Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Merritt.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Handmade. Small batch. Worth it.
My love of baking began long before I ever owned a bakery. What started as a personal passion grew into years of learning and experimenting, I’ve always been drawn to the way food brings people together and how a simple pastry can create a lasting memory.
That passion eventually led me to become a co-owner of a successful Scandinavian bakery in the Seattle area. Over the years, we built a loyal following by focusing on quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and products that honored Scandinavian baking traditions. In 2018, after successfully growing and selling the bakery, I relocated to Skagit County and began a new chapter.
While the location changed, my commitment to artisan baking never did. Today, through Nutty Norsky Baking Co., I continue creating handcrafted pastries and baked goods in small batches, blending traditional influences with a modern approach. Every product reflects my belief that quality comes from attention to detail, patience, and a willingness to do things the right way rather than the easy way.
Building and rebuilding a business has taught me that success isn’t just about the products you make—it’s about the relationships you build and the trust you earn. I feel incredibly fortunate to do work that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and community.
At its heart, Nutty Norsky Baking Co. is about creating pastries that are memorable, thoughtfully made, and worth sharing. Handmade. Small batch. Worth it.
Because if you’re going to eat the pastry, it should be worth talking about later.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been learning how to start over. Building a successful bakery taught me a tremendous amount, but beginning a new chapter required me to put those lessons into practice all over again. Every community is different, every customer base is different, and earning trust takes time.
The baking industry itself presents constant challenges. Ingredient costs fluctuate, supply chains change, and customer preferences evolve. Small business owners have to remain flexible while staying true to the quality and values that set them apart.
Another challenge has been balancing creativity with the realities of running a business. As bakers, we love creating and perfecting products, but entrepreneurship also requires managing finances, marketing, planning, and countless day-to-day responsibilities. Learning to wear all of those hats has been an ongoing process.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that obstacles are often opportunities in disguise. The challenges I’ve faced have forced me to become more resourceful, more adaptable, and more confident in my ability to navigate uncertainty. They’ve also reinforced the importance of persistence. Success rarely happens overnight, but consistent effort over time can accomplish remarkable things.
Looking back, the obstacles have shaped me just as much as the successes. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of continuing to move forward, even when the path isn’t perfectly clear.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a baker, entrepreneur, and creative driven by a passion for craftsmanship and quality. Through Nutty Norsky Baking Co., I combine traditional Scandinavian baking influences with a modern artisan approach, creating small-batch pastries that are both nostalgic and memorable.
My creative process is rooted in the belief that food should tell a story. Every recipe reflects years of experience, attention to detail, and a commitment to making products by hand rather than taking shortcuts. I’m inspired by heritage baking traditions, local ingredients, and the simple joy of sharing something exceptional with others.
At Nutty Norsky, creativity isn’t just about developing new products—it’s about honoring time-tested techniques while bringing fresh ideas to the table. Whether it’s a classic Scandinavian pastry or a new seasonal creation, my goal is always the same: make something worth talking about long after the last bite.
Handmade. Small batch. Worth it.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
‘ve learned that entrepreneurship is really a series of calculated risks. Some are bigger than others, but growth rarely happens without stepping into uncertainty.
One of the biggest risks I took was becoming a bakery owner in the first place. Turning a passion into a business requires more than baking skills—it requires faith, persistence, and a willingness to navigate challenges you can’t always predict.
Another significant risk was selling a successful bakery and starting a new chapter. Walking away from something familiar and proven isn’t easy, especially when you’ve invested years of your life building it. But I’ve always believed that sometimes growth requires letting go of what is comfortable in order to pursue new opportunities.
More recently, launching Nutty Norsky Baking Co. meant starting over in many ways—building a brand, developing products, finding customers, and creating a place in the market. There are no guarantees in small business, but that’s part of what makes the journey rewarding.
I’ve come to view risk differently over the years. The biggest risk isn’t failure; it’s not trying. Most of the opportunities that have shaped my life and career came from being willing to take a chance, work hard, and trust the process. Even when things don’t go exactly as planned, there’s always something valuable to learn.
For me, risk-taking isn’t about being fearless. It’s about moving forward despite uncertainty and having confidence in your ability to adapt along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nuttynorskybaking.com
- Instagram: nutty_norskybakingco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NuttyNorskyBakingCo/
