Meet Whitney Moore | Mom, Baker, EMT, Food Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, how does your business help the community?
We live in a world that has become impersonal and lost value in the little things that really make the difference to ourselves, and to others. I strongly believe food is memories! There’s a reason it’s nostalgic for us to our childhood, or certain holidays. From the beginning, it’s always been more than just selling baked goods for me. I try to brand my business around special moments and the times we share with those around us, and experience something extraordinary! I craft specialty sweet rolls and gourmet goods, I do everything from scratch and handpick every ingredient. I try to provide them in a way where my customers feel valued and important because of the effort and love I put into them. I love the expressions and feedback I receive when someone’s tried something totally new and exciting (I have over 30 sweet roll flavors!). Because of this passion, I have a vision that includes a brick and mortar establishment that can run as a bakery café unlike our community has ever seen. I want to work with the schools and local Special Needs organizations and families to be able to serve them in ways they don’t have opportunities to and are lacking and show our community and youth what it means to feel connection, creativity, and be inspired again. I’m striving to create an ambiance for my customers, future employees, and Special Needs friends so they will have a place where their stresses leave when they have encounters with my business, or walk in through the door; like when you go to grandma’s house, and you’re encircled with excitement, relief, and the food is really good! It’s a work in progress, and we’re trying to gain the resources to do so, but it’ll happen, and it’ll be amazing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For starters, I’m a mom of five kids! Yes, you read that correctly, and all mine. They are my greatest pride, they’re all such great kids and take care of others, which feels like a mother’s greatest compliment. I also grew up the oldest of 5 kids where, I did a lot of the cooking and baking. Mostly because I loved it, and my family endured the reject recipes well. When I went to college down the road, my roommates and friends first asked why I didn’t go home for a nice cooked meal, for which I’d respond, “I did the home cooked meals!” Needless to say, we ate better than most college kids. When my third son was born, I went back to school to become an EMT, since then I’ve been working on local ambulances and ERs ever since and love it; being a mom really helped me hone in on my ability to handle stress, pediatrics, and multitask fairly well.
Eventually though, after doing some real self-reflection and diving into what I wanted to continue to pursue in my life and for my family, I realized that food is really just my soul spark. I find myself getting lost in the kitchen baking something whenever I’m stressed or need to process something. I love feeding people and trying new foods and I love sharing that with others. That’s what makes me really happy and fills my cup. I had this passion and vision of opening a bakery café, had my logo, specialty, and could see the whole thing. It almost felt like an urgency to get it going. Then an opportunity at the local Farmers Market presented, and I just jumped right in. I’ve learned so much about myself, but mostly, that I am capable of accomplishing more that I ever gave myself credit. And that it’s ok to be uncomfortable, because that’s when the growth happens. I’ve learned that not every opportunity is in the best interest of my business or me, or my family, and it’s ok to say no as well. And it might be a very good thing, but not the best. It’s about circling back around to what you stand for and represent, and how that’s conveyed through you, your product, and brand. When those moments happen, or I have really stressful bake days, events or orders, I have to ask the question, “Are my principles or family compromised?” “Do I still love doing this and sharing that excitement with others?” And the answer usually helps guide me in the direction I need to go. It’s a labor of love for sure, but I’m grateful it’s something I can still do with my family and not have to sacrifice them at the expense of a dream.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being in the beautiful area of Southwest Colorado, there is more things to do and experience than you’ll ever have time for! For starters, we’d pack a picnic and head for the hills. We have a secret spot near Lemon Reservoir that is unbelievable; we play in the river, relax, explore, hike, hang the hammocks, and enjoy our time together completely disconnected from the world (really, zero cell service). Probably end the day with a lil firepit conversation (if there’s not a fire ban) and late night refreshments under the stars. They really are so bright here! Sometime in the week I’d take them to downtown Durango and do the main strip or walk the Animas River Trail. If our budgets allowed we’d do the epic Durango Silverton Train and the Train museum. Another day, I live within 20 minutes driving of 5 different lakes, so I’d pick my favorite and we’d go paddle boarding and kayaking; if it’s monsoon season, you pack up in the afternoon and hit up one of the great local restaurants to curb that appetite you built up on the water (I’d likely be eating something with green chilis).
You can’t pass up an opportunity to visit Ouray! It’s breathtaking. “Switzerland of America” for a reason, and find a great hike or peruse town.
We can head to National Forest (San Juan) and pick a great trail to hike or bike. We could raft the Animas. And not to forget Mesa Verde! I could go on and on…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Grandmother, Ann Thompson. She supported my endeavors and passion from a very young age. My first cookbook, recipes, kitchen gadgets, let me make messes exploring new foods and ideas, nurtured that talent, and inspired me into to what I am today. She always shared her bakes, meals, and garden goods with everyone and never wanted anyone leaving her home empty handed. She’s one of the most selfless, hard working people I know, and I’ve lived much of my life trying to do the same, and share my gifts with those around me.

Website: oldorchardbakehouse.com

Instagram: @oldorchardbakehouse

Facebook: @theoldorchardbakehouse