
"Our House"
We met Greta at "Gluten Free Gem," a cheerful gluten free bakery tucked into Portland's Lloyd District. The space is filled with natural light and the moment the front door opened, we could feel the warmth and love inside. This love is not just in the freshly baked pastries, it's embedded in the bakery's origins. Greta's mom, Anne Miller, opened the bakery in 2011 after Greta's sister, Emma, was diagnosed with celiac disease. Determined to create treats her daughters could enjoy, Anne dived head first into perfecting gluten free recipes. The restaurant name itself is a nod to the original "Gems", her daughters Greta and Emma.
When asked for a song that reminded her of growing up, Greta giggled a little before settling on "Our House" by Madness. She remembered first hearing it at as a vibrant 6-year-old as her and her sister jumped on their parents' beds, the upbeat tune echoing through the house. Born and raised in Portland, Greta practically grew up inside the bakery. Her bright spirit, shaped by a love-filled home and a mom who turned a diagnosis into a dream, is evident in everything from her smile to the frosting on the cinnamon roll (probably the best gluten free thing I've ever had). The song, "Our House," clearly embodies her family's sprit of kindness and love that the bakery is built upon. View their website here (GlutenFreeGem.com) to see more of their story, including pictures of young Greta and Emma baking with their mom!
From our journey theme: What is a song that reminds you of growing up?