From Dream to Dough: Our Story
Whisk & Whimsy Bakery began with a simple vision: to bring warmth, nostalgia, and handcrafted baking back to the heart of our hometown, Maplebridge. Our small town bakery origin is rooted in passion.
Our founder, Olivia Hartwell, left behind a career as a successful food stylist in Portland to return to her roots. Armed with family recipes and a love for slow, intentional baking, she started small—selling loaves from her kitchen window. Word spread, and what started as a one-woman dream from a women-owned bakery enthusiast soon became Maplebridge’s favorite corner bakery, known for its artisan baking tradition. Today, Whisk & Whimsy carries the legacy of home, tradition, and joy in every bite. Read the full Maplebridge bakery story below.
The Faces Behind the Flour
Olivia Hartwell
Founder & Head Baker
With over a decade in the culinary world, Olivia brings artistic flair and old-fashioned technique to every recipe. She believes great baking is about care, community, and curiosity.
Benji Flores
Pastry Chef & Flavor Alchemist
Benji’s creativity shines in our seasonal pastry lineup. A graduate of the Northwest Culinary Academy, he’s obsessed with creating flavor combinations that surprise and delight. Meet the bakers who make the magic happen!
Grace Lin
Front of House & Customer Care Lead
The friendly face that greets you, Grace ensures every guest feels like family. She manages service, social media, and community outreach for our Maplebridge bakery staff.
Our local bakery employees are passionate about bringing joy to Maplebridge.
Why We Bake
Baking isn’t just a business to us. It’s a way to connect with our community, honor our roots, and share joy in edible form. Our bakery philosophy centers on these core artisan baking values:
Slow Fermentation
Flavor takes time. Our sourdough ferments for up to 48 hours, a hallmark of a true slow food bakery.
Local Ingredients
We partner with nearby farms for flour, fruit, and more. Supporting local is key for our local ingredients bakery.
Seasonal Menus
Our offerings evolve to reflect the seasons and keep things fresh and exciting.
Creativity & Nostalgia
We blend tradition with a touch of whimsy and magic in every recipe.
Rooted in Community
Whisk & Whimsy is more than a bakery — it's a gathering place for the Maplebridge food scene. We proudly support local events, donate to Maplebridge food pantries, and host seasonal pop-ups. Our mission as a community bakery in Oregon is to nourish more than appetites; we aim to nourish hearts. This bakery giving back is central to who we are.
Follow Our Journey
Come Be Part of Our Story
Whether you're craving a warm loaf or curious about our journey as the best bakery in Oregon (we hope!), we invite you to stop by and experience the magic in person. Visit our Maplebridge bakery location - there’s always something baking at Whisk & Whimsy. Come enjoy the local bakery experience!