The Bread Winner Podcast

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, Caroline kicks off a three-part series on navigating Q4, the busiest time of the year for sourdough microbakery owners. In part one, she dives into the importance of proactive schedule planning, offering strategies like time blocking, preparing for peak baking weeks, and ensuring that you make room for family and rest amidst the holiday rush. Caroline shares lessons from her own experience, emphasizing how thoughtful planning can help prevent burnout and allow bakers to enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed.

Tune in to hear how you can optimize your calendar, balance your commitments, and build a schedule that works for your business and your lifestyle. If you're gearing up for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other seasonal events, this episode will help you stay ahead and savor the season without sacrificing your sanity or success. Plus, Caroline is offering one-on-one coaching opportunities to help you refine your holiday strategy—details are in the show notes!

Download the free printable planning pages: https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/planner

Book a 1:1 Call with Caroline: https://calendar.app.google/DMTtsD62F56K247s7

Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery! 

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

Mentioned in this episode:

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In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, Caroline dives into the important question: Is running a sourdough micro bakery the right business for you? Whether you're just thinking about starting or you've already begun, Caroline shares a series of insightful, reflective questions to help you decide if this path aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and values. She explores the motivations behind starting a bakery, the time commitment required, and the often-unseen challenges that come with turning a passion into a profitable business.

From the physical demands of bulk dough preparation to the balancing act of family life and running a bakery, Caroline offers honest advice on what it really takes to succeed in this niche business. She also provides tips for staying connected to the joy of baking, even as you grow. If you're wondering whether a sourdough micro bakery is the right fit for you, this episode is packed with guidance to help you gain clarity and move forward with confidence.

Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Caroline! https://calendar.app.google/4L5Ed6bqFHE1XQg79

Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery! 

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

In this coaching episode, Caroline sits down with Verena Aziz, owner of V’s Treats in Seattle, to help her overcome the challenges of growing her microbakery. Verena shares her journey of turning her baking passion into a business and the struggle of balancing high-quality ingredients with profitability. Together, they explore solutions to shift from markets to porch pickups and attract more customers without burning out.

Tune in to hear actionable strategies on how to streamline operations, boost customer acquisition, and scale your bakery sustainably. This episode is packed with practical advice for any microbakery owner looking to grow their business while maintaining balance.

Connect with Verena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vs_treats/

Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery! 

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

This week, we're diving into the essential questions every sourdough microbakery owner should be asking themselves before the holiday season hits. Imagine heading into the busiest time of year with a clear plan, boosted confidence, and a game-changing strategy to handle the holiday rush without losing your sanity. In this episode, you'll discover how to maximize profits, streamline your processes, and strike the perfect balance between your business and personal life. Whether you're worried about keeping up with orders or wondering how to stand out at holiday markets, I've got you covered!

Tune in to get insider tips on managing your time, energy, and resources effectively. You’ll walk away with practical steps to make this your most profitable and stress-free holiday season yet. Get ready to set yourself up for success with less overwhelm and more joy. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s make this holiday season one to remember!

Download the 10 Questions Worksheet: https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/tenquestions

Join The Bread Winner Inner Circle: https://stan.store/Carolinebower_sourdough/p/the-bread-winner-inner-circle-ykms5

Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery! 

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

In this episode, we dive into the common struggles of starting a microbakery, specifically overcoming "analysis paralysis." Alissa has been working hard for over three months on perfecting her recipes, creating a logo, setting prices, and finalizing her menu. However, she finds herself stuck, second-guessing her efforts and unsure of how to officially launch her business. We explore practical strategies to move past the fear of rejection, how to handle the overwhelming pressure of competition, and the benefits of starting small and local.

We also discuss leveraging Facebook groups as a low-pressure way to introduce your bakery to potential customers, instead of relying solely on personal social networks. Caroline shares her own experience of starting organically through conversations rather than hard sells and how staying consistent through both busy and slow times will help build a strong, loyal customer base. If you're feeling paralyzed by self-doubt or unsure about when to launch, this episode offers actionable insights to help you confidently take the next step!

Links to things we talked about:

Free printable microbakery planner:  https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/planner

The Bread Winner Inner Circle Waitlist:  https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/bread-winner-inner-circle-waitlist

Alissa Simmons Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bygraceandgrains/

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

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Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery!

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, Caroline dives into the six essential pillars every microbakery owner needs to build a thriving, sustainable business. Drawing from her experience in business ownership and running a successful bakery, she explains why so much of the work is about making solid business decisions, not just baking great bread. Caroline shares how these pillars can prevent burnout, help you attract the right customers, and ensure your business fits your ideal lifestyle—without feeling like a constant grind. If you've ever felt stuck or overwhelmed, this episode will guide you toward balance and growth.

Caroline also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming 12-week group coaching program, The Bread Winner Inner Circle, where she'll work with bakers to apply these six foundational pillars to their businesses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your bakery to the next level, this episode offers key insights and actionable tips that will leave you ready to transform your business and your life. Join the waitlist for the program and start laying a solid foundation for your bakery today!

Join The Bread Winner Inner Circle Waitlist:

https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/bread-winner-inner-circle-waitlist

Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery! 

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, host Caroline Bower chats with Delaney Peters, a sourdough micro bakery owner in Alaska. Delaney shares her journey from growing up in California and moving to Alaska, to starting her bakery from scratch. They discuss practical tips for managing a home bakery with a young child, the importance of community support, and how Delaney incorporates her family in her baking process. Delaney also dives into her experiences with expanding her business, the benefits of investing in equipment, and finding balance between work and family life.

00:00 Introduction to The Bread Winner Podcast

00:48 Meet Delaney Peters: Sourdough Micro Bakery Owner

02:47 Delaney's Journey into Baking

06:35 Balancing Baking and Family Life

11:05 The Importance of Community Support

17:45 Investing in Equipment for Growth

23:21 Working with an Assistant

29:42 Porch Pickup and Market Sales

30:38 Challenges of Market Sales

31:24 Consistency in Baking Business

32:51 Marketing Strategies for Bakers

34:57 Starting Wholesaling: Tips and Insights

38:06 Building Community and Business Relationships

46:43 Fun Q&A with Delaney

48:37 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

Delaney Peters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delaneyssourdough/

Delaney Peters Website: delaneysourdough.com

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Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery! 

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, we tackle a common challenge faced by many sourdough microbakery owners: making the most of a small kitchen or baking space. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter or frustrated with a lack of room, this episode is packed with creative, practical tips to help you reclaim your space and streamline your workflow. We discuss everything from decluttering strategies to smart storage solutions and multi-purpose tools that will make a huge difference in your daily baking routine.

Whether you're operating from a tiny apartment kitchen or a small corner of your home, these space-saving hacks will help you maximize every inch, allowing you to focus on what you love most — baking! Tune in to learn how to create a more efficient and enjoyable workspace that aligns with your lifestyle. Plus, you’ll hear about ways to prepare for future growth as your microbakery business thrives. Don’t miss out on these valuable tips that will help you bake more and stress less!

Links to things we talked about:

Links to the small space essentials for an efficient space: https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/smallspace

The Bread Winner Inner Circle Waitlist: https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/bread-winner-inner-circle-waitlist

Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery! 

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, we sit down with Megan Morales from Purple Elephant Bookkeeping to uncover the secrets to stress-free bookkeeping for small business owners. If bookkeeping feels overwhelming or you find yourself scrambling at tax time, this episode is for you!

You'll learn why maintaining good financial habits is crucial for your bakery's success and the simple steps you can take to keep your books in order without getting buried in paperwork. Megan shares practical tips on avoiding common financial mistakes and explains how understanding your numbers can lead to smarter business decisions and increased profitability.

Tune in to discover how to stay ahead of your bookkeeping tasks, gain clarity on your business’s financial health, and set yourself up for long-term success—all without feeling stressed or confused! This episode will give you the confidence to manage your bakery's finances like a pro.

Links to things we talked about:

PurpleElephantBookkeeping.com

Purple Elephant Bookkeeping on Instagram

Get the free Small Business Tracker from Purple Elephant Bookkeeping (https://www.purpleelephantbookkeeping.com/bread-winner-subscribe)

Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery! 

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast,I’ll share why creating a list should be one of your top priorities and provide practical advice on how to get started, whether you choose email or text. From my own experience, I’ll highlight the advantages of using a list to keep your customers engaged and ensure your messages are seen.

We’ll cover the basics of when to start building your list (hint: the sooner, the better!), how to maintain direct communication with your customers, and which platforms work best for small businesses like yours. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale up, this episode will help you build stronger relationships with your customers and drive consistent growth for your bakery.

Plus, don’t forget to join the waitlist for The Bread Winner Inner Circle—our new online community designed to help you grow your business sustainably and profitably.

Links to things we talked about: 

Join the Bread Winner Inner Circle Waitlist: https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/bread-winner-inner-circle-waitlist

Project Broadcast for building a text list: https://app.projectbroadcast.com/sign-up?referral=bluebird

Mailchimp for building an email list: mailchimp.com

Caroline Bower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough

Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery!