Today we’d like to introduce you to Gillian Kirk.
Gillian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started baking vegan goodies about six years ago when my sister went vegan. At the time vegan options weren’t as available as they are now and I wanted her to be able to enjoy the same desserts as everyone else. Baking became a passion and learning how to turn classical pastries, cakes and other sweets into vegan versions became a part of my everyday life. Around this time, I learned I had a severe gluten intolerance and started to cut gluten out of my diet. Making my treats gluten-free and vegan became a new challenge.
Through trial and triumph, I perused my love of baking and started to bring my goodies to friends, family and coworkers, who continue to fight to snatch whatever dessert I bring in before it gets eaten! During my experimentations and research, I too became vegan and have never looked back! In February of 2019, I started an Instagram to showcase my baked goods and take orders through Instagram DMs! I love all of my customers and strive to make Sweet Gilly’s Vegan a place where people can eat vegan and gluten-free dessert and not feel like they’re sacrificing flavor or texture.
Has it been a smooth road?
When I first started baking, I was suffering from a severe eating disorder. Baking and feeding people became an obsession, so I could make sure they were eating and taking care of themselves. In March of 2017, I got down to 90 pounds and realized I needed to take a break to work on myself and my mental health. Through that hard time, baking was the one thing that kept me going and brought me joy. I am now very happy and healthy and every baked good I create and sell is made with love, passion and hope. Having overcome this struggle, it helped me see that it’s okay to occasionally indulge, and I want to share that with others and give them a safe place to eat treats and not feel guilty! I believe that passion comes through in my baking and you can taste the love. Sometimes the word “vegan” or “gluten-free” scares people away, but I want to bring vegan mainstream and show the world that being vegan/gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sweet Gilly’s Vegan – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Sweet Gilly’s Vegan is an online (through Instagram) specialty bakery! We specialize in vegan and gluten-free cakes, cupcakes, pastries, French macarons, donuts and pies! I am known for my killer cupcakes and silky smooth buttercream. I make custom cake orders and can make all of your cake dreams come true. I use quality ingredients and spend time and effort to perfect every order I send out. I believe you eat with your eyes first, but taste is always key. I’m proud of the woman I am today and the work I have put into perfecting my recipes. Nothing is better than bringing smiles to my customers and giving them beautiful and delicious baked goods.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I grew up in Flower Mound and have always loved it here. I think we have a great community of supporting and loving people. I don’t just deliver to Flower Mound though! I make deliveries all over DFW.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9403674938
- Email: gillianelisabethkirk@yahoon.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sweetgillysvegan
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