Hidden Gems: Meet Gretchen Harrison of Alice + Kate Bakery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Harrison.

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.

 

I am the owner and creator of Alice + Kate, a boutique bakery specializing in small-batch, handmade chocolates, macarons and caramels. The name pays homage to the happy memories I have growing up in Pittsburgh with a very large extended family.  My aunt Alice and my grandmother, who went by Kate, always made everyone feel welcome in their home.  Whether it was family, neighbors or new friends, everyone experienced incredible food, great conversation and the feeling that you were a part of the family. My vision for the bakery was based on this.  I want everyone who walks through my door to feel like they are being welcomed into my home. I always wanted to open a bakery, and as a 20-year resident of Castle Pines, I knew there was a need for a local bakery and retail business; a space where customers can walk through the door and feel the love of family and foster connections. Castle Pines is a growing community with many new, young families moving in. My bakery will hopefully be a place where new and familiar neighbors feel that connection to their community while having a place to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind treats. 

My recipes are all created from passion and extended testing. I’ve taught myself new techniques for making high-quality products that look as incredible as they taste. I love playing with creative flavor profiles, and always use the freshest ingredients available.

Prior to opening Alice + Kate, I worked in the restaurant industry, then as a VP of Information Technology in commercial real estate before choosing to be a stay-at-home mom.  After my kids moved on to college, I worked in disaster response for a non-profit organization. Throughout my professional career, I baked at home to relieve stress. Now, I get to call it my job!

My store is a “one stop shop” for gift-giving and party-planning with a carefully cultivated selection of local products and gifts. I’ve prioritized working with and carrying products from local, women-owned and small businesses that have exceptional ingredients, which I use in my macaron fillings.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?

Happiness is generated from within; it is not dependent on outside sources.  We choose to look at our lives through our own filters and decide if it causes happiness.  I found the most authentic happiness was generated from being a mom to my two children.  When they grew up to be independent adults, I had to look inward to what other aspects of my life made me happy.  The answer was in my baking, as it involved creativity, passion and love.  I truly enjoy watching people take that first bite of something I make, as they close their eyes and smile.  They experience joy, which makes me happy.

Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so, who are they and what role did they play/how did they help?

I have some amazing friends who have been with me every step of the way on this 4-year journey of planning and executing the bakery.  The advice, feedback and honest opinions have been the touchstones that gave me the courage to make it all happen.  My two children, who are 24 and 27, are huge supporters as well.  To hear them say “I’m proud of you, Mom” is all the reward I need.

Inspiring Local Gems

The goal of the Inspiring Stories series is to celebrate hidden local gems and encourage our readers and the community at large to spend more of their money with local businesses, local artists, creatives and professionals.

Who are five local entrepreneurs, professionals or creatives that you know and admire?

I am a huge fan of Black Knife Bakery and have followed Deviny’s journey for several years. She is a fellow badass who is a macaron magician. Another inspiration is Colorado Cocoa Pod.  Liane is an artist with chocolate. The Sweetest Bean Vanilla is a local company that I fully support, by selling Laura and Shana’s products and using their vanilla bean powder in almost everything I make.  Two other creative women I follow because of their artistry- Liv & B Designs, which is a local jewelry artisan and Tonya Lynn Artistry.  Both women have comparable stories to mine; they both put their amazing creativity and passion into their designs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aliceandkatebakery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliceandkatebakery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliceandkatebakery