MEET THE TEAM
Hi, I'm Heather Dillard, and I'm the owner of Desert Bloom Bakery, a home bakery in Plainview, TX.
I've been gluten free since 2011, and started Desert Bloom Bakery in February of 2018. I've self-published three books, including two with gluten- and dairy-free recipes.
As someone who has had digestive issues since I was a teenager, I didn't realize until my mid-twenties that my body has an intolerance to gluten (and also some dairy). It's been an adventure over the years learning how to bake and cook gluten-free food that actually tastes good! That's why I love to bake with Desert Bloom Bakery.
Take it from me: It's hard to learn how to take care of yourself through the foods you eat, but in the end, it is worth it to have a "happy gut."
Shelby Varikatt (Executive Marketing Director) has been on Desert Bloom Bakery's team since March 2021. She understands the heart behind Desert Bloom Bakery as she became aware of a gluten intolerance several years ago and has had to make dietary adjustments for her health.
She is a wife and mother to three boys. Her virtual assistant business, Simplified Solutions Virtual Assistant, allows her to work while also being available for her kids activities and various volunteer opportunities within her community in Eastern Oregon.
She is proud to be a part of the team and shares Heather's heart and vision for Desert Bloom Bakery.
Future Vision
My vision for Desert Bloom Bakery is to eventually have a brick-and-mortar bakery/cafe.
I would like to use a portion of the proceeds to fund foster care and adoption support programs in this area and beyond. I plan to have an internship/leadership program for foster kids who are aging out of the foster care system. This will give them work and life skills needed for future careers and plans.
Desert Bloom Bakery will be a place where people from different backgrounds can talk with and appreciate each other, even if they don't always agree. This is a place where learning and growing can happen. We learn from our mistakes but we also strive to be honoring towards each other. This business is about more than cupcakes and baked goods. It's about giving joy, inspiration, hope, and new possibilities for the future.
Desert Bloom Bakery's Core Values:
* Create community
* Do hard things
* Be generous
* Stay curious
