Amanda Sharp lives in McCalla, AL and sells sourdough bread and other baked goods with her cottage food business, The Little Bakery.

Amanda always wanted to open her own bakery, but couldn’t practically do so for health-related reasons.

During the pandemic, she discovered authentic sourdough, which got her baking and eating bread again, and in 2022, she finally fulfilled her lifelong dream of starting a bakery.

Within her first year of business, she became well-established at a market and often sold over $1k worth of baked goods each week.

But despite having a loyal customer base, she recently received heartbreaking news that changed everything, and forced her to pivot on the fly.

In this episode, Amanda shares how she built a very successful cottage food business and was able to adapt amidst adversity.

• Importance of Pricing Right from the Start: Amanda shared her experience of initially underpricing her sourdough loaves at $5, which barely covered costs. It was challenging, but she eventually had to increase her prices significantly to $10 or more to ensure her business was profitable. This change, while met with some resistance, ultimately helped her sustain and grow her business. Do your research and ensure your prices reflect the value and costs of your products right from the beginning.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Amanda’s journey is a testament to the power of flexibility. Despite investing heavily in her market presence, a sudden change at her main market forced her to find new selling avenues. Instead of giving up, she adapted by seeking out new markets and events, showing resilience in the face of adversity. Stay flexible and open to change. Challenges can lead to new opportunities if you remain adaptable.
• Personal Connection with Customers: Amanda emphasizes the importance of building personal connections with her customers. By sharing not just her products but also slices of her personal life on social media, she fostered a loyal customer base. She loves engaging with people at markets, which has been key to her success. People love buying from someone they feel connected to. Be genuine and share your story to build lasting relationships with your customers.

The Little Bakery (Instagram | Facebook)

Alabama Cottage Food Law

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If you’re looking to upgrade your baking game from beginner to professional, they simply have the right products for you. Simply Bread is a baker’s best friend.

To check them out, go to forrager.com/simplybread

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/145