Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Waite.
Hi Catherine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Civil Engineer to Baker seems to be quite a turn of events, and you would be right. Leaving my
very successful career was a last-ditch effort to save my life after years of trying to manage my
autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I started schooling to earn
my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. School and my time working led me to my breaking
point where I was forced into the hospital and in-home infusions by traveling nurses, unable to
do my job and having zero quality of life. After feeling like there was no way out, I decided this
was not the end of the road for me (no pun intended) and to save my own life, I abandoned my
decade long career as a Civil Engineer in heavy highway construction. I packed my things and
left my life behind spending a month living out of the back of my jeep wrangler traveling the
east coast as far as the road would allow. During this time, I found freedom and a greater
purpose and I realized that by healing myself I could help others. I have always suffered from
life-threatening food allergies to nuts and peanuts since birth. After working with dieticians
and nutritionists I found that gluten, dairy and soy were huge triggers for inflammation causing
my auto immune disease to worsen. I changed my diet, reduced my stress, and dedicated my
time to learning what was going to be best for my health. I found that many others suffered
like me and I could help give them options to make life easier. I wanted people to know that
just because they may have allergies or intolerances, they can still enjoy the sweeter side of life.
I created Cappys Allergen Friendly Bakery where all sweet treats are made free from gluten,
dairy, soy, nuts and peanuts safe for everyone to enjoy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In pursuit of finding others like me who suffer from food allergies and intolerances, I started my
baking journey by selling at local farmers markets on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. I had to
work two other jobs to support myself while starting my business. I was working around the
clock to make my vision come to life. I have faced many opinionated people who did not
understand why I was doing what I was doing, or they didn’t want to learn. When COVID hit, I
had a choice to quit or push on, knowing it would be even harder to find those who I was trying
to reach. My other jobs were closed, I was struggling to make ends meet, and I was at the end
of the rope, but I refused to quit. I got by with the very little I was making from the farmers
markets believing that it would get better. It was during this time that I received the best
advice from a colleague who told me to go all in. I was terrified and knew I had to either go
back to engineering or commit and believe my business would work. I decided to commit and I
am talking to you now 5 years later.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Cappys Allergen Friendly Bakery is about creating a safe space for people to connect with food
again. We all deserve to enjoy every facet of life; food is love and being able to give that back
to people who have had it stolen from them is a true gift. All of our baked items are completely
free from gluten, dairy, soy, nuts and peanuts. Cappys is most well-known for our cookies,
brownies and mini muffins; however, we also offer specialty cakes and holiday baked items as
well. Whether you find us at the Grind Coffee Roasters in Bluffton, Brighter Day Natural Foods
Grocer or Southern Nutrition in Savannah, we hope you take a moment to yourself to slow
down and enjoy a bite. I pride myself on my transparency as a person, baker and business
owner. The messages I receive from customers thanking Cappys for what we do is why we
keep going. I believe our personal connection to our customers is a truly beautiful thing that
sets us apart. I am most proud about our perseverance and unwillingness to sacrifice quality of
our ingredients.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Our biggest advocates and cheerleaders have been Cappys wholesale buyers. They have grown
with us and given us their unwavering support. Ian Duncan, the owner of the Grind Coffee
Roasters, has been a mentor, colleague and supporter of Cappys from the start. Nicole
Graziani, their operations manager has been a wealth of knowledge in sales, growth, and business.
The Grind was Cappys first wholesale account, and they remain our biggest account to date.
Megan Wooley owner of Southern Nutrition Savannah has not only supported Cappys mission
but helped in achieving my personal dream of becoming a Professional Strongwoman. This interest
in not only my professional growth but my personal achievements is a shining example of how
our community connections matter. I am lucky to not only call these people my mentors but
also my friends. My life partner, James Tyler, believes in my dreams as much as I do. He can see
my vision and helps me bring it to life by assisting both in and outside the kitchen. His support is
crucial to the growth of Cappys. By far my biggest supporters are Cappys customers
themselves. They have grown with us and stayed loyal since the beginning, and we are beyond
grateful for their belief in our mission and our products.
Pricing:
- $0 to $49 purchased – $10 Flat Rate Shipping
- $50+ purchased – Free Flat Rate Shipping
- $25 *Refrigerated Shipping
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cappysfreshfood.com
- Instagram: @cappysfreshfood ; @cappy.cat.247365
- Other: cappysfreshfood@gmail.com
