Hey! My name is Ashley, and I’m the heart & hands behind The Flour Garden, my home-based sourdough microbakery. Let me just start by saying… writing about yourself is weird. When I was twenty, I could have written an entire autobiography filled with my favorite things, witty anecdotes, and maybe even some unsolicited life advice. But it’s 2025, I’m thirty-six years old, and I’ve been a mom for almost fourteen years now (insert horrified emoji here). Life is zooming by faster than I can bake a batch of dinner rolls, and that’s exactly what led me here: owning my own business and baking for my neighbors. Sounds crazy, right? Let’s get into it.

For over a decade, I worked as a trained ophthalmic technician. I loved my job. I didn’t have those doom-and-gloom drives to work; I made incredible friends, had fun, and I was (if I do say so myself) pretty darn skilled in my field. I had the privilege of learning from some of the most talented senior technicians and physicians, who left such a lasting impression on me that I still catch myself staring at strangers’ eyeballs. (Sorry!) I was genuinely happy for a long time. Sure, I joked that I was “just here for the health insurance” because the pay didn’t exactly scream “luxury lifestyle,” but I loved what I did.

Then came the chance to “move up” (who even decided “up” is the only direction, anyway?). I found myself in a management role, and although I was doing okay at the job, I realized almost immediately that something was missing. The energy I used to feel when caring for patients started to fade. The doom-and-gloom drives crept in. The politics were unbearable, and to top it all off, I had a manager who really didn’t like me—and wasn’t shy about letting others know it. If you’ve ever worked in a toxic environment with someone who doesn’t want you there, you know how draining it can be. Always buffering. Always waiting to mess up. Always waiting for the next mean comment, or passive-aggressive email.

After several soul-sucking months, I asked myself: Why am I working so hard toward something that doesn’t make me happy anymore? My energy was being drained, my self-esteem and my reputation were both slowly being dismantled, and my family and friends deserved better. It was time for a change.

Owning a café has been my dream forever. I’ve always pictured this cozy, Instagram-worthy space with moody vibes, lots of books, vintage furniture, plants everywhere, and a simple menu of high-quality, handmade bread, pastries, soups, sandwiches… and, of course, coffee and tea! It would be the kind of place where you’d want to curl up with a good book or catch up with your favorite people.

So, last summer, after we moved into our first home in a new town (Hi, Lancaster!), I decided it was time to take the leap. The problem? I had no idea where to start. How much would it cost? What do I need? What am I even doing?! (Cue panicked Googling.)

That’s when I decided to start small and do a “soft launch” out of my home. I had the space, a gorgeous new kitchen, and an amazing support system of family and friends. I began by perfecting a handful of recipes and went from there. It’s been a wild ride of trial and error every step of the way (and I’m pretty sure it always will be), but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Today, I am so proud to share my love for baking with my community. From fluffy sourdough dinner rolls, to crispy, airy sourdough bread, to sinful sweets I never thought I’d be capable of creating, every item is made with love. (And a lot of humor, because let’s face it—life’s more fun when you don’t take it too seriously.) I’m so excited to continue growing The Flour Garden and bringing a little extra joy—and really good bread—to your table!