Exploring Life & Business with Ashley Orr of Sweet Nothings Bakery and Cafe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Orr

Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2019, I was diagnosed with a gluten allergy that completely changed the way I approached food and baking. After more than 20 years of consuming gluten, I found myself navigating a world I didn’t fully understand. Like many, I discovered how limited the options were for high-quality gluten-free baked goods. In my opinion; most products lacked flavor, texture, and consistency. This realization fueled a passion in me to create something better. I began to research the science of gluten and how to replicate its properties using alternative ingredients. I worked tirelessly to develop recipes that could stand up to -and even surpass- their counterparts. For instance, it took 17 attempts to perfect my chocolate chip cookie recipe, but the satisfaction of finally getting it right made all the effort worthwhile.

Sweet Nothings Bakery and Cafe officially began in 2022, but life threw an unexpected challenge my way when I was involved in a severe car accident. Recovery forced me to put the business on hold, but it also gave me time to reflect, refine, and plan for the future. When the time was right, I relaunched in April 2024, with popup events to introduce my gluten-free baked goods to the community.

After many months of searching for the perfect retail space, a friend pointed me in the direction of Little Blue Bakehouse. They are a shared commercial kitchen and retail space for small business bakeries. The bakehouse supports four businesses that have their own unique niche. The charm and uniqueness of the space immediately captured my heart. It felt like the ideal home for Sweet Nothings- a place where I could share my passion for baking with a welcoming community.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been easy. After a car accident and surgery that sidelined me for nearly two years, I worked full-time while building my business from the ground up. Securing a retail space was another hard obstacle- most required renting and building out a full storefront and kitchen, which wasn’t realistic for me at the time. I began trying to find an affordable commercial kitchen space, which proved to be another challenge, as most were fully booked or too expensive for a small business owner. After finding a kitchen space that fit my needs and budget, I had to find a way to get my product out to the public. This meant navigating the world of social media and pop-up events and how to make my business stand out amongst others in the area.

Despite the struggles, I stayed focused on my business dreams and goals. Little Blue Bakehouse has been a turning point, giving me the platform I needed to grow my business and share my gluten-free creations with the community. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped who we are today, Sweet Nothings is more than a business; it’s a testament to our belief that everyone deserves baked goods that taste as amazing as they make you feel.

As you know, we’re big fans of Sweet Nothings Bakery and Cafe. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Sweet Nothings is a bakery that specializes in gluten-free baked goods. What sets my bakery apart from others is my personal connection and passion that drives everything I do. Created from my own journey of transitioning to a gluten-free lifestyle after being diagnosed with a gluten allergy in 2019, I understand firsthand the challenges of finding high-quality gluten-free baked goods. This fuels my commitment to creating products that don’t compromise on taste or texture, a dedication shown by the time I take to perfectly craft each recipe.
I’m most proud of the large variety of gluten-free baked goods I offer, including cookies, scones, muffins, bread, pastries, cinnamon rolls, custom cakes, and more! Some of my customers’ favorite items have been the classic chocolate chip cookie, apple pie cinnamon roll, cinnamon roll cookie, biscuit, s’mores brownie, and churro cheesecake cookie.
We want readers to know that at Sweet Nothings, gluten-free doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality and flavor. Sometimes, it just takes a little bit of love, patience, and understanding to create something amazing.

What matters most to you?
My family and loved ones matter to me the most. Through my business journey, they have supported me every step of the way. Through all the test recipes, and there was a lot, to helping me navigate the business world and giving me advice. Launching a business is scary but with their love and support, I was able to find my confidence and footing.

Pricing:

• Cookies: $3.75-$6.00
• Cinnamon Rolls: $7.00-$10.00
• Scones: $5.00-$7.00
• Muffins: $4.00-$6.00
• Custom cake orders dependon size and design. Base price for a small 4inch 2 layer is $45.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/sweet-nothings-bakery-and-cafe
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetnothingsbakeryandcafe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558056656861