Emma’s Journey to Sip and Ship: From Baby Penguins to Coffee Cake Magic

At Sip and Ship, every treat tells a story—and Emma, our head baker and café manager, has one of the sweetest stories of all.
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When Emma first applied for our bakery position a few years ago, we were in a period of transition—always a familiar rhythm in both business and life. Our previous baker was moving on to start a venture with her husband, and I was completely absorbed in the daily demands of running the shop. Into that whirlwind of change came Emma: determined, persistent, and full of curiosity.

She had finished college and pursued a career in her field of study, but quickly realized it wasn’t the path for her. Undeterred, she discovered a new passion: baking. Over a few months, she emailed me a couple of times, gently reminding me she was still interested in the position. Her tenacity and willingness to follow her instincts—and try something entirely new—spoke volumes to me. Despite not having formal baking experience, we took a chance on her, and not a moment of that decision has been regretted.

Emma’s journey to our kitchen is as unique as her treats. During college, she worked at the St. Louis Zoo in the bird section, caring for baby penguins. She learned all about how penguins greet each other—and besides her talent in the kitchen, she can literally speak penguin. It’s this combination of heart, curiosity, and attention to detail that she brings to every creation.

Since joining Sip and Ship, Emma has mastered our classic favorites—banana bread, salted chocolate chip cookies, trail mix cookies, and peanut butter cookies—while introducing new delights that have quickly developed a devoted following. Highlights include her gluten-free walnut date bars, seasonal scones, pumpkin bread, and most recently, a cinnamon-laced coffee cake crowned with a buttery crumble, designed to pair perfectly with our medium roast drip coffee. Sweet, savory, and just a little caffeinated—this treat has already become the obsession of the week.

Starting at the beginning of the year, Emma will be baking on location in our Greenwood café once we sunset the Ballard store, giving everyone a front-row seat to her magic. Every bite is handmade, small batch, and baked with love—a little taste of joy you can enjoy while sipping your coffee and tackling your day.

From penguin whispers to perfect pastries, Emma’s journey reminds us that curiosity, tenacity, and heart make all the difference—not just in baking, but in life.