If you’ve taken a stroll down Division Street South in Kingsville in the last month, you would have come across an exciting new storefront, Gluten Free Pantry.

The company, which started in June 2021 with a dedicated gluten free kitchen, previously offered its products through Facebook and Instagram.

In the two years since that time, business owner Kelsey Peters focused on growing her home-based business. In January, 2023 she took the step to incorporate her business, Gluten Free Pantry Inc.

On October 14, 2023 she celebrated the grand opening of her storefront.

The Kingsville Times recently spoke with Kelsey about her business services and plans for growth.

Kingsville Times:
What was your motivation for starting your business?

Gluten Free Pantry:
Celiac disease has been something I have spent most of my life surrounded by. Watching family members, one after another struggling with illness, all being given the same diagnosis — celiac disease. I myself have been gluten free since 2007.

Now as a wife and mother of four, dealing with my children showing signs of gluten intolerance at a young age, it was difficult to see their despair when having to avoid foods that other kids were eating. It has since been my goal to adapt every recipe I can and do my best to never have them feel like they are “missing out” on the oh-so-good things they have given up because of this lifestyle change.

All of these things have brought me to where I am today. Hoping I can share these foods I have worked so hard to make gluten free with others who need them.

KT:
What advice would you give to others who might be considering starting a business?

GFP:
When I started this business I heard many times from others — “This is a lot to take on,” and “Do you know what you are getting yourself into?” and “This isn’t going to be easy.”

My response was always “Nothing worth having is easy.” That’s a statement I’m sure many of us have heard at one point or another.

But over the last few years, that sentiment has taken on a new meaning. It has changed from a passive response to a motivational statement to myself.

Nothing worth having is easy, business ownership definitely is not easy. The visible workload, financial stress, social media, administrative work, and many other things I did not take into account when I started this venture — it is HARD.

My advice to anyone wanting to start a business would be — if you have a passion or a talent and you feel there is a need for it, then find a way to turn it into a career path. Find some trusted advisors to help guide you, but ultimately be open to letting your business grow however it is received.

Your original plan may not be exactly how things turn out and that’s okay. You will learn so much as you go and your “final result” may be different from how you see it today. Find support in friends and family, as well as other business owners who have gone through hardships as well. Knowing you are not alone in your struggles helps to keep your head up and your motivation strong.

KT:
Who are your target clients?

GFP:
Of course most obviously I am baking for those who have been diagnosed with celiac disease, a chronic digestive and immune disorder that damages the small intestine. This disease is triggered by eating foods containing gluten, and can cause long lasting digestive problems and other health issues.

In order to ensure that products are safe for people with celiac disease, there needs to be serious precautions taken to ensure there is no cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods.

Because of this, the Gluten Free Pantry is a dedicated gluten-free kitchen with no chance of cross contamination. Along with those diagnosed with celiac disease, there are those who choose to follow a gluten-free diet to help manage the effects of other illnesses they are diagnosed with, and those who simply choose to eat gluten-free because it makes them feel better.

No matter why anyone chooses to follow a gluten-free diet, I am happy to be here to provide celiac-safe foods for all to enjoy.

KT:
What do your clients say about your business?

GFP:
I have met the most amazing customers through this business journey. Finding good quality gluten-free products is very difficult. I have tried MANY products over the years and it is difficult to find items that really stand out.

I am very proud to say that I have been complimented many times on my products being something that my customers “just can’t stop eating,” and in the gluten-free world that is a high compliment. I hope to continue to make products that people sincerely enjoy eating and that make life with celiac disease, or a gluten intolerance, better through my food.

KT:
What are your plans for business growth?

GFP:
I have so many dreams for Gluten Free Pantry Inc., the sky is the limit really. As far as the near future is concerned, I would be honoured to have some of my products available on menus at some of our amazing local restaurants to help make gluten-free options more accessible to their customers.

Facebook:
Gluten Free Pantry

Instagram:
gluten.free.pantry

Email:
kelsey.glutenfreepantry@yahoo.com

Phone:
(519) 566-1634

Address:
11 Division Street South
Kingsville