Meet the Baker: Emma Reyes

Wildflower Bakehouse is more than a bakery—it’s the heart project of Emma Reyes, a lifelong Arizonan who believes that simple ingredients, treated with care, can become something magical. Her work is rooted in the colors, scents, and quiet beauty of the Sonoran Desert, where she grew up surrounded by golden light, blooming cactus flowers, and the warm aroma of fresh bread drifting from her grandmother’s kitchen.

Those early memories shaped Emma’s love for baking and planted the first seeds of what would eventually become Wildflower Bakehouse.

Emma’s Background and Experience

Emma’s journey into baking was shaped by a rich blend of formal education and hands-on experience. She attended the Culinary Arts program at Arizona State University, where she honed her skills in pastry arts and food science. During her studies, Emma completed internships at several renowned bakeries and restaurants in Phoenix, gaining valuable insights into artisan baking techniques and sustainable ingredient sourcing.

Before founding Wildflower Bakehouse, Emma worked as a pastry chef assistant at a local farm-to-table restaurant, where she developed a deep appreciation for seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. She also volunteered with community food programs, teaching baking workshops to inspire others to explore the joy of homemade bread and pastries.

This combination of education, professional experience, and community involvement laid the foundation for Emma’s unique approach to baking—one that blends creativity, care, and a strong connection to her Arizona roots.

Baking With Purpose

Emma believes that baked goods should do more than taste good—they should feel good. Every loaf, cookie, and pastry is crafted in small batches, by hand, using seasonal ingredients sourced from Arizona growers whenever possible.

Her menu is inspired by the Southwest itself:

• Lemon-lavender scones reminiscent of desert wildflowers
• Mesquite-honey sourdough made with local ingredients
• Pastries that balance comfort with creativity

Each item carries a little bit of the desert’s warmth and wonder.