In the heart of Washington, DC, amidst the bustling city life and historical monuments, lies a bakery unlike any other. Greenland Bakery, founded by Caroline Johnston in 2020, is not just a place where delicious treats are made but a beacon of hope and recovery for women who have faced trauma. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and embrace the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, it is time to shine a spotlight on an unsung heroine like Caroline Johnston and her mission-driven enterprise that intertwines the joy of baking with profound social impact.
March—a month marked by the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the commemoration of women who have inspired history—provides an apt backdrop to explore how Caroline Johnston has melded these two elements in her endeavor. At GreenIsland Bakery, the air is filled with more than just the aroma of freshly baked soda bread and shortbread cookies; it is imbued with a sense of purpose and healing.
Caroline Johnston embarked on this journey with a clear vision: to create a social enterprise that could serve as both a sanctuary and a stepping stone for women recovering from trauma. The therapeutic nature of baking, coupled with its multisensory engagement, forms the core philosophy behind Greenland Bakery. “Baking is more than just creating something delicious,” says Caroline. “It’s about immersing oneself in the moment, feeling each texture, and letting go of anxieties—a truly therapeutic activity that mitigates anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Green Island Bakery stands as an emblematic example of what are known as employment social enterprises (ESEs). These organizations are designed to integrate social missions into their business models by recruiting workers often overlooked by other businesses, providing them with workforce training, and designing interventions to support their recovery process. By doing so, ESEs like GreenIsland are pioneering efforts towards achieving racial and economic equity in workforce development.
The mission at GreenIsland extends beyond merely offering employment opportunities; it includes providing training and recovery coaching specifically tailored for women grappling with domestic abuse, mental health issues, and other forms of trauma. This holistic approach ensures that every woman who becomes part of the GreenIsland family receives not only professional skills but also emotional support crucial for their healing journey.
As we delve into Women’s History Month celebrations across March 17th’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities at GreenIsland Bakery include special Irish treats reminiscent of Caroline’s homeland, Ireland—each treat carries a piece of history, tradition, and resilience intended to inspire those who savor them in America today.
Moreover, Caroline Johnston’s dedication has garnered recognition during Women’s History Month for her exceptional work supporting women through unique challenges. Her passion transcends mere business success; it embodies a deep-seated commitment to empowering women via transformative experiences rooted in baking.
Interested audiences will be delighted to know that Caroline is open to sharing her expertise through mini-cooking segments featuring Soda Bread or Shortbread Cookies—an opportunity not only to learn about traditional Irish baking techniques but also to understand how such simple activities can serve as powerful tools for recovery.
For those intrigued by this inspiring venture or looking forward to participating in one such therapeutic baking session, further details can be explored at www.greenislandbakery.com/. Here, visitors can connect deeper with Green Island’s ethos through exclusive brand insights while celebrating both Irish heritage and remarkable women who make history every day through acts of courage.
In essence, what sets Caroline Johnston apart as an unsung heroine is not just her entrepreneurial acumen but her unwavering focus on leveraging this acumen for societal good—a true embodiment of leadership driven by compassion. As we navigate through March’s dual celebrations—honoring both St. Patrick’s legacy and influential women throughout history—let us draw inspiration from figures like Caroline Johnston, whose innovative approach towards blending passion with purpose creates ripples far beyond their immediate community.
https://www.greenislandbakery.com/
https://www.instagram.com/greenislandbakery/
Published by: Martin De Juan
