Business & Tech

Canton Woman Finds a Niche With Gluten Free Baked Goods

Stephanie Wire operates "Can it Be . . . Gluten Free" Out of Home.

Like many businesses, Stephanie Wire's gluten free bakery evolved from a personal necessity. 

It was approximately 10 months ago when she removed gluten from her diet, hoping it would help with fatigue and other issues she had. It did in dramatic fashion but one problem remained, many of the gluten-free choices were less than desirable. 

Without the protein, items such as bread or cakes, have a short shelf life and often come frozen. So Wire began baking. 

"It was hard enough having to give up certain types of foods all together; not having good substitution options for other foods was even more frustrating," Wire wrote on her web page for "Can it Be . . . Gluten Free. "Therefore, being the very proactive person that I am, I took it upon myself to do my own baking.  After a few months I developed a passion for it and really started advancing my baking ability."

It didn't take long for Wire to realize she was far from alone.
For Wire, a former ESPN employee who was looking to re-enter the workforce, the wheels started turning. 

“I thought wow, if I am having such a hard to finding good food, that means other people are too,” she said.

Wire decided to make a business out of it but first needed to do some work. She and husband Joe added a small commercial kitchen, now fully licensed, in their Canton home. It allows, Wire to bake goods that are gluten — and nut free — without cross contamination. She said it’s important. While she has a Gluten tolerance issue for those with celiac disease it can be more critical to avoid any traces of the protein.

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She offers breads, muffins, waffles, cakes, brownies, cupcakes, cakes and more. 

While the business is small, word has spread quickly and feedback positive.

"It's wonderful to hear how I’m helping people,” she said. “It’s also kind of like a little support group.”

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Wire is also pleased that many without gluten or nut issues have purchased her products.

Many customers pick up their orders and delivery is also available. In addition, Wire has begun selling to area restaurants and stores, including Garden of Light, which has cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, white bread, cinnamon raisin bread and hamburger buns.

While it has grown and Wire is not eliminating bigger plans, Wire enjoys running a small business.

“I really like the ability to be able to customize for people,” she said. “It’s the perfect setup for a working mom.”


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