Something for Everyone

BAKED BY VI CELEBRATES ITS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Provided

Sometimes, in the gentle silence of the deepest nights, Viana “Vi” Miller finds herself consumed by a somewhat restless energy. It’s a feeling of profound anticipation, a sense that there are times of greatness just around the bend.

And it’s the sensation that fuels her excitement for her rapidly growing baking business, a dream that started in her own kitchen. Miller discovered that she had a very particular talent that has literally changed the lives of her customers.

“The energy is electric. I can feel it,” Miller says. “It keeps me awake at night.”

And from that energy has arisen Baked by Vi, the culmination of inspiration for Miller, who has long enjoyed the art of baking. In the fall of 2022, Miller discovered an opportunity to open her own shop in historic downtown New Paris, and business has been brisk and booming ever since.

What makes Miller’s business so distinctly unique is that she creates products that are designed for folks who have specific dietary needs. In Miller’s perspective, she wants her customers to become enlightened about what foods that they are free to enjoy, and to feel less intimidated by limitations. Baked by Vi has introduced patrons to a way of eating that they could have only ever envisioned in their minds before. In particular, Miller’s baked goods feature options that are free of gluten, dairy, eggs, and sugar, along with selections that cater to those following a keto or paleo diet, and those affected by gluten intolerance.

Miller’s penchant for baking started out as a home-based enterprise, one that she not only loved, but had a natural talent for. Eventually, her custom orders became numerous enough that they spilled over into other places in her home—Miller laughs thinking about filling up her husband’s man cave with them. So, he built Miller a bigger kitchen.

As her small business took flight, Miller also realized that she was drawn to a lifestyle in which simple, less processed, and healthy ingredients were featured. While visiting her daughter, who lives overseas, she saw firsthand how vastly different American food has become, with an emphasis on convenience and minimal attention given to the purity of the ingredients. She was surprised to learn that certain foods, which had proven bothersome for her in America, were more palatable there, largely in part due to the freshness of their food and its components.

In 2018, Miller began selling her items at the Goshen Farmers Market, and the response was not only immediate, but immense. One very memorable day that Miller still recalls vividly was when a young boy stopped by her booth with his family, and in the ensuing conversation, it was revealed that he had never eaten a doughnut before, on account of food allergies. Miller soon realized that she had something that would be safe for him to try. Upon taking his first bite, the boy was moved to tears, as were multiple onlookers.

When Baked by Vi opened its doors at its historic New Paris location, there were other amazing stories to follow. Like the family who had not set foot in a bakery in over a decade, because they didn’t believe they’d find something that wouldn’t be a trigger. Or the customer who was tempted by the luscious selection of scones but wasn’t convinced that there were any she could have. These are just a few examples of why Miller feels blessed by what she does. “It’s just been a God thing. In my wildest imagination, I could’ve never imagined owning a specialty bakery,” Miller says.

Ensconced in her charming downtown storefront, Baked by Vi has developed an impressive following, drawing customers from as far away as Columbia City, Chicago, West Lafayette, Aurora, Wabash, and Michigan.

“If a customer comes in here and tells me what their concerns are, I tell them that we’ll work through it,” she says. “I love to be a part of the journey.”

Miller considers herself quite fortunate in that she is surrounded by a staff that is equally passionate and committed to the cause. Her team includes Donna Yoder, who is a principal baker; Lyssa Yoder, who works with the creation of spices, mixes, and condiments; and Jen Schlorke, whose specialty is soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items.

Baked by Vi will be celebrating its one-year anniversary in grand style with a community block party on October 14 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be live music, food vendors, and artists, along with something special from the New Paris Fire Department. Other local eateries will be selling pulled pork and Mediterranean fare.”

In the meantime, stop by Baked by Vi and check out their incredible selections of pastries and other baked goods. Dine-in and carryout is available during business hours.

The store’s hours are Tuesdays through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. They are closed on Sunday and Monday. Baked by Vi is located at 68458 Main Street in downtown New Paris. For more information, call (574) 831-2432 or send an e-mail to info@bakedbyvi.com. The business can also be found on various social media platforms and online at Baked by Vi.