Story-tell with the founder of Alms + Fare, a Swoon-Worthy Wellness Bakery
Our passion is uncovering hidden gems in the world of wellness and lifestyle. Today, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our latest discoveries: Alms + Fare, a wellness bakery that has captured our hearts AND taste buds! We recently connected with the founder to delve into the origins of this one-of-a-kind spot and gain insight into what sets them apart in the market.
From their commitment to using wholesome ingredients to the story behind their unique approach to wellness, join us as we unravel the journey of Alms + Fare and get to know the visionary behind it all.
Image via She Exposure for Entwine Real Estate
Q: Can you tell us how Alms + Fare came to be?
The thought process behind Alms + Fare is a long one, starting in college. To give some background, I am from the Washington, D.C area. I was always very interested in international politics and global humanitarian aid efforts — this is what I studied in college. Throughout my studies, and through jobs with the Department of Defense and State Department, I realized the impact I personally wanted to make, was locally, in my own community, at a grassroots level. After working for the government shortly after school, I was determined to start something that made an impact that I could see.
I was living on my own for the first time and really started to be mindful of the ingredients in the food I was eating and the impact it had on my health and energy. I went into a full deep dive in overall health, nutrition, and exercise — truly creating a lifestyle of incorporating elements of health to live an abundant life, while fueling my body with good and flavorful foods. I realized that I could start something that married these two passions: health and wellness, and giving back. Alms + Fare was born.
Our mission from the very beginning is to make sweet things simple, with treats that are nutritious, and most importantly delicious, and to give back to our community. Since our start, we have been committed to giving 10% of our profits to charities in our community focused on hunger alleviation, and food education and accessibility. Teaching others the importance of the impact of food on our bodies and lives, whether it be a customer of ours, or a child in one of the programs we support is truly gratifying. This is where our name comes from - “alms” means charitable giving, and “fare” for food.
Q: When did you first realize you had an interest in baking?
In college! The only baking I did growing up was from a box. Living on my own, paying attention to the ingredients that were in my food, I started to experiment and make delicious food, with really wholesome, nutrient dense ingredients. I’ve always had a big sweet tooth, so I knew I needed to “perfect” desserts with good-for-you ingredients that also tasted like the real deal! I started experimenting using very simple ingredients like nut flours, pure maple syrup, raw honey, good quality pasture raised eggs, and coconut oil — just subbing them out for their counterparts in more traditional recipes. This served as a way to let my creativity out as well!
Q: What is your WHY behind leaning into health + wellness with your bakery?
Eating healthfully is so important to me because I know the alternative and its effect, and the impact eating good foods can have on your wellbeing. Once you start to become aware of the ingredients in our food, how it’s made, and where it is sourced from, it’s difficult to go back to blindly consuming. I saw there was a massive need for a healthier food option that catered to those with dietary restrictions — specifically in the dessert industry! I witnessed this first hand with my husband who has Celiac with it being very difficult to dine out safely. So, I wanted to create a space where people who want and need to eat a certain way, can do so without fear, and with many options!
Image via She Exposure for Entwine Real Estate
Q: Tell us about the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. Was it a natural path or did you decide to take a big risk one day to make it happen?
It was sort of a mix between the two. Beginning with my moment of clarity when I was working for the government that it was not the right path for me, I did have to take the leap in moving from Washington, D.C., with my now husband, to Tennessee, where he is from. Here, began a more natural path of starting my business. When we moved, I began working for a non-profit that provided nutritional aid to children in Haiti, while starting my business on the side. I worked here for about a year before I was able to go out on my own officially with the business. I just kept reinvesting the profits and growing the business slowly until I was in a good place to take the leap!
Q: Where do you get inspiration for new recipes?
There is so much out there for inspiration nowadays; Tik Tok, Instagram, Pinterest, and cookbooks. I use them all, and love cookbooks the best, but also try to keep it simple by recreating traditional desserts using more wholesome and healthy ingredients. From here, we will recipe test fun and delicious spin offs!
Q: Can you give an aspiring restaurateur advice if they’re thinking about taking the leap to open a cafe or bakery?
Start small and wherever you are. For the longest time before I started my business, I wanted everything to be just perfect and at 100% before I launched. While this isn’t inherently negative, what I realized in hindsight was that it will never be 100%. You have to get it almost there with as much research and prep as you can, launch it, and then be comfortable with adjusting as needed. A business idea does not always need to come to fruition overnight, small steps are okay. It’s what gives you time and allows you to grow and learn along the way.
Image via She Exposure for Entwine Real Estate
Q: If someone is new to your bakery, what are two items they should absolutely try?
A nutter butter cookie & a berry poptart.
Q: What’s next for the growth of your brand and business?
This year, we are focused on building our wholesale business by creating more of a variety of packaged goods to sell in retail stores, and working with local businesses to sell our baked goods. I am also laying the groundwork for our second location; where the best place would be to lay our second set of roots, and what the store would look like and offer, compared to our first.
Q: Entwine is a lifestyle + retail-focused Commercial Real Estate Company. Our jam is to make authentic connections + undo the ordinary. What are some specific ways you strive to “undo the ordinary”?
By shaking up the dessert industry and the way we eat, making it more healthful. What we consume builds our bodies, shapes the way we think and feel, how we move, and the amount of energy we have. Fueling yourself well is what I’ve set out to show! All while still eating dessert! :)
QUICKFIRE Q’S
What is your can’t-live-without sweet treat?
A warm chocolate chip cookie, sprinkled with a bit of coarse sea salt.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that would shock people!
While working for the government after I graduated, I had a security clearance!
Image via She Exposure for Entwine Real Estate
What’s one of your favorite ways to spend your free time?
Walking on the beach having good conversation with a friend or my husband, drinking an iced coffee or sitting on my back porch with good book.
What is your go-to outfit when you want to feel put together?
A sundress with leather sandals or heels.
In another life if you weren’t running Alms + Fare, what might your job be?
Running a non-profit!
Q: How can our community find you? Share all social handles and retailers that sell your brand.