What started as a hobby, so that Lauren Marts and her husband could enjoy their favorite dessert in gluten-free form, quickly turned into a prospering local business. Today, Baked True North is emerging as a leading purveyor of gluten-free baked goods in the Pittsburgh region. In this episode, Lauren talks about how she got started, what the “true north” in her business name stands for, and why collaboration between small businesses is vitally important during this economically challenging time.
Shortly after getting married, Lauren Marts decided to give a gluten-free diet a try. Her husband suffered from gluten intolerance, so Lauren often found herself getting creative in the kitchen with gluten-free alternatives. Growing up, she spent many hours baking with her grandma, so cooking and preparing food held a special place in her heart. Before long, she was perfecting a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe that she shared with family and friends. When her sweet treat won over her father who is a traditional chocolate chip cookie fanatic, she knew she had created something special. After her product debut at a local flea market proved successful, Baked True North was born.
Today, her growing business supplies numerous wholesale accounts, offers direct-to-consumer subscription boxes, and bakes a variety of sweet and savory options all handcrafted in Lauren’s own commercial kitchen. Although the pandemic has been disruptive to her business, she has found a way to expand her offerings, pivot her distribution, and give back to the community by donating baked goods to those in need through a weekly food drive coordinated by the Bellevue Farmers’ Market.
If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!
YOU CAN REACH ME AT:
Podcast: https://www.proprietorsofpittsburgh.com
Website: https://www.thestartupshoppe.net/podcasts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darinvilano
Phone: 412-336-8247
YOU CAN REACH LAUREN MARTS AT:
Website: https://bakedtruenorth.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakedtruenorth
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakedtruenorth
Phone: 412-376-3462