Ashley Orr

Ashley Orr is the founder and owner of Sweet Nothings Bakery and Cafe, a 100% gluten-free bakery based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Diagnosed with a gluten allergy in 2019, Ashley turned a personal health challenge into a professional mission—creating baked goods that are safe, satisfying, and full of flavor for those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or dietary preferences.

After years of perfecting recipes that didn’t compromise on taste or texture, Ashley launched Sweet Nothings in 2022 and relaunched in 2024 after a serious car accident paused her plans. Today, she operates her bakery out of Little Blue Bakehouse—a shared commercial kitchen and retail space—proving that it is possible to bake safely without a dedicated gluten-free facility.

Through meticulous cross-contact protocols, separate equipment, labeled ingredients, and transparent communication, Ashley has built a brand rooted in trust, creativity, and inclusion. Her ever-growing menu of cookies, muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, and custom cakes has earned the loyalty of gluten-free customers across the Raleigh community.

When she’s not in the kitchen, Ashley is advocating for better awareness of food allergies and dietary needs in foodservice and event spaces—one biscuit, cookie, and cake at a time.