Hello! Today is:

SEE WHAT'S NEW!

Our Bakery and Micro Market; the adventure begins!



Oh, there is so much happening in our home these days! My personal blog remains my best chance to journal these happenings, so here goes...

A week or two before Christmas, I saw a post in our local crafting group offering cinnamon rolls for sale. The post included a photo of cinnamon rolls that looked very much like the ones I’ve made in the past. What caught my attention, though, wasn’t the rolls—it was the response. Over 150 people commented that they were interested and wanted more information via private message. Wait, what? You mean people actually want someone to make cinnamon rolls—and they’ll buy them?

That was the start of a snowball rolling downhill. I told the family about it and couldn’t stop marveling at the reality. I kept watching the engagement online and realized it wasn’t an isolated event. People were selling baked goods from their cottage kitchens—and others were buying them!

One sleepless night after observing this trend, I found myself consumed by the possibilities. For years, people had been telling me I should sell my bread (and other baked goods). In fact, I had already researched how to sell beyond just bread. At one point, I even contacted a local business that rented out their kitchen to budding food entrepreneurs, but they had discontinued that option. Faced with other hurdles, I decided not to pursue it any further.

Still, feeding people has always been my primary way of serving. I’ve cooked meals for new moms, those dealing with illness or loss, lonely friends, celebrations, support group events, church gatherings, and, of course, my own family. I’m not a trained chef, nor have I ever wanted to be one. Fancy or upscale food is nice, but my heart lies in offering comfort and sustenance through simple, delicious meals—the kind best enjoyed at home, surrounded by family and friends. Hospitality, breaking bread together—this is my wheelhouse.

So I started conversations (and sourdough) with my husband and a couple of our daughters. Suddenly, things began falling into place. Then, I stumbled upon the term micro bakery—and it clicked. I could see how this would work. For years, we’d dreamed of a brick-and-mortar family business, but it always felt too overwhelming. However, an at-home, cottage kitchen micro bakery? That felt doable. And so the planning, dreaming, and baking began in earnest.

Several of our adult children already have online businesses they’ve been working on for some time. The idea of a shared space where they can showcase and sell their items alongside our baked goods has been a win-win.

I think I surprised everyone when I didn’t walk back this idea, as I’ve done in the past. Instead, I dove in headfirst, determined to make it happen. Within two weeks, I had completed all the necessary steps—taking classes, obtaining certifications, registering with the county, and ensuring everything was legal and safe. It felt like confirmation that this was meant to be when I realized that our home and the equipment we already had were more than sufficient to start baking for others.

Capitalizing on the momentum, Christina immediately got to work building our website and shop, while I created social media accounts to spread the word. Encouraged to announce our venture before we were fully ready, Christina posted an update on Facebook. Determined not to let fear stall our progress, I shared it too. The response was incredible! We joked that it was like Christina pushed me off a cliff, and I grabbed her on the way down. LOL.

Now we have a lot to do in the coming weeks. I’m baking every day, refining recipes to ensure consistency and perfection. We’re also reorganizing our space to balance functionality and flexibility. That’s a whole post in itself! Maintaining our home’s convertibility is a priority for me. On market days, which will initially be one day a week for a few hours, our front porch and living room will transform into a pick-up area—a cozy micro market. On other days, our home will feel just like home, as it should.

I’m thrilled about how this project allows us to incorporate so many of the things John and I envisioned for retirement—hospitality, gardening, growing herbs, woodworking, quilting, cooking, crafting, and more. Essentially, it’s everything we’d do on a farm, minus the animals and acreage. We’re calling it suburban homesteading!

Comments


@keep_it_simple_susan