Crumbl Cookies co-founder Sawyer Hemsley publicly came out as gay on August 21, 2023, following a surge of speculation about his personal life on social media. Hemsley, who launched the popular cookie franchise in 2017, shared his journey of self-acceptance in a heartfelt social media post, emphasizing the importance of telling his story in his own words.
In his announcement, Hemsley addressed the negative impact of online rumors, stating that he had been subjected to people “trying to define me, twist things, and share conversations in ways that feel harmful.” He expressed a desire to take control of the narrative surrounding his identity: “The truth is, over the past few years I’ve come to understand and accept that I’m gay.” The post featured a touching image of Hemsley with one of his dogs, reinforcing the personal nature of his message.
Hemsley’s decision to come out followed a viral TikTok video by influencer Grant Gibbs, which claimed Hemsley was gay. The video amassed over 1.5 million views, prompting further speculation and discussion across various social media platforms.
Reflecting on his experience, Hemsley noted, “For most of my life, I didn’t have the clarity to answer the questions or respond to the rumors.” He described the process of coming to terms with his identity as overwhelming yet ultimately fulfilling. “It has also brought me peace, joy, and authenticity that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” he stated.
Growing up in Southeastern Idaho, Hemsley faced a complex journey of self-discovery shaped by his background and values. He mentioned the challenge of reconciling his upbringing with his identity, stating, “I grew up with values and beliefs that I still deeply love and respect, which made this journey more complicated.” Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for his foundation and support throughout his journey.
Hemsley’s coming out is not just a personal milestone; it also reflects a broader cultural conversation around LGBTQ+ visibility in business and society. He expressed hope that his announcement would be met with “kindness, empathy, and love.”
At Utah State University, where he graduated with a degree in communication studies, Hemsley and his cousin, Jason McGowan, developed the concept for Crumbl Cookies during their senior year. Their first store opened in 2017, and despite having “zero experience” in baking, they rapidly expanded their business model. Today, Crumbl operates 1,071 locations worldwide, selling over 1 million desserts daily.
Beyond Crumbl, Hemsley has launched several other ventures, including Crust Club, Polar Bear Eats Drive-In, and Rockhill Cheese. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his courageous personal revelation, highlights the evolving landscape of leadership in the business world, where authenticity and personal truth are increasingly valued.
In closing, Hemsley expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities he has had and the support he continues to receive. “It’s a journey of growth and honesty, and one I’ll never stop being grateful for,” he remarked, underscoring the positive impact of living openly and authentically.
