Building a successful home-based business isn’t just about mastering your craft—it’s about balancing growth, staying authentic, and learning to scale smart. In Episode 48 of The Bread Winner Podcast, the tables turned as my baking assistant, Melissa, interviewed me about my journey. From my early days as a home baker to scaling my micro bakery into coaching and podcasting, this episode was a heartfelt reflection on lessons learned, pivotal moments, and what’s next.
Whether you’re just starting your own business or looking to refine what you’ve already built, I hope my story offers a few nuggets of wisdom to help you on your journey. Let’s dive into the highlights!
How It All Started: From Gluten-Free Struggles to Sourdough Success
Like many bakers, I didn’t set out to build a business. My gluten sensitivity led me to sourdough after struggling with store-bought bread full of preservatives and sugar. What started as a way to nourish my family quickly snowballed into selling loaves.
“It wasn’t an inspiration to be a bread baker—it was an answer to prayer that met the needs of my family at the time.”
It wasn’t until I saw another baker’s success story that I realized I could turn this into something more. That moment inspired me to fully commit, and I treated my baking as the full-time job our family needed.
The Turning Points That Made Growth Possible
Scaling a micro bakery from home isn’t easy, but a few key investments helped me grow sustainably:
Upgraded Equipment: A dedicated dough fridge, a larger mixer, and double ovens saved hours of labor and eliminated bottlenecks.
Hiring Help: Bringing on Melissa was pivotal for managing time and maintaining energy.
Mindset Shifts: I stopped seeing these expenses as risks and started seeing them as necessary steps to grow.
“To grow, you absolutely need to invest money into your business. Without that, you’re spending time—a resource you can’t get back.”
Balancing Work and Family
Running a home bakery means your work and personal lives often overlap. For me, finding balance has been about intentionality. My kids sometimes sit with me while I shape loaves, sharing stories about their day. I’ve also learned to time-block tasks and prioritize moments with my family to ensure the time we spend together is meaningful.
“There’s no perfect balance, but being intentional and present in the moments you have makes all the difference.”
Advice for Bakers and Entrepreneurs
Melissa asked what advice I’d give to my younger self, and here’s what I’d share with new bakers or anyone starting a small business:
Master Bulk Dough: Practice making large batches before selling to ensure quality and consistency.
Invest Wisely: Identify bottlenecks in your process and invest in tools or systems to eliminate them.
Be Authentic: Share your unique story—it’s what sets you apart in a crowded market.
“Your story is the one thing no one else can copy. Stay true to that, and you’ll connect with your customers in a real way.”
What’s Next: Big Dreams for 2025
As we look ahead, I’m excited to reopen The Bread Winner Inner Circle in January and launch a big new project in 2025. This year has been about building foundations, and the next chapter is all about bringing the baking community closer together.
Final Thoughts
This episode was a joy to record because it gave me a chance to reflect on the journey so far and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your own business, know that it’s okay to invest in growth, ask for help, and keep pushing forward.
If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your biggest takeaway in the comments or tag me on Instagram @carolinebower_sourdough. Let’s grow our businesses together!
Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery!
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