“When we’re out, we’re out.”
It’s not just a policy—it’s a mantra, a boundary, and a philosophy that Heather Ugorowski lives by at Bleu Moose Bakery. But to understand why those words matter so much, you have to know the path that got her there.
In this deeply moving episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston speaks with Heather about what it means to keep showing up in life—and in business—even when everything feels like it’s fallen apart.
Heather’s story begins with childhood cakes and the kind of early passion many bakers recognize. But everything shifted when she received Brother Juniper’s Bread Book and fell in love with the science, soul, and patience of artisan bread. That spark eventually grew into Heather’s first brick-and-mortar bakery—built as a tribute to her late son and funded with his life insurance money. What came next was a 10,000-mile road trip across the country, connecting with RBA and BBGA bakers, gathering wisdom, and refining her dream.
But Heather’s journey hasn’t been easy.
She’s survived unthinkable loss, a major car accident, a catastrophic flood, and a kidney transplant. And yet—she returned. On National Bakery Day in 2024, Heather opened the doors to Bleu Moose Bakery, a community-first café that serves as much comfort as it does pastry.
Inside this episode, Heather shares:
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Why baking is an act of service, remembrance, and restoration
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How she rebuilt from scratch—emotionally and physically—multiple times
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What it really takes to sustain a bakery without burning out
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The tension between passion and practicality in a post-COVID bakery world
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Her reflections on cottage laws, industry shifts, and the role of professional associations like RBA and BBGA
Whether you’re a new baker, a seasoned pro, or a bakery owner feeling stretched thin, this episode is a reminder that the soul of baking is about more than dough. It’s about dignity. It’s about connection. It’s about creating something beautiful—even when life gets messy.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Perfect Rise
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