New Tampa Mother Opens Allergen-Free Bakery

The general economy might be sluggish, but newly minted business owner Stacy Hiles can’t complain at the moment.

“It was slammed the first week,” Hiles said of her shop, Stacy’s Gluten Free Goodies, 10335 Cross Creek Blvd. “It was awesome.”

Not bad for someone who said she has done virtually zero advertising.

The shop threw open its doors May 17, offering a variety of baked goods such as cookies, cupcakes, cakes, pies and even wedding cakes. But these treats do more than smell lovely; they offer an opportunity for those with food allergies to enjoy the sweeter things in life that many others simply take for granted.

The New Tampa mother's delights are free of not only gluten, but also wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts and yeast. They are all vegan.

According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, there is a growing need for these types of foods. More than 12 million Americans have food allergies, or about 4% of the population. And although the reasons are not as clear as crystal, “the prevalence of food allergies and associated anaphylaxis appears to be on the rise,” according to the organization.

There is no cure for a food allergy.

Hiles got involved in allergen-free baking following the experiences of her first child, Zachary, now 5. At the age of 2, the youngster was exhibiting developmental delays that resembled autism. Soon he was having difficulties making eye contact and was not socializing and speaking as well as others his age. Speech therapy helped, she said, but huge gains were not made.

After a doctor suggested the Hiles test Zachary for food sensitivities, it was learned the boy was sensitive to gluten, wheat, dairy and eggs. Changes were made to his diet.

“Slowly but surely, my little boy begn to talk, make eye cotact and socialize. This was everything I hoped for and more!” Hiles writes on her bakery’s menu.

Some studies have found potential links to autism and food allergies.

Hiles, a former certified public accountant-turned-stay-at-home-mom, soon found herself experimenting with recipes so her son could enjoy everyday treats such as cakes and cookies. She began to bake for others as well.

“Soon I asked, ‘Is this a hobby or a business?”’ she said, adding son Nicholas, 3, is allergic to corn. “I was the one at the birthday party with allergy-free cupcakes.”

Hiles eventually took the plunge to open her own shop. While she said she enjoyed being a CPA, working in the kitchen was a first love nurtered by her mother and grandmother. She had said she wanted a bakery when she was younger but shied away, assuming she could offer nothing out of the ordinary. No need to worry about that with the opening of Stacy’s Gluten Free Goodies, of course.

In many instances it was not easy to find tasty workarounds for common ingredients such as eggs, wheat, yeast and peanut butter.

“I went through some nasty, gritty, grainy things,” she said. “It took me two years to get down brownies!"

Stacy’s Gluten Free Goodies is not the only place to get allergen-free bites in the region. Other businesses include Viitals in Seminole Heights, which is a gluten-free bakery and vegetarian/vegan cafe; and Frida’s Café and Bakery in Largo, which advertises a gluten-free menu on its website. Many popular restaurant chains, too, such as Chili’s, offer special menus for those with different food allergies.

Hiles said the best part about her business is pleasing customers.

“They say, ‘My kid can eat anything on this table?!’" she said. “It’s the best thing to me.”