She Strengthens

From Broken Relationships to Breadwinner

Nate Gualtieri’s journey to self-acceptance began in the unlikeliest of places: his kitchen. It was 2013, and he had just started experimenting with bread baking, an activity that would eventually become his solace and passion. Those early attempts were far from perfect, but they marked the beginning of Nate’s healing process.

A Troubled Upbringing

Growing up in Franklin, Massachusetts, Nate didn’t have a healthy relationship with food. By the time he was eight, his mom had taken him to Weight Watchers, a program that focused on deprivation and low-fat products. This experience, combined with his conservative Episcopalian upbringing, led Nate to adopt certain beliefs without question, including the assumption that he was a straight cis girl.

Finding Identity

It wasn’t until later in his teens that Nate discovered the term “transgender” and began to question his beliefs. Accepting himself as trans led to a journey of self-discovery, but it wasn’t easy. His parents struggled to fully accept their child, and Nate faced challenges in his personal and professional life.

Baking as Therapy

After high school, Nate took a gap year to focus on his transition and seek therapy. He then attended the University of Southern California to study screenwriting, where he landed his first industry job as a writers’ production assistant. The long hours and stressful environment took a toll on his mental health, but he found solace in baking. As he honed his skills, he started to share his creations with friends, discovering the joy of making food for others.

A New Community

In LA, Nate met new friends who helped him develop a healthier relationship with food and his body. They encouraged him to nurture his passion for baking, which became a focused hobby. He started taking cooking more seriously and even whipped up a Beyoncé-themed dinner for his first girlfriend.

The Pandemic’s Silver Lining

The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty and stress, but it also sparked a bread-baking renaissance. With flour and yeast shortages hitting the United States, Nate’s advocacy for bread baking as a meditative and soothing process resonated with many. He believes that working with dough can be comforting, especially during difficult times.

Community Support

Nate’s baking career took off after he participated in pop-ups, including FRUITCAKE, a queer market in LA that uplifts LGBTQ+ artists and makers. Meeting queer customers and seeing them enjoy his baked goods gave him the confidence to continue his passion. Now, he takes private orders and offers cooking classes on social media, spreading joy and comfort to those in need.

A Transformative Journey

Cooking for others has been transformative for Nate’s own relationship with food. He encourages people to put thought and care into their meals, whether eating alone or with others. This approach has helped him develop a healthier relationship with food and his body. Through his journey, Nate has discovered that baking is not just about creating delicious treats, but about showing care for oneself and others.