Laurel Gallucci’s world was rocked when she was diagnosed with an aggressive autoimmune disease and told she would never eat cake again. The lifelong baker and dessert lover refused to accept that, which led her to discover the beauty of baking with whole-food ingredients. When Laurel shared a slice of grain-free, refined sugar–free, dairy-free, soy-free, gum-free, filler-free, fudge-frosted chocolate caramel cake with her friend Claire Thomas, Sweet Laurel bakery was born.

Claire Thomas is the creative director and photographer of Sweet Laurel. She is also the cook, writer, and photographer behind The Kitchy Kitchen.