My Story

Here’s a glimpse into my life.

Person on deck wearing "Eat Real Bread" shirt.

A Shift Toward What Matters

Hi, I’m Kristi — the owner, baker, and tea blender behind Be Well For Life Bakery, a small veteran-owned business based in Romeo, Michigan.

Before all the sourdough and herbal tea, I spent 20 years serving in the U.S. Air Force 🇺🇸 alongside my husband Nick, who also served for 6 years. Retiring from the military was a huge transition for me because the Air Force had been such a big part of my identity and life for so long. But deep down, I always knew I wanted my next chapter to involve health, wellness, and creating something meaningful with my own hands.

I’ve always been passionate about nutrition, fitness, and learning everything I can about living well. I studied Health and Sports Sciences with a focus in exercise science, and I also coach at F45 in Shelby Township 💪

The herbal tea side of my business actually came first after retirement. Tea had already become part of my daily routine for years, so creating my own blends based on ingredients and wellness practices I loved felt like a natural next step. Every blend is handcrafted with intention, and I truly hope you love them as much as I do.

And then came sourdough… 🥖

What started as a simple desire to make healthier food with real ingredients quickly turned into a true passion. Like many people, I became frustrated with how difficult it had become to find quality bread without a long list of unnecessary ingredients and preservatives. So I started learning to make my own.

I began baking sourdough in 2023, and with the incredible support of this community, what started as a hobby has grown into a thriving microbakery. I love continuing to fine-tune my recipes, experiment with new ideas, and share everything I’m learning along the way.

Whether you’re here for fresh sourdough, herbal tea, baking tips, or simply encouragement to slow down and make more from scratch, I’m so glad you’re here 💗

Freshly baked loaf on white cloth

Dedicated to Quality

Quality is the foundation of everything I create. I focus on delivering herbal teas made with organic and wild-crafted ingredients and work directly with local suppliers and U.S.-based companies to ensure consistent freshness and integrity.  My traditional sourdough is made from scratch with only flour, water, and salt using all organic ingredients. All sourdough products are made fresh when ordered.

My Standards

  • Partnering with trusted domestic growers and suppliers
  • Sourcing organic and wild-crafted botanicals
  • Producing small-batch blends for optimal freshness
Brown paper bag on kitchen table.

The Homestead

Right now, my husband and I are also focused on building up our little 4 acre homestead which currently consists of 1 dog, 2 cats, and 33 chickens and 4 guinea fowl (more animals always in the plans😉). We have a young orchard started and also a large garden in the works for this year. When I am not making tea, baking bread, managing the homestead, or coaching at F45 Shelby 26 mile (the amazing gym I work at), you will probably find me outside working on a project or getting some sun. We love the idea of being self-sufficient and strive to produce much of what we use from scratch or buy from local farmers.

Vibrant sunset sky with silhouetted trees.
Cat standing on table, mouth open.
Person operating trencher in wooded area.
Person with chicken on their head outdoors.
Vibrant sunset with silhouetted trees and fence.
Person walking dog in a grassy yard.
Person giving thumbs up in garden.
Wooden shed interior with construction materials inside.
Person feeding chickens near a wooden shelter.
Woman standing on porch in casual attire.
Spacious garden with trees at sunset.
Barred rock chicken standing on grassy ground.
Snow-covered trees under clear blue sky.
Blossoming tree in a grassy landscape.
Man building fence next to small shed.
Man working on outdoor wooden structure.
Person working on a fence in garden.
Blueberry bush with ripening berries outdoors.
Couple smiling outdoors with sun hats.
Person sitting on green utility vehicle outside.
Snow-covered trees and barbecue in winter landscape.
Flower bed with tree stump and house.
Person building a fence in a garden.
Chickens roaming near cage on grassy field.
Cat sleeping on chair with floral pillow.
Gravel path and green lawn under trees.
Trees and sunset clouds in a garden.
Dog lying on grass in garden.
Guinea fowls perched on outdoor lounge chair.
Chicken wearing Santa hat in snowy yard.
Woman smiling with chickens on grass.
Woman smiling with four chickens nearby.
Hand holding bowl of fresh blackberries outdoors.
Woman hugging large dog on deck.
Chickens perched inside a dimly lit coop.
Metal shed with fenced-in garden area.
Chickens lounging on green grass outdoors.
Black dog lying on grass in garden.
Person hanging from wooden structure over tractor.
Beehive near wooden fence in backyard.
Beehive on concrete blocks surrounded by greenery.
Chickens grazing in a grassy orchard.
Chickens gathered outdoors under trees.
Open grassy field with scattered chickens.
Raised garden beds with plants and trees.
Lush green tree branches with hanging leaves.
Chickens roaming freely on grassy field.
Raised garden bed with vegetables and flowers.
Chickens under a wooden shelter in forest.

The Future

New sourdough offerings are always in development. I'm constantly experimenting and refining, so keep an eye out for new items on the menu.

Keep in Touch

I'm excited for what's coming next. Stay connected as this journey continues.