About   Us

Gabrielle Jane (Burkhart) Faulkner’s journey started years before the opening of Mon Coeur Bakery. Originally from Portage, Ohio, Gabrielle lost her mother in her early 20s, rocking her world and enveloping her in a deep sadness. Growing up in the country outside of a small town, her little country church and family were all she knew, and with her mother’s passing, that dynamic was lost as well.

As she spread her wings and took a deep look at her life, the ache in Gabrielle’s heart led her down many paths, exploring her faith and core values. Growing up in her church, so much emphasis was placed on faith rather than works that she lost sight of what it meant to be human. A college assignment in a religion class required her to research a religion she knew nothing about and write about only the positive aspects of that religion. It changed her perspective and inspired her to want to learn about others and their differences.

Gabrielle recalls the emptiness she felt after her mother passed away and all the visits and food stopped coming. She realized that food and companionship could bridge the gap between peoples’ differences and help us embrace other cultures, faiths, and beliefs.

As a singer, pianist, and composer, music is a big part of Gabrielle’s life, as one will discover when they walk into the bakery and see her prized baby grand piano! Her greatest accomplishments are her daughters, Amy Lavender Leigh and Sophia Anne Claire. Gabrielle’s life is reflected in her favorite saying, “When I was told I couldn’t, I did it louder.”

The name Mon Coeur Bakery comes from a combination of Gabrielle’s mother saying “my heart” to her (mon coeur, in French) and her father’s rich Creole background. Gabrielle’s nickname, Sugar, came about because of her brown sugar-like complexion and sweet personality. It is important to Gabrielle that when a customer walks into Mon Coeur Bakery, they are greeted with love and compassion, and her dream is to leave a legacy that drowns out the world’s hate, hurt, and pain. At Mon Coeur, we will work to make your experience enjoyable and flavorful!