Why I Started Wylde Berry Bakery: A Passion for Allergen-Friendly Sweets

Baking has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are in my great-grandmother’s kitchen, standing on a stool so I could reach the counter, watching in awe as she mixed, kneaded, and created magic with simple ingredients. She taught me not just how to bake, but how to put love into everything I made. That passion never faded.

But as I got older, I faced a challenge that made my love for baked goods a little more complicated—I was diagnosed with celiac disease. Suddenly, the homemade treats I grew up with were off-limits, and finding safe, high-quality bakery items in rural Appalachia became a frustrating, near-impossible task. Every grocery store trip meant scanning labels for hidden allergens, every restaurant visit carried a risk, and every birthday party was a reminder of what I had to miss out on.

That’s when the idea for Wylde Berry Bakery was born.

Filling the Gap in Appalachia

I know firsthand how difficult it is to find safe, delicious, allergen-friendly baked goods in this region. In rural areas like ours, options are limited, and most traditional bakeries don’t cater to people with food allergies or dietary restrictions. I wanted to change that.

I started Wylde Berry Bakery to fill that gap—to create a place where people with celiac, food allergies, or dietary sensitivities don’t have to settle for tasteless, dry, or overly processed alternatives. I wanted to make fresh, homemade, high-quality sweets that taste just as good (if not better) than traditional bakery items. Because no one should have to miss out on the joy of a warm cookie, a perfectly frosted cupcake, or a special birthday treat just because of an allergy.

More Than Just a Bakery

For me, Wylde Berry Bakery is about more than just baking—it’s about community, inclusivity, and making life a little sweeter for those who often feel left out. It’s about providing options for families, children, and individuals who deserve delicious treats without worry. It’s about making sure no one has to feel like they’re "missing out" just because of what they can and can’t eat.

I’m so excited to bring Wylde Berry Bakery to life and share these treats with you all. Whether you have food allergies, celiac, or just love good desserts, I hope you find something here that brings you joy.

Thank you for supporting this journey—I can’t wait to bake for you!

- Ashton
Founder, Wylde Berry Bakery