The Magical Mrs. of Wildflour Vegan Cakes

Your Name: Abi May

Age: 30

Name of your Business: Wildflour - A vegan bakery

Current Location: Elgin, IL

Website: Coming Soon!

Instagram: @wildflouraveganbakery

Tell us about what your passion project is and why you do it? ​

Wild Flour is a vegan bakery I started out of a desire to create delicious vegan treats for both vegan and non vegans. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for animals and as of this year stopped using any animals products when I bake.  However, as someone who loves the communal aspect of enjoying food with others it can be a challenge finding good vegan alternatives. Creating my own vegan desserts has given me the ability to make something that I believe can be enjoyed by anyone while allowing me to do something I love.  

Give us an idea of how WildFlour came about.

After being a vegetarian for several years I decided to take the next step and go vegan. I’ve always had a strong love for animals and felt personally convicted to choose this lifestyle for myself. Even though I was excited for this change I was afraid I wouldn't be able to enjoy some of my favorite foods anymore. Because of where I live a lot of the vegan options didn't live up to my expectations and so I decided to take on the challenge myself. Through trial and error I was able to come up with something that I thought not only lived up to traditional desserts but tasted better to me without having to use animal products. Soon after I started making cakes for fun for family and friends and it didn't take long before people started asking me for orders. 

What is the earliest memory you have that you can attribute to developing a
passion for baking?

My passion for baking really set in just after college as I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to be doing with my life. I had also just gotten married, and started working at a restaurant when I decided to apply to pastry school in Chicago. However, because of financial reasons I ended up not going to school and just continued my job behind the counter and hoping I would be able to work with the bakers in time. Soon after I became pregnant, and my life took a different turn than what I had expected. My husband and I knew we wanted children but we didn't know we were starting our family so quickly. With that I quit my job a few months before my due date and jumped into my new role as a stay at home mom while putting my other career desires on hold for the time being.

Now we have 2 children (5 and 3) and I’m just now starting to feel like I have time again to devote towards my passions. I think every parent is different and I see some moms (or dads) who can jump right back into work or hobbies and then others who honestly struggle finding a balance between mom life and personal life. I’ve seen many moms in the generations before us who lost sight of their own sense of self and their desires after years of raising kids.  By the time their children had grown up, they didn't know who they were anymore or what they should do with their life. That has always sat in my head, and has really motivated me to pursue my passions. I want my children to see me as someone who follows their dreams and enjoys life alongside having children. I want them to know they can chase their own dreams too!

Can you share with us any major influences that contribute to who you are as a                creator, and the work you do?

There have been multiple bakers on social media whose work I have enjoyed watching, and been inspired by, but what really changed the way I viewed vegan desserts was when I found  a baker who owns a bakery called Pie Pie My Darling in Chicago. I tried a slice of her cake before I began taking my own baking seriously and I realized that it’s totally possible to make delicious desserts without animal products! That was really a turning point for me and I wanted to have something that was accessible within the Elgin area. And now I am on the hunt for all the vegan goods from other bakers and crafters because I love supporting other small businesses and it’s something that always inspires and encourages me. ​

Are there any other creative endeavors or passion projects you are pursuing?

Wild Flour is my main project, but some other passion projects I’ve done over the years have included watercolor painting and professional photography.  Currently, I’ve started homeschooling my children, which feels like another full time job in and of itself, but it’s definitely something I’m excited about. ​

You're a mama of 2, so tell us about how you find balance being a mama with pursuing your creative work?

It has been hard at times. Particularly with creating cakes I can’t decorate around the kids because they want to lick the frosting and help me decorate. I am fully supportive of kids helping in the kitchen, but when it comes to a cake order for a client it just doesn't work out well for any of us. So I have to plan my orders strategically around my kids. I typically bake my cakes the week of and then I make my frosting and decorate the night before after the kids have gone to sleep. Some nights it means staying up late and doing extra dishes, but getting that alone time to do something hands on, creative, and fun actually re-energizes me. I think every mom can relate when I say that we need time and space where we can do what we want even if that’s for 10 minutes or an hour. It is so important to take time out for yourself. ​

What keeps you motivated to keep going with pursuing this passion, and in the work it requires?

I absolutely love seeing people get excited about something that I’ve made for them. It’s also because I know that I need that time for myself to be artistic, to create, and make a dessert that both vegans and non vegans can enjoy. My goal isn't necessarily to turn anyone vegan but I like showing people that vegan food is also delicious and if it encouraged someone to think twice about consuming animal products then I’m here for it!

What does the future hold for you and your work?  ​

I’ve been thinking a lot about these questions lately. As an enneagram type 7, I love trying new things, and with young children I feel like I have to take it one step at a time. But my next goal is to start selling at local markets. I’d really love for more people to experience vegan desserts.

I have a pretty laid back personality and sometimes let my dreams slip away, because they get complicated or hard, but as I ask myself what my long term goals are, I don't want fears to stop me from doing something I love. The future is always somewhat unknown, but I’m really excited to pursue this passion and see where it takes me! 

Any final words of encouragement to share with readers who may be looking to pursue a passion project of their own?

I would say “Go for it!” I have tried a lot of things over the years, and maybe they didn't end up where I wanted, but each time I try something new, I learn from it. I learn a new skill or learn to overcome a fear. No matter what it is, you can always take something away from trying new things. ​

Thanks Abi!

Curated by: Katie Simkins
Words & Photos by: Abi May