Chef Spotlight: Gee Burcham of Elderflour Baking Co.

"I’m from Yadkin County North Carolina, an area known primarily for our fields, farms, and vineyards. Growing up in a town surrounded by agriculture I’ve always had a deep love for food and the community that surrounds it.

Being from the South I was shown at an early age by my grandparents that food brings people together and lets them know that you love, appreciate, and care about them greatly. Every monumental moment and even small victories were always celebrated with a hot meal at the dinner table surrounded by the people who matter the most to me. I believe that’s where happiness truly lives. Those memories and small moments are what made me want to pursue baking. Nothing brings me greater joy and peace than knowing that I get to be a part of some of the most joyous moments of people’s lives. Weddings, birthdays, holidays, even just a Saturday morning treat, seeing someone’s face light up when I hand them something I’ve baked makes every long day worth it.

Elderflour Baking Company was born from my love of people mixed with my passion for comfort food. With the support of family, friends, and the community around me I was able to officially open my business in October 2022. Since then, I’ve been able to grow my small batch bakery into something that feels like home for so many people. I’ve made the most genuine connections and have experienced the highs and lows of starting my business from the ground up and cultivating the community I’ve always wanted to be a part of. Being a one-woman operation is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I wouldn’t trade this life for anything in the world. I’m incredibly grateful and thankful that I’m able to live my dream every dang day."