Hi Ember & Bloom fam,

I started Ember & Bloom out of necessity — I needed to find normalcy again after my health changed. What I didn't expect was how quickly that necessity would turn into purpose. I realized what our beautiful community here in Gig Harbor was missing, and I could give it back: something made with my hands, with a free spirit, meant to bring a little joy.

What I found was so much bigger than gluten-free and vegan chocolate chip cookies and sourdough. I found a family — sparkly, wide-eyed kiddos; a collective of incredible women showing up every day with a smile even when it hurts (that takes real strength, and I see you); a space where other bakers could collaborate and encourage each other from miles away. I made an incredible group of friends in the process, some in the most unexpected places — like the sauna at the Y.

I found a space where I could show up as my authentic self. A community full of support, of inspiring stories, of the most genuine connections I've made in my entire life — and I mean that with my whole heart. Through this journey of baking gluten-free and vegan for all of you, you gave me something I didn't know I needed: permission to put myself first. That was never an easy task for me. You met me exactly as I was, and told me I didn't need to be sorry. What I thought I would find in all of this was an answer to my medical issues, and I would continue on. But what I found instead was deep healing within myself — and many of you were on that path yourselves.

You followed me through all of it: the evening deliveries, the sourdough classes, the weekly pickups, and now, the sale of the business. The excitement and joy I was met with in every single order is what kept me going for so long. Every email, nearly every video, always came with a thank you — and I meant every word. I still do.

My chapter at Ember & Bloom has closed, but the new owner, Keisha, is already feeling your magic and reciprocating it right back. There is no greater feeling than creating something as special as a treat someone has been longing for, or giving a kiddo the same joy their friends get to have. (In all honesty? Sometimes I think the gf & vegan versions are better anyway.) I see your magic already filling her heart too — and that's all I ever wanted for whoever came next. Not someone who saw this as a business investment, but someone who would truly feel its essence, the way I did. 

I also want to take a moment to thank a few special local people who made so much of this possible. To Josie Ciaciuch and her family — thank you for welcoming me with open arms and giving me a permanent space at Precious Collective boutique for pickups every week. To her sister, Noelle Land — thank you for capturing our merch photos and somehow turning Bryan and me into models for a day. In fact, my tiny celebration this week after officially selling the business (picture) was finally trying A Couple of Scoops for the first time  — I'd been patiently waiting for the right moment to get my hands on some dairy-free ice cream. This past year, I have fallen more in love with Gig Harbor than I did in the previous seven years I've lived here.

To Jahni Hazen and Sarah Montgomery — thank you for the gorgeous photos and content that so effortlessly captured the warmth and personality of this business. To Local Whimsy — thank you for opening your whimsical shop to us with such a warm heart, so we could craft sourdough there. And to everyone who welcomed me into their homes to teach them how to make gf bread — what a dream, I’m still pinching myself.

So — this isn't goodbye. You already know I'm not good at those (don't even get me started on my voicemails, hahaha). This is a message from my heart to yours: thank you. For supporting this small business, for supporting me, and for everything in between. I will always hold each of you in a special place in my heart.

Keisha has big plans for Ember & Bloom, and I'm asking all of you to give her that same magic, love, encouragement, and blessings so she can grow it into an abundant garden — one she can nurture into even more than I ever could have imagined.

If you'd like to stay in touch, I'd love that: Instagram: @_britt.ann

There will always be a warm place in my heart, and in my home, for you.

Hugs, Britt 

Former Owner / Baker at Ember & Bloom Bakery