When I asked Ruby if she wanted to visit a couple of awesome ladies who make "treats", of course, she screamed with excitement. What Ruby didn't know was that the bakery I was about to take her to for "Career Day" is gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free! I, personally, don't have any food limitations or allergies, but when I come across food companies that make me crave their food or treats even without "all the normal stuff", I am immediately fascinated. So Ruby and I took a trip to see Laurel Gallucci and Claire Thomas of Sweet Laurel Bakery, and they showed us how to make some amazing Coconut Chocolate Chip and Caramel Sandwich Cookies that I am craving as I write this. Here's a peek into this amazing baked goods company started by two friends united by a love of whole food…

What’s your background and when/why did you start Sweet Laurel Bakery? / Laurel's life changed when she was diagnosed with an Autoimmune Disease that was so relentless she had to step away from teaching kids in the classroom and take time off. She discovered her diet was a major factor in recovery and began to remove all grains, dairy, soy and refined sugar from my diet. Her energy levels began to change dramatically, and she began to feel normal again. Laurel always loved experimenting in the kitchen and started with simple, whole food ingredients, and refused to compromise with fake preservatives and fillers. 

Sweet Laurel Bakery started one day when Laurel brought over a chocolate cake she had made to her dear friend Claire Thomas. Claire was floored when she found out the cake was grain free, refined sugar free and dairy free! She encouraged Laurel to take her baked goods to the next level, and the rest is history!

When did you know you had something good? 

Laurel: When I was able to make cakes without conventional ingredients, and not sacrifice flavor. I have always been a purist at heart, and the fact that I didn't need the fillers and gums of over gluten free products made me so happy!

Claire: When I took my first bite of Laurel's chocolate cake. 

How do you delegate who does what in your business? / We do what we are naturally inclined to do and work within our various gifts. We both have really defined personalities that make those roles really clear. Laurel is the baker, and Claire acts as the creative director and "brand developer."

How many hours do you work each day/week? Do you take off on the weekends?

Laurel: It really depends in the week, but this gig is full on!! We try to take at least one day a week off to rest.

Claire: Sweet Laurel is one of my jobs (I'm also a blogger, YouTuber, and commercial director), so I basically work all the time. Weekends actually tend to be the busiest!

What is your dream for your brand? / I think for us it's about taking Sweet Laurel and making it a lifestyle brand that's available to all people—those who need it for health reasons or those who are just trying to engage in a more natural and whole foods based lifestyle.

Best part about your job? / Spreading the amazing benefits of our work through classes and workshops is my favorite thing!

Worst part about your job? / Gosh, none of it, really. It can get stressful when everything slams at once and we need to burn the midnight oil. 

One thing that has happened in your career that you never expected? / Working in food and having a company!

One thing that has happened in your career that you completely expected and had hoped for? / That people would love Sweet Laurel, and we'd see so many smiles and happy bellies after eating our treats!

Advice for your 24 year old self? 

Laurel: I would tell myself to keep my mind open, embrace opportunities and always speak up when your heart tells you too!

Claire: Be a pleasure to work with. Don't ask a question if you can google it, offer solutions – not problems, and always always always be polite and courteous.

Thanks so much to Laurel and Claire for having us…and for causing that look of pure delight on my toddler's face!

{Baking photos by Casey Brodley for Oh Joy, cake photos by Sweet Laurel}