doing things the right way, even when it takes more time. Each cinnamon roll is individually rolled, our doughs are allowed to ferment and develop flavor naturally, and every recipe is treated as an opportunity for creativity rather than repetition. There’s an artistry in letting dough rise properly, in balancing flavors, and in knowing when to keep something simple and when to push it a little further.
What I’m most proud of is the connection we’ve built through food. Customers don’t just come back for a single item—they come back because they trust the care, consistency, and heart behind what we do. At the end of the day, my goal is for people to taste the intention in every bite and feel like they’re supporting something thoughtful, local, and genuinely handcrafted. That’s what I hope we’re known for
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy are the small, genuine moments—both in the kitchen and at home. In the bakery, there’s nothing quite like watching someone take that first bite and pause, realizing there’s more depth and care in it than they expected. Seeing that moment of surprise and appreciation makes every early morning and long day worth it.
At home, happiness is even simpler. It’s my son coming through the door after school and giving me a hug, or standing beside my wife and son at the market, all of us working together as a family. Those moments remind me why I do what I do and what truly matters.
For a long time, I struggled to be fully present and emotionally available to the people I love. Their patience, support, and unconditional love have changed me. Today, it’s the everyday moments—sharing a meal, a laugh, or a quiet moment together—that bring me the greatest sense of happiness and gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Bakedbybazz.com
- Instagram: @Baked_by_Bazz
- Facebook: @baked_by_bazz
- Youtube: @bazzzberry
- Other: Tik Tok @baked_by_bazz
