Haskill Essentials: Whitney Brien

Meet Whitney!

Whitney Brien is the owner and founder of Fleur Bake Shop, which she opened in 2017. Originally from Michigan, she attended Montana State University before pursuing her passion for baking at The French Pastry School in Chicago. After living in various places and refining her craft, she returned to Montana to start her own business with the goal of providing the Flathead community with quality and delicious pastries, cakes, breads and desserts. When she’s not at the Bake Shop, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and their dogs whether on the water or the trails, as well as exploring new destinations through travel.

We asked Whitney what her favorite Haskill Essentials are, as well as some other get-to-know-you questions!

1. Fleur Bakeshop is known for its incredible pastries and dedication to quality ingredients. How do you approach sourcing the best ingredients and why is that important to you?

Sourcing quality ingredients has always been a staple of what we do, because you can taste and feel the difference. We use all organic Montana flour in all of our glutinous products, local organic eggs, high quality chocolates, butter, organic produce and more. We source our organic produce from local farms and work closely with Wicked Good Produce. It’s important to me that we utilize what our Valley produces for us to sustain and celebrate our local food systems; and what we can’t source locally, knowing we’re utilizing as much organic and quality ingredients as possible.

2. Running a bakery is both an art and a demanding job. What are your go-to self-care rituals or wellness essentials that help you stay balanced and energized?

Getting enough sleep is always a priority of mine, as well as walking our dogs outside or getting to enjoy a focused yoga class. I really enjoy my daily skincare routine and taking clean supplements to know my body is getting all it needs.

3. Whitefish has such a strong sense of community. How has being part of this town influenced Fleur Bakeshop, and what do you love most about being a small business owner here?

I absolutely love being embedded in our community and getting to share in the joy of what we create. We’re always looking for ways to give back and collaborate with local nonprofits and businesses, and I believe forming those connections and having relationships with our regulars is foundational.

4. If you had to create a Fleur Bakeshop-inspired self-care moment, what would it look like?

I think baking in itself is a form of self-care. That’s how I started baking regularly and fell in love with it back in college, as it was a stress-reliever for me. The mindfulness, attention to detail and creativity it brings are all very therapeutic to me.

5. Favorite Fleur item on the menu??

Always and forever our cannelé! If you’ve never had one it’s a must try. Otherwise I’m always loving our seasonal filled cruffin flavors (croissant + muffin = cruffin).

Here are her Haskill Favorites:

Shop Small! All of these products are available in-store at Haskill Creek.

**We do not receive commission from the links provided below.

1. OSEA | Undaria Algae Body Oil: “I’m in love with this body oil! I started using it beginning of winter and it’s helped so much to keep my skin soft and not dry and itchy.” Undaria Body Oil

2. Ere Perez | Jojoba Eye Pencil: “The perfect eye liner, it goes on smooth and has great color.” Eye Pencil

3. Tattly | Temporary Tattoos: “I’ve bought these temporary tattoos for my nieces and it’s made a fun kids gift (or for adults!)” Tattly Tats

4. Upcircle | Hand & Body Lotion: "I love the smell of this hand lotion and it goes on non-greasy and light.” Hand & Body Lotion

5. Plant People | Wondersleep Gummies: “These gummies are great when I need a little help winding down for sleep. Good ingredients and no sugar.“ Wondersleep Gummies

6. Thorne | Women’s Daily Probiotic: “I trust this brand and enjoy taking the women’s supplements daily!” Women's Probiotics

7. Happy Organics | Birthday Candles: "The CUTEST birthday candles, I love their size and they look just like fruit, a perfect and unique topping for a birthday cake.” Birthday Candles

8. OSEA | Ocean Eyes: “This product gives my under-eyes a boost of brightness and moisture.” Ocean Eyes

To learn more, visit Fleur's website here, or visit the bakery at 103 Central Avenue in downtown Whitefish.