This week I’m thrilled to celebrate and promote fellow Minnesota baker, Jenny Geier, owner of Some Like It Hot and Gluten Free, of Byron, MN, just outside Rochester. When Jenny was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2012, it may not have felt like a positive turning point. But reflecting back, Jenny, a wife and mom of four kids, now believes “it was a blessing”. Jenny always loved cooking and baking and upon her diagnosis, she dove right in to learning how to cook and bake gluten free. It was important to her that her family would still have delicious food and not feel deprived in any way, despite the home being gluten-free.
Jenny did a lot of research and attended conferences to learn as much as she could about not only managing but thriving with Celiac disease. She then launched a blog in 2014 in order to share her knowledge and recipes with others. In talking with Jenny, you can tell she’s generous and passionate about helping others with dietary restrictions still enjoy all the indulgences of life. So much so that she left an 11-year career to focus on her health, being with her kids and bringing joy to others through her baking. Learning to cook gluten free was challenging and baking gluten free was “very different and took A LOT of trial and error”.
The Birth of her Gluten Free Business
While Jenny was having success in her personal baking endeavors and sharing recipes, it wasn’t until October of 2019 when she made her first decorated sugar cookie and “fell in love”. She found it so therapeutic and quickly earned her Cottage Food Producer registration status to build a business. Some Like It Hot and Gluten Free was born in January 2020. Jenny was so excited about her new business and then a hiccup came along in March 2020…I think we’re all familiar with the hiccup. Those first several months of business were rocky, along with homeschooling her kids. But now, Jenny has become well-known in her community for her beautiful, floral cookies and custom treats!
While Jenny does tend to market to people with dietary restrictions, most of her customers do not have Celiac or any dietary restrictions. Her baked goods are THAT delicious and she takes that as a huge compliment! “It does deter people when they hear gluten free”. but Jenny went on to say that once people try her goods, they love them regardless!
Running a Thriving Business
Jenny’s favorite item to work on are her decorated sugar cookies, but she also offers hot cocoa bombs, gourmet cookies, meringues, cakes, cupcakes and recently made cinnamon rolls! She’s always open to customer requests to create new gluten free treats. The vast majority of her orders are custom requests, but she does offer larger volumes of seasonal treats around the biggest holidays.
Jenny LOVES what she does, she LOVES being able to offer her delicious goods to her community and she LOVES being able to be there for her kids. “I feel very blessed”, Jenny shared. And her community is blessed to have such a talented baker. I highly encourage everyone in the Rochester area to connect with Jenny and get the opportunity to enjoy her baking!
Advice from Jenny
When I asked Jenny what advice she has for bakers aspiring to start or grow their business, she said “keep practicing”. She went on to explain how bakers will see significant improvements month by month if they keep working on their skills. She also expressed her love for the baking community in that they are always “willing to share and teach”.
Some Like It Hot In Minnesota
It was such a privilege and joy to connect and recognize this gifted baking artist. I truly hope the community appreciates the gem and resource they have for those with (and without) dietary restrictions! Life is meant to be enjoyed and Jenny helps to ensure no one has to make sacrifices to indulge in special treats! To connect with Jenny, you can visit her Some Like It Hot and Gluten Free website HERE! I encourage you to follow her social media to see more of her beautiful work. In the meantime, enjoy this gallery of Jenny’s creations!
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