Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Gallucci.
Hi Cassie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started gluten free baking when we found out my oldest daughter couldn’t have gluten 12 years ago. Obviously there was a LOT of trial and error, and MANY failed attempts that my 5 kids still happily consumed. It wasn’t until 2020 that I finally listened to those around me and started offering my creations for sale to my local gluten free and allergy community. I started Gluten Free Confections in the middle of homeschooling my 5 kids, in November 2020. I started out offering pies and dinner rolls for Thanksgiving, two things that I KNEW people who can’t have gluten missed out on during the holiday season. I quickly grew what my kids affectionately refer to as my “cult following”. I started offering other things like cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, scones, biscuits, breads and so much more! Everyone was very supportive and loved everything I made. My community quickly trusted me to make their special event cakes! I made hundreds of birthday, baby shower, bridal shower and even a few wedding cakes.
When I relocated to Camden, the community showed up for me in ways I could never have imagined! I have felt so welcomed and appreciated here! My goal is to be able to continue to provide safe, tasty and affordable baked goods for my gluten free and allergy community here in Kershaw County for years to come! I strive to make things for those in my community that miss certain things from before their allergy diagnoses, and make them as close to “normal” as possible. Just because we have allergies, doesn’t mean we should have to eat subpar foods that cost much more than their “normal” counterparts.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been baking since I was 8. I learned from my mother. I could make breads, pies, cakes, cookies etc by the time I was 11. Baking gluten free is much harder than typical baking, As different as it is, I was able to use my knowledge from gluten baking and apply it to gluten free baking. It allows me to look at doughs and batters and have a good idea of the texture I will have for the outcome.
Starting a new business while homeschooling 5 kids might not have been the best idea in the world. And like many small businesses currently, trying to not raise my prices due to the economy over the last 3 years has been a huge challenge, I just try to find different places to source my ingredients and packaging to keep my prices low enough so people can still safely eat.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Gluten Free Confections?
Gluten Free Confections is known for making baked good that are gluten free and also have a texture that is as close to gluten as we can get it. I am my own worst critic, and I love food. So when I make something, it has to be great. I need it to be worth consuming (think Ego from Ratatouille).
I’m probably most proud of myself, honestly. I’m not someone who puts herself out there. I’m very introverted and do not like the spotlight. So even starting this business was very hard for me. Going to farmers markets is still hard for me. But product wise, I think I am still most proud of my cinnamon rolls. I missed Cinnabon so much and while they aren’t exactly like them, they sure do hit the spot!
While I am a dedicated gluten free baker, I can also accommodate other allergies as well. Dairy, eggs, latex (yes, there are foods in this allergy family!), nuts and soy. Just ask and see what we can make work for you!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My dedication to helping the underserved gluten free and allergy community. It’s never been about building an huge brand, or getting rich. It’s always been about building my community and supporting each other. They tell me their wants/needs and I try my best to make it happen affordably.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jotform.com/form/212456721407149
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gluten.free.confections
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlutenFreeConfections/
