Celiac disease inspires woman to open gluten-free bakery in Abilene

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A woman with celiac disease is celebrating the grand reopening of her gluten-free bakery in south Abilene.

Michele Kirkland, owner of Southern Delights by Michele, has moved her bakery within South 14th Street, relocating from a spot next to Crunch Fitness to the Woodhaven Center Shopping Center next to Hobby Lobby.

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Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—damages the small intestine. People with the condition must follow a strict gluten-free diet to stay healthy.

Kirkland began baking from home before opening her first storefront near Crunch Fitness. She said she has baked her whole life but turned professional in January 2024.

In her 20s, Kirkland experienced severe illness that was initially believed to be food poisoning. At one point, she weighed just 67 pounds and remained sick for two years without answers. After multiple misdiagnoses, she was diagnosed with celiac disease about 25 years ago, when gluten-free products were far less common. She had to make everything from scratch, which began her journey into baking.

Before pursuing baking full-time, Kirkland spent 18 years in sales. She said she wanted to make a difference, and providing gluten-free food to the Abilene community was one way to do that. She aims to offer a safe place for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease to enjoy food with friends and family.

Kirkland uses alternative flour blends that contain no traditional wheat flour, requiring creativity in her recipes. She also offers in-home cooking help for individuals learning to prepare gluten-free meals safely.

One of her goals is to show people that celiac disease is not a life sentence, emphasizing the wide variety of food options available today.

Kirkland also announced plans to open a second location inside the Dyess Air Force Base food court.

She credits part of her success to Tabitha Durant, owner of Imagination City, who has supported her from the beginning.

“There’s always a need, and that need changes as we learn more about our bodies,” Durant said. “People like Michele, who have dietary restrictions, need safe places. That’s why I invested in her kitchen—because I believe in what she’s doing.”

Kirkland and Durant share space in the Woodhaven Center and continue to support each other’s businesses.