Sarah Chisholm is a local pastry chef and the founder of Wild Rye Baking, a gourmet baking company offering a selection of unique cake mixes, from vegan and gluten-free varieties to frosting and classic cake blends. “Wild Rye Baking is all about bringing effortless luxury to home baking. No shortcuts, no weird additives, just ridiculously good baking made easy.” Learn about Sarah Chisholm…
Follow at: @wildryebaking
Hometown: Chicago, IL
First job: Working for my parents in the apparel business—steaming clothes, filing paperwork, and packing boxes.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: I love this state! I’m an Arizona girl now, making it a point to show the people I love just how special this place is. I often explore the incredible nature around us, shop at farmers’ markets, and host dinner parties. I love a good brunch or dinner out and supporting the ballet. Being part of my community means a lot to me, so I’m out a lot, celebrating the amazing people doing incredible work in the place I call home.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: OK, I’m here for the hard questions! My biggest accomplishment so far has been redefining who I am after stepping away from my first love—classical ballet. My dance career meant everything to me, and I never pictured a life beyond it. Leaving that world was one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced, but it forced me into a journey of self-discovery that was as painful as it was transformative. Not many people dare to rewrite their narrative, but I took that risk and dreamed a new dream. I own my future today—I love my life, business, and community, and I feel more ‘me’ than ever. And I couldn’t have done it without many amazing people; life is just better when you do it with loved ones.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: When building a business, you constantly hear ‘no’ or ‘that’s not possible.’ It’s easy to get disheartened by people—intentionally or subconsciously—trying to keep you down. It’s not just one challenge; it’s a steady stream of them. I adopted a ‘watch me’ mentality, and that mindset has helped me push through countless obstacles—especially in the world of female entrepreneurship, where there are plenty.
Someone who inspires you and why: My friend Lauren inspires me. She’s become quite successful, but there are plenty of successful people out there. What sets Lauren apart is that she remains authentic, real, relatable, and generous in a world that often reduces success to just achievements. I admire her for staying true to herself and inspiring me to do the same.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Go for it! Believe that anything is possible. Look at obstacles like they’re opportunities…and remember to have fun.
Favorite quote: “Whether you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right.” -Henry Ford
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m a certified yoga teacher.
What makes someone fabulous: Their mindset and their energy. You can feel it when someone’s got it.