Breaking bread on Main Street: how three Westcliffe bakers are rising together

Before the first rays of light stretch over the Sangres, the warm scent of fresh-baked bread spills out onto Main Street. It’s not just the aroma of breakfast — it’s the unmistakable smell of three bakers doing what they love. Inside a shared storefront, three local bakers have created more than a kitchen. Together, Gin Huffman, Marie Bowers, and Justin S. Raymos have formed a collaborative space where quality, community, and creativity rise every morning — right alongside the dough.

Gin Huffman: From Donuts to Downtown Community

Gin Huffman was the first to set the table, opening a donut shop in what is now a joint venture of flavors and friendship. But her vision was never just about fried dough — it was about connection. “Westcliffe had several coffee shops — but what’s a great cuppa java without a donut or pastry sidekick? I thought it might be a fun way to get to know the community better and network with other local businesses.”

Gin had already been buying pretzel rolls from Marie Bowers and knew the quality of her baked goods. She also had a collaborative history with Justin Raymos, who offered key advice early on. So, when the idea struck to combine forces, the answer was obvious. “Marie and I thought, ‘Why not combine the donut shop with a full bakery?’ And here we are — in our third year of business together. We all have our own specialties and talents, but we work well together to bring Westcliffe locals and tourists some fresh-baked and fried goodness!”

Marie Bowers: The Heart in the Hearth

Marie Bowers, owner of Back to Basics Bakery, learned to bake the old-fashioned way — beside her Nana, in a kitchen filled with love, tradition, and well-worn recipes. After moving to Westcliffe in 2016 and working retail for years, Marie jumped at the chance to return to her first love — baking. She joined the shared storefront when Gin opened the opportunity, bringing with her a devotion to wholesome ingredients and time-tested techniques. “I went to the school of life and spent many hours in the kitchen with my Nana growing up, and I was her apprentice. We’ve continued to collaborate and grow over the last three years.”

Justin Raymos: A Levadura Legacy

Justin Raymos, the artisan behind Levadura Breads, brings old-world technique to modern Main Street. His naturally leavened, small-batch breads are the kind that stop customers mid-bite with quiet admiration. He credits this bakery partnership with more than just shared counter space. “I joined forces with two fellow bakers to bring our shared passion to life — so our customers can taste not just bread, but the love and artistry behind it. To give our community an unforgettable taste of what true craftsmanship means.”

A Recipe for Community

What’s remarkable about this trio is not just their individual talents, but their willingness to collaborate across businesses — proving that in small towns, the best growth doesn’t always come from competition, but from community. Together, they’ve turned a single storefront into a destination — not just for tourists seeking a sweet treat, but for locals who crave connection, comfort, and something real. If you haven’t stopped in lately, do yourself (and your taste buds) a favor. These three are baking up more than bread — they’re baking up something beautiful for Westcliffe!

Winter hours can vary a bit, but stop by their 411 Main Street location from 8 a.m. to noonish and take part in some tasty goodness.

– K.C. Stark, Tribune’s Man on the Street