Meet Rebecca Wilhelm | Baker & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Wilhelm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have been gluten free since 2008 with a fairly serious intolerance. I remember the challenge I had early on to find okay gluten-free options, passable gluten-free flours and longed for a cookie cake more than I would care to admit.

When a gluten-free eater comes up to our booth and learns we are a bakery that also happens to be gluten free, their eyes light up. And the next words out of their mouths are typically something like “shut up, no way” or “this might be the best day of my life.”

These reactions are honestly part of why I do this work. I believe everyone deserves a delicious treat every now and again, and everyone deserves a birthday cake for their birthday.

I also know the perception some people have about eating gluten free. A reputation of being dry, gross or not that tasty. Back when I first became gluten free in 2008, I had some of these same experiences and I understand where this perception comes from.

Some comments are funny, like when my friend accidentally ate a dog bakery cookie one time and said “these must be the gluten-free cookies.” But some comments aren’t so funny, like the one man who stopped excitedly, until he realized everything was made with gluten-free ingredients. He loudly said, “oh, these must be nasty” and walked away.

Gluten free has a reputation, but with better gluten-free flour mixes and bakers who understand how to make delicious gluten-free treats, this reputation deserves to change. I no longer crave store-bought cookie cake, because I know I can make a better cookie cake: one that won’t make me sick but also tastes better.

Yes, everything we make is made with dedicated gluten-free ingredients on dedicated gluten-free equipment. If you have a gluten allergy, celiac disease or don’t want to eat gluten, Roses & Whiskers is for you.

But if you simply want a delicious treat, for your birthday or just because, Roses & Whiskers is for you, as well.

I don’t want Roses & Whiskers to be known as a gluten-free bakery, but as a bakery that happens to be gluten free. We’re changing the perception of what gluten-free desserts can be with our flavorful treats. You can’t tell our cookies, cupcakes, cakes and other desserts are gluten free by how they taste. First and foremost we are a bakery that provides delicious desserts. And they happen to be gluten free.

What should our readers know about your business?
It still feels a little weird calling Roses & Whiskers a business. My background is in journalism and law, and I didn’t have a clue what I was doing when I decided to start a baking business (other than knowing how to bake). What I’m most proud of is the fact that three years in, I’m still here and doing it. My business has grown every year, and I’m finally starting to feel like I’m getting the hang of things. Some things have gotten easier, while others have become more challenging. With growth comes the realization that I can’t do it all on my own. I’ve finally reached the point where I need to hire a baking assistant, and that’s a challenge in itself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Charlotte, not Raleigh. But some places we would visit are:

the Whitewater Center,
Amelie’s
downtown Belmont
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont)
Noble Smoke

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I couldn’t have started this business without the support of my husband, Ian Redman. He’s my biggest cheerleader, my unofficial tech support and event assistant, and my rock. Starting a business is HARD, but Ian’s belief in me kept me going when I wanted to give up. He’s been willing to sacrifice money and time to help me get this started, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have him as a partner.

Website: https://www.roseandwhiskers.com

Instagram: @rosesandwhiskers

Facebook: https://facebook.com/rosesandwhiskers

Image Credits
Goddard Galleries