Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Miller.
Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Honestly, Be Still Bakery started from something really personal to me. I was diagnosed with celiac disease when I was 14, so I know what it feels like to go somewhere and not really have anything you can eat. As time went on, my family dealt with it too, and I realized how hard it can be to find baked goods or even bread for that matter, that are actually safe but still taste like the real thing.
Before the bakery, I was a Starbucks manager, so starting my own business was a pretty big change! In 2024, I decided to take a leap of faith and go for it. I didn’t have everything figured out, and honestly, I still don’t! I started small, worked hard, and just kept showing up. There have definitely been stressful days, moments of questioning myself, and plenty of learning along the way, but I’ve also had so many moments that remind me why I started in the first place.
Be Still Bakery is a fully gluten-free, faith-based bakery, and I put a lot of love into what I do. I love being able to make things that people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities can enjoy without having to worry about whether there’s something they can eat. Seeing people get excited about something as simple as a cinnamon roll or a loaf of bread makes it all worth it.
Right now, I sell at farmers markets and pop-ups around Maryland and Virginia, and my dream is to eventually open my own storefront where people can come in, grab breakfast, enjoy an actual birthday cake, and just feel included. I’m still working toward that, and some days it feels like there’s a million things to figure out, but I keep reminding myself that God’s timing is better than mine.
I never imagined I’d be where I am today when I was managing a Starbucks, but I’m really thankful I took that leap. I’m just trying to be faithful with what I have, keep learning, and see where God takes this little business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not! Starting a business has been a huge learning experience. I went from being a Starbucks manager to doing everything myself, from baking and managing orders to finances, marketing, and figuring out the business side of things.
One of my biggest struggles has been finding the right kitchen space to grow. Since everything I make is gluten-free, preventing cross-contamination is extremely important to me, and finding a clean, dedicated space that fits my budget has been challenging.
Balancing everything and being patient with growth can also be hard. There are days when I question myself, but I remind myself why I started and trust that God has a plan. I’ve learned that not everything happens on my timeline, and sometimes you just have to keep showing up, work hard, and have faith that things will fall into place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Be Still Bakery?
Be Still Bakery is a faith-based, fully gluten-free bakery serving Maryland and Virginia. Everything is handmade in small batches, and we specialize in making gluten-free baked goods that taste just as good as the real thing! We also offer dairy-free options and some vegan items so more people can enjoy our treats.
What sets us apart is that we’re not just making gluten-free food; we’re creating options for people who often feel like they have to miss out. Being someone with celiac disease myself, I understand how important it is to feel safe and included when it comes to food. I want people to be able to enjoy their favorite treats without feeling like they’re settling for something just because it’s gluten-free.
I’m most proud of the community we’ve built and the trust our customers put in us. We’re a small business, and everything is made with so much care and intention.
Right now, you can find us at farmers markets and pop-ups throughout Maryland and Virginia. My long-term dream is to open a storefront where everyone can walk in, grab something delicious, and feel welcome. Until then, we’re continuing to grow one market and one customer at a time!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about the area is the sense of community, especially through the farmers markets and other small businesses. I’ve met so many amazing people who genuinely want to support local businesses, and that means so much to me. I love being able to connect with customers face-to-face and build relationships beyond just selling baked goods.
If I had to pick something I like least, I’d probably say how busy everything can get! Sometimes it feels like there’s always traffic and a million things going on, but I guess that’s part of living in such a growing area!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bestillglutenfree.com
- Instagram: @bestillglutenfree
- Facebook: @bestillglutenfree
