Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Wilson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Larissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
“I believe you might have Celiac Disease.” When I first heard my doctor say those words, my world came to an abrupt halt. Me? A person who has loved baking since I was six and learned to make my grandma’s tea cakes by age seven. Me? A person who loved my kitchen? You’re telling me that I can no longer cook the things that my family and I have loved for generations? So… I got depressed… like really depressed.
One day, I decided to get off my bum and take some sort of action. I began experimenting with several different flour combinations… then, EUREKA! I found the perfect blend of a little bit of this and a little bit of that. My first goal was to create gluten-free cinnamon rolls… SUCCESS! I invited a friend and her gluten-free family over to try them. Her words, “Mmmm Mmmm. La… Larissa. You’ve gotta sell these!” Of course, I thought she was just being nice. Even when I tasted my warm, sweet, buttery creation I still couldn’t believe I had done it. (Us women, we can be so critical of ourselves sometimes, can’t we?)
Three months later, I was laying in bed with my six-year-old Hannah Bear (Hannah B, Hannah B Nana, Nana, Nana Bear… she answers to all of these), and I asked her what she wanted to do with her life that would positively impact the world. Her response was, “I wanna start a bakery for people like me.” You see, Hannah (like me) not only has issues with gluten but she’s also allergic to nuts, some fruits, and several other foods.
The words of my sweet little girl coupled with the voice of my friends “You’ve gotta sell these” echoed within and with that, Hannah’s Gluten-Free Bakery was born!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but I like to look at obstacles as a ladder to higher and higher levels of success. So every time an issue arises I take a deep breath and start climbing!
In the beginning, there were a lot of issues to overcome:
1. Capital
2. Lack of education
3. Finding a brick and mortar location
4. Balancing home and family life
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Hannah’s Gluten Free Bakery began with a passion to bake delicious, home-style, gluten-free baked goodies for anyone with sensitivity to gluten and those who have chosen the gluten-free lifestyle. We specialize in custom cakes, but we can bake just about anything. From soft croissants and hamburger buns to beautifully decorated custom cakes and cookies… We will satisfy your sweet tooth and help you maintain your healthy lifestyle!
Our proudest moments where being chosen to appear on Food Networks “Bakers vs Fakers” and being named “The Best Gluten Free Bakery” by D Magazine!
What sets us apart are hands down our cinnamon rolls and our desire to create the best gluten-free in the country!
What were you like growing up?
OMG! Growing up! Well, Hannah here is still growing up. She’s only 9 but she is very outgoing, great for snuggling, and LOVES to sing!
I’m originally from Minneapolis, MN. Growing up was tough for me. We didn’t have allotted and at the age of 14, I found myself homeless after my mothers’ suicide. I soon after turned to drugs and alcohol to deal with my pain. This led to abusive relationships, teen pregnancy and becoming a high school drop out.
Even though all this I’ve kept the belief that I would not always be in those situations and that things would get better. So I guess you could say I am a believer in the goodness of myself and others! I was also a little singer as well! Although I always felt (and sometimes still do) like I don’t fit in. I still battle that feeling of loneliness, then I remind myself of something Maya Angelou once said, “You only are free when you realize you belong no place — you belong every place — no place at all.” You know whats crazy!!! I actually had Thanksgiving Dinner at her Winston/Salem home when I was younger! I’m telling you… my life and all its craziness have been an amazing gift!
I’ve also always had an interest in preparing food! As a matter of fact, by age 7, I had perfected to grandma’s tea cakes! – Larissa
Contact Info:
- Address: 1830 Range Drive, #102 Mesquite, TX 75149
- Website: www.HannahsGlutenFree.com
- Phone: 469-708-9864
- Email: order@hannahsglutenfree.com
- Instagram: hannahsglutenfree
- Facebook: hannahsglutenfreebakery
- Twitter: hannahsgfbakery
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