About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
🐾 Welcome to The Zebra Sourdough Co. — home of Jane Dough, my bubbly sourdough starter and the heart of every bake! 🥖🍪🌀
I bake artisan sourdough breads, brownies, cookies, scones, bars, cinnamon rolls, muffins, dog treats & more — all made with love and the freshest quality ingredients. 💛
For me, baking isn’t just about food — it’s about joy. There’s nothing better than pouring my heart into every creation and seeing someone’s face light up with that very first bite. ✨
At The Zebra Sourdough Co., I’m also passionate about creating awareness for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome as we are personally impacted by this group of inherited genetic anomalies — one baked good at a time. 🦓💜 The zebra is a symbol for EDS because those with the condition are the 'medical zebras,' or the unexpected diagnosis. Each of our cookies is unique, just like every person with EDS, proudly representing those who defy common assumptions.
Follow along for pre-orders, seasonal specials, and plenty of sourdough magic! 🌿
Our Mission
The Zebra Sourdough Co. was established with the mission to not only provide exceptional sourdough products but also to raise awareness for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Our journey began with a deep-rooted passion for baking, and as we delved into the world of sourdough, we found our purpose in creating delectable treats while supporting a cause close to our hearts.
What is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic disorders that affect the body's connective tissues, which act as the body's "glue" to hold everything together. In someone with EDS, this "glue" is faulty or weaker, causing problems with joints, skin, and sometimes blood vessels and other organs. There are several types of EDS, with varying severity, but the hypermobile type is the most common.
Explaining Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in relatable words
Imagine your body is built with a sturdy scaffolding made of strong, elastic rope. For most people, this rope is tight and reliable. For someone with EDS, that rope is more like a stretched-out, frayed rubber band.
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Loose joints: Because the "rubber bands" holding their joints together are loose, a person with EDS can be extremely flexible—sometimes called "double-jointed." This might look impressive, but it means their joints are unstable and can partially or fully pop out of place with very little effort.
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Fragile skin: Their skin is often thin, soft, and stretchy, similar to velvet. This can lead to easy bruising and slow, difficult wound healing, as the skin struggles to hold stitches.
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Widespread issues: The faulty "glue" affects more than just joints and skin. It can impact blood vessels, internal organs, and the nervous system, leading to a wide range of other symptoms.
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Constant pain: Dr. Tennant says, "At this point in time, I put EDS in the category of being in the top three or four most severe pain problems. A lot of people for example think that cancer pain is the worst of pain, but let me assure you that many EDS patients have pain far beyond any cancer patient I've ever seen. And so it's one of the pain problems that is severe, has been very troublesome, many physicians are afraid of the disease and of the kind of pain that EDS patients have."
The impacts on one's life
Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be a constant struggle with unpredictable and often invisible symptoms.
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Constant pain and fatigue: Chronic pain from unstable joints is a defining feature for many with EDS, along with debilitating fatigue that no amount of rest seems to fix. This makes even simple, everyday tasks like walking or doing laundry a major physical effort.
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Invisible illness: Because many with EDS "look healthy," they often face skepticism or are dismissed by others, including medical professionals. This can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and depression. 1 in 10 that have this disease will actually get diagnosed.
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Daily unpredictability: Symptoms can "flare up" without warning, making it nearly impossible to plan ahead. A good day could be followed by several bad days, forcing them to cancel plans or miss work.
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Comorbid conditions: Many related conditions often accompany EDS, including:
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POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome): A malfunction of the nervous system that causes dizziness, lightheadedness, and a rapid heart rate when standing up.
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Gastrointestinal issues: Problems with digestion are common.
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Neurological problems: Such as migraines and nerve pain.
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Lifestyle limitations: To prevent dislocations and manage symptoms, many people with EDS must avoid high-impact sports, heavy lifting, or strenuous activities. They may rely on braces, assistive devices, and gentle exercises like swimming or pilates to maintain strength and stability.