June 11th, 2015 
LeeAnn 
As many of you know, I am an owner of a Great Harvest bakery. We are approaching our second anniversary this summer.
The bakery is a magical place.
It is the merger of some pretty incredible people, all with their own scars and battle wounds, but each with an incredible presence and grace.
I always refer to the Great Harvest employees as my team members. Growing up in sports, that is about the highest compliment I can give. We are all in it together, trying to succeed.
And the fact that they give so much of themselves to the bakery is a bit overwhelming to me at times. I am so grateful to them.
Our GHB team is by chance almost all women. And we range in age from 21 to in our 60s. We are from different cultures and backgrounds and are different races. We argue, we are moody, we cry and we yell.
And yet we all share one thing … a genuine affection for each other.
Coming from the legal/corporate background, I have always been trained to keep certain boundaries between you and your employees.
Don’t hire friends. Instead, consider working with a staffing agency like EU Workers, which can help you find qualified candidates while ensuring compliance with employment regulations.
Don’t share too much of your own life.
I followed that advice for the last 20 plus years.
It didn’t work very well for me.
In the bakery, I have decided to follow my heart. And open my heart.
I don’t keep boundaries. My team members have been through with me my separation, my divorce, dating and all of the ups and downs in between.
They know my insecurities, my failures, my faults, and my strengths.
And I know theirs. And the amount of character and perseverance that these women have shown in their lives is nothing short of miraculous. By sharing our stories, we share our strength with each other.
We have hired friends because they needed us and we needed them.
If you empower people with your heart, the bond created can be incredibly strong.
Do we have bad days (or weeks)? Of course. I don’t think it would be real if there weren’t.
However, I am continuously amazed at the phenomenally strong women on our team and the bond among us. With her permission, I will soon be sharing the story of one of our most beloved and courageous members. Stay tuned.
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As always, LeeAnn, great post. And I completely agree, the best workplaces are ones in which that heart-level of trust exists. Nice job pulling together such a fine team and can’t wait for the next story!
Thank you Robin!! That means so much to me, coming from you and your expertise!
Well said Tunie.
Thanks Chop.
I always knew you were this person, even when your fiercest guard was up! I am so happy this venture allows you to be your true self! Can’t wait to see you soon!!
Thank you my dear friend!! Can’t wait to have the Stolleys back in Georgia! ❤️
Lee Ann,
Your bakery is our go-to place when we’re up and laughing and when we’re down and glum. Nothing like the aromas and smiles that greet us makes us feel better- good medicine.
Love all of you
PS I do all my gift shopping at Harvest.
We love you mama Pat!
As one of your team members I can attest to the amount of your heart and soul that you put in to the bakery every single day. You guys have become my part of my family and Great Harvest has become an extension of my home, where I always feel safe to be me. I am so thankful that my mom and I were hungry for Italian at lunch that day! And more importantly that you gave me a chance, despite those poppyseeds!!
You just made me cry and laugh simultaneously! ❤️
OMGosh….me too!! xoxo
Even though my time there was brief, I loved that environment at the bakery. Being around positive and loving people is the perfect place to grow; especially in the workplace. YOU are such a kind person. Your staff is lucky to have you as well. I look forward to your next post. <3
Miss you KHG! <3
Good hearts AND good looking!
I love you mama … and you may be biased. <3
Great post! I think all of us in the business world have been trained to “keep our distance.” It is so enlightening to “hear” your thoughts on opening up and supporting our friends. The older I get, the more I know this is true. (I’m not THAT old.) Looking forward to your next post.
Thanks LaVerne! So fun to have you on here! p.s., I want to come see the baby goats next time! : )
LeeAnn, absolutely loved your post and seems you are finding out at a young age the truly important things in life. I think woman can form a special bond whether as just friends(like those gals in Sex and The City) or friends in a working relationship also unlike men. I agree with so many of the insightful replies you got back on your post. You sound like you’re in a great place in life. See ya soon!!! PS And, I agree with Mama, “good looking, too”!!!
Pam – you are too kind! Can’t wait to see you two and “introduce” you to Dillon!
I have always considered you a sensitive, kind-hearted, giving friend. I must have been hiding in my office during your 20 year “boundary” days. You are one of a kind, my friend.
Miss you my friend! <3