2011 Humble Beginnings
A small table at Folk by the Oak, bakes inspired by Karen’s Nan, and a complete sell out. Requests for gluten free and diabetic friendly treats planted the first seed of what would become Better Way Bakery.
2012 Listening and Learning
Karen returned with an expanded menu shaped by customer needs. Another sell out confirmed that inclusive baking wasn’t just appreciated, it was essential.
2013 Expanding the Menu
More gluten free and dairy free options joined the lineup. Oak shaped lavender shortbread for festival artists introduced a thoughtful, signature touch.
2014 Catering for All
The stall grew busier. Gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and traditional bakes were offered side by side, all clearly labelled for safety and trust.
2015 to 2016 Flour Power
Karen began blending her own gluten free flours, creating a soft, moist sponge that didn’t crumble. A dairy free frosting followed, finally meeting her high standards.
2017 A Clearer Mission
A marquee of our own. Every bake now gluten, wheat, and dairy free, with vegan options too. Compostable packaging and full allergen transparency became core values.
2018 Vegan Breakthroughs and New Horizons
The vegan vanilla sponge was perfected. New festivals welcomed us, and card payments made our bakes more accessible.
2019 Overwhelmed but Inspired
A year of ambition, challenge, and learning, shaping the direction of the bakery’s future.
2020 A Global Pause
The world stopped. We paused, reflected, and held onto hope.
2021 A Strange Transition
A year of uncertainty, adaptation, and quiet preparation for a fresh start.
2022 A Bakery of Our Own
A former test kitchen became home. We baked through heatwaves, markets, festivals, and joyful community events.
2023 New Ideas, New Adventures
Seasonal catering at Mentley Lavender Farm, allergy friendly cupcake parties, and a full calendar of markets and shows.
2024 Weather, Wonder and Community
Sunshine, rain, cancellations, and connection. Every event brought new faces and familiar smiles.
2025 Loss, Change and New Beginnings
The year began with heartbreak as Karen lost her dad. A new unit offered space to grow, a kitchen, storage, and office ready for transformation.
2026 Better Way Bakery Is Born
After years of refining, learning, and baking with purpose, Better Way Bakery officially launched: rooted in joy, inclusivity, and ethical ingredients, crafting indulgent, allergy safe treats without compromise.