Vigilant Sweets – Gluten Free in Grand Rapids, MI
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Who Owns Vigilant Sweets in Grand Rapids, MI?
Like many small baking businesses in Michigan, Vigilant Sweets is a woman owned company. After living in North Carolina for 12 years and working in early childhood education, she decided to follow her passion for baking and trained as a pastry chef and cake decorator.
After relocating back to Michigan, I started my own home bakery. Like many small business owners, she also works outside of her business. This allows her to keep building Vigilant Sweets with the goal of turning it into a full-time career.
She chose the name “Vigilant Sweets” because of how vigilant she in keeping her family and customers safe from ingredients they can’t eat. In addition, her name Sahirah actually means “vigilant.” Which I think is pretty darn cool!
What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?
When my youngest was born 17 years ago, she was very sick. Allergy testing revealed she had 15 food allergies, including wheat/gluten. She’s allergic to wheat and severely intolerant to gluten. Later I was also diagnosed with non-celiac gluten intolerance.
Baking has always been something I loved, and that diagnosis was heartbreaking at first. However, it also gave me purpose. I wanted to create desserts that were safe for our family without sacrificing taste. My goal is to create treats that are just as rich and delicious as the gluten containing versions.
Are Vigilant Sweets baked goods free from other allergens?
Yes. In addition to being gluten free, my baked goods are also 100% dairy free, oat free, and made without nuts. Egg-free/vegan options are available as well, depending on the item.
What steps do you take to ensure that your products are gluten-free?
First, my home baking kitchen is 100% gluten-free, with no gluten containing ingredients used in the home or baking area.
In addition, I only use certified gluten-free ingredients. If a label is ever unclear or questionable, I contact the company directly for clarification before using the product
- Do you use oats or oat milk in your baked goods?
- I don’t use oats or oat milk because many people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can’t tolerate them. I’m one of those people and can’t tolerate oats, even purity protocol oats, so my baked goods are completely oat free.
- Do you use certified gluten free wheat starch in any of your baked goods?
- No. I don’t use certified gluten free wheat starch because my daughter and I both have a wheat allergy. I bake with gluten free ingredients that are completely wheat free.
Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?
A customer shared that she and her daughter have an autoimmune condition and follow a gluten-free diet to help manage symptoms.
She explained that her daughter will only eat my baked goods and can always tell if a gluten-free product comes from another company. Moments like that mean so much to me. It’s bigger than dessert -. It’s knowing I’m providing something they feel safe eating and genuinely enjoy.
What would you like consumers to know about Vigilant Sweets?
I started this business for families with allergies and dietary restrictions who miss being able to enjoy the same desserts as everyone else. I always want my treats to feel safe and inclusive but also rich, flavorful, and actually delicious. I love being able to give people dessert options they can trust and genuinely look forward to.
How Do We Place a Special Order?
Vigilant Sweets does not have a storefront. I prepare all of my gluten free baked goods in my home. People can order through my website for pickup at a designated location, and I also sell at different markets and pop-ups during the spring and summer. I post all upcoming dates and locations on her social media.
Vigilant Sweets
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Home Based Business – Pre Order Only
Sells at Various Markets – See Social Media for Info
Preferred Method of Contact – Email
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Phone
Vigilant Sweets is one of many gluten free bakers across the state of Michigan. Click this link to see a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakeries in Michigan, complete with interactive map! Looking for more local eats? Check out my list of gluten free baked good options at Michigan Farmers Markets.