Voyage Tampa: Meet Brooke Wahlquist of Higher Flour
"Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Wahlquist.
Hi Brooke, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
During COVID, my partners business shut down… I became pregnant and was stuck in figuring out the next move to help better our family. As I’m baking in the kitchen for our friends, I say to my partner, “I wish I could do this for a living” and he simply responds “why don’t you?”. Right then, Higher Flour was born. We scoured and searched for a retail spot and after being turned down well over 10 times, we found the perfect spot at the Krate Plaza in Wesley Chapel. With shortage of supplies and labor it was an uphill battle to build our shop – out of a shipping container. But we are finally here. We sell gourmet, fresh-baked infused cookies with the goal of uplifting the experience of herbal foods.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As you said , challenges are inevitable. The obstacles we had to face during the formation of Higher Flour vary from me being pregnant and bringing a new life into this world, to the shortage of labor and supplies that we have all been affected by. Luckily, Higher Flour was built on a strong foundation with an amazing team- in which, I believe, can overcome anything with a positive attitude, dedication, and commitment.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Higher Flour is a bakery that specializes in herbal-infused gourmet chef-inspired cookies. And yes, there is a vegan option!
We feature unique flavors of cookies with a menu which is constantly evolving (Matcha, Red Velvet, Ube, Berries and Cream). Our elevated infused cookies are always baked fresh daily. Every batch is made with love, care and good vibes. But, be warned, it is extremely challenging to just take one bite!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
We are in the works of launching our nonprofit. We have big plans to help and give back to our community. We want to see our home prosper and to play a part in uplifting it."
(Voyage Tampa Magazine)
