8 Arms Community Bakery was created in September 2007 by Jen Ownbey in Olympia,
Washington. We provide artisan baked goods to the greater Olympia area, using
organic, local and sustainable ingredients. The bakery is locally owned and
operated in Olympia.

8 Arms provides bakery shares and special orders. Traditional, vegan and
gluten-free baked goods are available.

Many people help to make the tasty treats at 8 Arms happen. I am grateful to all of these folks, whether they deliver baked goods, do computer support or do the dreaded dish washing, they are what makes it possible for me to bake as successfully as I do! We took some of these pictures at the 8 Arms Staff Appreciation Brunch in December where we also wrote some of the wacky bios…enjoy.

Jackson-delivery and general helper, Jackson has been with 8 Arms since September 2007, the beginning: A helpful bloke. A spring chicken. An old man trapped in a pilgrim’s body if i ever saw a body. A quiet quiver laughter squirt he shines the flashlight of Jesus upon each good baked good, but not the bad ones.

Jean-dish washer, Jean has been with 8 Arms since fall 2008: A wanderer by heart, an intergalactic pirate by night, a fighter on the front lines of all who would commit glutteny. Probably not responsible for the moon phases, but we’re not sure.

Caroline-dishwasher, Caroline has been with 8 Arms since fall 2008: Bubblebubblebubble. Her bubbliness makes great dish soap. Oft she has remembered whole continents and sentences, the breadths of her breath inspire Jen’s breads. Made of equal parts fire and starling wing-span.

Sebastian-dishwasher, Sebastian has been with 8 Arms since fall 2008: Later he’s going to the mall to see if they’ll engrave that pocket knife and you know they will because fair-haired Sebastian has a firm hold on the human connections that bring out good feelings and motivate people to positive forward action.

Jason-delivery, Jason has been with 8 Arms since November 2008: A friend to all who call home, Jason is reverent as a honey bee. A careful prophet and a glowing messiah, he is nice. A nice young man.

Ava-delivery, Ava has been with 8 Arms since November 2008: Born in 1819, Ava courses thru the veins of Olympia like ginger mead. In the spring she put on her legs, in the dolphin-season she dreams of lights in non-grid formations.

Jen-can you see all 8 arms?

Jen-owner and baker, she is the beginning: Lives her truth, usually tries to live 3 or 4 truths at the same time, it always works perfectly, that’s not just a trick of the light. Her subjects turn their faces to the sun! She eats nails and rocks and unwinds the clock. No matter what they say, still Jenny from the block.