Gracie Hauser, a 19 year-old from Thorp, is following her dream, taking her passion for baking healthy items to the next level by launching an online bakery that ships nationwide and a brick-and-mortar store in Thorp this summer. (And hopefully someday in Eau Claire, Wisconsin as well). Hauser said at age 15 she became ill and needed to make some lifestyle changes, so she began experimenting in the kitchen. She made modified recipes of everything she craved, noting she did not want to feel deprived of anything she wanted to eat despite dietary restrictions she needed to follow. “All of my original recipes are either 100% whole grain or grain-free, many are gluten-free, Keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, and contain no refined sugars or dairy,” Hauser said. Hauser makes a large variety of products, including muffins, little loaves, oat cups, breads, and treats such as brownies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and cookies. She was featured on NBC’s “Today Show” last year after submitting an entry to “Pitch Your Passion” to promote her healthy baking and help launch her business. Despite being featured on national television, Hauser remains focused on what got her into the business to begin with, and she’s excited to make her products accessible to others, both locally and nationwide. “I want to help others simplify healthy eating,” she said. “I use new technology to share my ‘old ways’ of simple ingredients and real foods.” The online store and Thorp store will launch this summer. To be notified of when they open, you can sign up for email updates at graciegirlbakery.com and/or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @graciegirlbakery.