By Michelle Williams |
Talking with Morgana Burke about her gluten free bakery, Morgana’s, you immediately see the passion she has always had for baking. From the early age of twelve, Morgana dreamed Of having her own restaurant to create a unique experience for those dining there. She had no idea that a long journey with illness would lead her to a new spin on
an old dream.
Burke became quite ill after the birth of her son. Two hospital stays brought her and
her doctors no closer to figuring out a diagnosis for what was causing the myriad of
symptoms literally keeping her bed-ridden while trying to care for her 6-month-old son. There would be moments she felt better, only to have her world come crashing down again with a new onslaught of symptoms. Seven long years would pass with no diagnosis.
And then, Morgana decided to see a Gastroenterologist. Blood work and other tests provided the long-awaited answer: Celiac Disease. Her symptoms began to improve as she changed her diet and the taste (or lack thereof) of gluten-free foods were the impetus for her baking. Knowing she could never have another birthday cake was one thing, but her heart ached for the children diagnosed with Celiac Disease who would never again have a birthday cake, or Holiday cookies, or a true Christmas feast.
With the support of family and friends, Burke began fine-tuning her baking, learning as she went. As Hollywood stars began to bring gluten-free into the mainstream news, which brought out companies seeking to carve out a niche for themselves with bulk products in grocery stores, Morgana rejoiced offerings for those with Celiac increased.
From the Farmer’s Market in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Burke built her following. Working as a nurse enabled her to do the work she truly loved: art and baking melding into delicious creations. Eventually Morgana was ready to open her own brick and mortar shop and has seen what she calls “an unexplainable provision of resources to continue to pursue her dream.” Giving back to the community and her customers is part and parcel of her shop, as she routinely hands out her custom t-shirts to customers who are breast cancer survivors.
So, what is next for Morgana’s Gluten Free Bakery? Burke states she will offer her Holiday Pies by order again this year and continue the immensely popular Donut Saturdays. Morgana’s Gluten Free Bakery items will also continue to expand into area coffee shops and restaurants (her items are in five shops and one restaurant as of this interview). An event is planned for August 10, 2024 at the Pizza Shoppe in Blue Springs as well.
Morgana also plans to begin the shipping of her products within the lower forty-eight states. Driving the need for shipping is the Bakery’s status as a destination place; she has served customers from many states, provinces in Canada, and even some from Hawaii and Alaska. Developing pop-ups for companies is also in the future for Morgana’s Gluten Free Bakery, as is the concept for a Food Truck. If you’re looking for a destination this weekend, check out Morgana’s Gluten Free Bakery. And tell Morgana the Raytown Chamber sent you!