White clouds adorn the azure walls of Fluff Bakery and Catering, and hidden partially from view in the kitchen, the owner mixes a batch of pumpkin cupcakes made from scratch.
I don't have the recipe set yet. I'm still experimenting
said owner Jessica Kepelwitz. As she spoke, she simultaneously instructed a worker scooping chocolate chip cookies onto a baking sheet, checked the oven and cradled her mixing bowl.
Kepelwitz opened Fluff Bakery and Catering at 8 N. Court St. with the help of her husband Jason Kepelwitz and her sister Angie Starline in September 2010. The food is made from scratch and incorporates as many local ingredients as possible, with the final products ranging from sugar cookies shaped like small acorns to savory soups.
I want people to know what real baked goods taste like Kepelwitz said as she opened the oven to test the cupcakes. I'm not against big businesses; there has to be a balance of both ... but where we are lucky enough to have a population of people who farm we want to support them.
Kepelwitz estimated that 50 percent of their products are made with local products, and they sell local SilverBridge coffee, Jackie O's bread and cereal, and spelt from her sister and husband's company Starline Organics.
Kepelwitz, an Ohio University graduate, earned a master's in business administration and is aware of the challenges she faces.
I guess I'm just a glutton for a punishment
Kepelwitz said.
Don't let her fool you; this shop has been her dream ever since she was in high school and worked in a bakery
said Starline, who works as customer service manager and retail.
Kepelwitz heralds her inspiration from Aberth's Bakery, where she worked in high school, and restaurants, such as Lucky’s Café in Tremont, that work with primarily local ingredients, Kepelwitz said.
Fluff is just the first of many businesses in Kepelwitz's plan. Eventually, she hopes to fill as many needs and desires for the people of Athens and the students of OU.
Last week someone asked me what I'm good at. ... I'm good at finding people that are talented and finding a niche for them
she said. I want (Fluff) to be a place where people can feel free to learn and have opportunities.
Fluff aims to fill a need for quality, local food by partnering with local businesses and farms, as well as students who hope to someday work in a bakery setting, she said.
For now, it comes down to filling the food needs of Athens residents.
There's this girl who told us she really loved red velvet cupcakes
and I said
'OK
Monday we will have red velvet cookies for you
' Kepelwitz recounted as she mixed a batch of frosting. I love that.
I want people to know their food will be fresh
it will be imaginative and it will be good as long as they have an open mind
