A BAKER and mum-of-five who started up East Lothian’s first fully dedicated gluten free baking business is looking to move into new premises.

Kerry Kirk, 34, is based at Lammermuir Crescent in Dunbar and has been living in the town for the past 12 years.

She started up her business Mama Bear’s Bakery earlier this year and is currently based at home in her kitchen, with limited space.

Due to the growing demand for her products, she launched a Kickstarter campaign to help her raise money and allow her to move into new, bigger premises and buy the necessary equipment.

When coming up with the name for her business, Kerry told the Courier: “My partner and I were talking about it one day and it’s a name that just seems fitting. I’m a protective mother who likes to bake and be all homely.”

Her business means a lot to her: “It’s about who I am and there is a huge market for gluten free products now but I’m not in it for the money.

“It’s more than just a business, it is a part of me and who I am.”

As well as her baking being 100 per cent gluten free, she also caters for other intolerances such as soya and milk and can also cater for vegans.

Kerry herself has been a coeliac for the past 12 years and knows how difficult it can be to get gluten free variations of the nation’s favourite treats.

She prides her bakery on being affordable and – no matter how many intolerances a customer has – charging a standard price.

She said: “Just because you have an intolerance doesn’t mean you should miss out and be charged a ridiculous amount of money for a cake.

“I don’t want to take advantage of people so charge my products for a standard, more affordable, price.

“I want to show people and I want people to understand that gluten free doesn’t taste any different and it’s not noticeable.

“I want everyone, regardless of their intolerance, to be able to enjoy all of their favourite treats. I want to give them good-quality products.”

When Kerry is in her new premises, she hopes to run workshops and events.

“I want to give people all the options, so no one misses out,” she said.

“Some kids who are gluten intolerant can’t take part in things like baking at school as they will breathe in the flour.

“Some have never had a specialised birthday cake before, I want to be able to give them all of that.

“I think it will be nice to have some events, like a cake workshop for kids.”

Her passion for wanting to help children started at home with her own – she has a 16-year-old, twin girls aged 12, a three-year-old son and a daughter who is nearly two, all of whom have an interest in mum’s business.

“My three-year-old son loves it and calls it mummy’s bakery,” she said.

“He helps with deliveries sometimes and brings things along to give out to people.

“My twin girls love being able to help out and want to be able to do more when they are older, if they are able to.

“My partner helps me out a lot too, as does my eldest.

“I have M.E. so sometimes can’t manage to attend certain events; along with my family he will often go to them for me if I am unable to.

“It’s very much a family thing as well. I’m hoping to pass the business down the generations and keep it in the family.”

Kerry has attended several events this year, from the Haddington Show to Dunbar Civic Week.

Despite her plans to expand and open new premises, Kerry is not planning on stopping her event attendance any time soon. Go to facebook.com/MamabearsbakerySc for more information about the appeal.