"if you dare to dream, dare to do it"
My why - the beginning
Walking home. By Naomi Lowe
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My gluten-free journey started in my early twenties. I had felt increasingly unwell for years and eventually, in 2009, saw my Doctor about it. I was told to try a strictly gluten-free diet.
Removing it from my diet transformed my health for the better — but also opened my eyes to how often I would have to miss out on life's small pleasures when it comes to treats, especially when out and about. This small life pleasure (or lack of) became an obsession that I wanted to somehow use as an opportunity for a positive change... |
The middle - making Gluten- Free treats more accessible
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Aged 30, I opened Nibsy’s coffee shop, on Cross Street in September 2014, as Reading’s first and only dedicated & 100% gluten-free coffee shop.
It filled a much needed gap, providing tasty homemade food, that everyone could enjoy, regardless of the absence of gluten. I ran it for almost 7 years, before passing it over to new owners in summer 2021, so I could spend a bit more time with my family. I was so proud of what had been achieved thanks to brilliant team members over the years and amazing customer support. In summer 2021, new owners took over and changed the name to Yaylo - Just to clarify (as I get asked this a lot); I no longer own or run the coffee shop on Cross Street. The new owners carry on flying the gluten-free flag as Reading's only dedicated gluten-free coffee shop. You can check them out by visiting YayLo. After stepping back, I wrote and self-published a recipe book, baked from home and did occasional markets while raising my two boys, alongside other employment roles. |
Nibsy's coffee shop - traded between 2014 to 2021.
The coffee shop - Jon and Naomi - 2021.
The outside, when it was Nibsy's from 2014 to 2021.
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Now - Nibsy's, the coffee trailer...
The coffee and cake trailer.
By Naomi Lowe
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As time passed, it really struck me how much I missed hospitality. It felt like a big part of me and my purpose was missing. And I was acutely aware of there still being such a gap in the gluten-free market, especially for 'on the go' things. A big town like Reading still needed more choice, especially for 'on the go' options.
Having already had the experience of having run a coffee shop, and knowing I didn't have the appetite for such a big commitment this time around, I gained more clarity as to what I wanted to do. This clarity and determination, coupled with knowing that this time around, I wanted to strip it back and have a 'smaller' business, by way of coffee trailer became a new obsession. It wasn't a straight line, but as of late summer 2025, I’m thrilled to be back with this incredible opportunity of a 2nd chance; with a gluten-free coffee and cake trailer, with one simple mission, to make life for those of us faced with needing to eat strictly gluten-free food, safe, tasty and convenient. |
"The thing that gluten-free people miss the most, is not actually a food. It's the convenience of food, especially when 'on the go'. (quote by Phil Hates Gluten).
For the love of coffee and all things gluten-free.
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