Find all of the reflection questions from this episode at carolinebower.com/episode50

Wow, I can’t believe we’ve hit 50 episodes! This milestone feels like such a testament to the incredible community we’ve built here. In this episode, we’re diving into the first of a three-part series designed to help you reflect on where your bakery business has been, where it’s heading, and how to approach 2025 with clarity and purpose.

Together, we’ll walk through reflection questions that encourage you to celebrate your wins, confront challenges, and uncover patterns that might be shaping your journey. Whether you’ve had an amazing year or one full of lessons, these insights will set the stage for intentional growth.

If you’ve ever wondered how to pause, regroup, and plan with purpose, this episode is for you. I’ll share prompts that invite you to dig deep into your strengths, habits, and values—all while thinking about how your business serves your life as a whole. It’s the perfect way to reset and gear up for what’s next.

Grab a notebook, or just listen while you bake, and don’t forget to head to the episode webpage for the full list of reflection questions. This process is all about building a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Let’s start 2025 strong, together.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour

I'm a HUGE fan of Sunrise Flour Mill both for speciality products in my microbakery as well as for my family! I know I'm maximizing the nutrition of everything I bake using Sunrise Flour!

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill

After taking some much-needed time to rest and recharge over the holidays, I’m back with a heartfelt reflection on December. In this episode, I’m sharing the highs and lows of a busy holiday baking season, what worked (and what didn’t), and the lessons I’m taking into 2025. Whether you’re navigating seasonal surges or dreaming of a smoother workflow, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical takeaways to inspire your next steps.

I’m also pulling back the curtain on my goals for the year ahead—from refining my bakery schedule to cultivating stronger connections with my customers. If you’re ready to grow intentionally, create balance, and learn from someone who’s been there, this one’s for you. Grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into this fresh start together!

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour

I'm a HUGE fan of Sunrise Flour Mill both for speciality products in my microbakery as well as for my family! I know I'm maximizing the nutrition of everything I bake using Sunrise Flour!

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill

This episode is extra special because Melissa, my amazing baking assistant, takes over as the interviewer! She flips the script and asks me all about my journey from baking bread to building a thriving micro bakery business, launching this podcast, and expanding into coaching. We reflect on the milestones, the lessons learned, and the big dreams for the future.

I share candid moments about juggling family life and business, the challenges of scaling sustainably, and how my love for breadmaking turned into a passion for helping others grow their own businesses. If you're navigating your own entrepreneurial journey—or just curious about what happens behind the scenes—you’ll love this heart-to-heart conversation. Stick around for advice on staying authentic, investing in growth, and embracing the moments that truly matter.

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

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour

My kids have been DEVOURING the banana bread that I've been making with the Heritage White Flour, and my customers are so excited about the 50/50 Whole Wheat Heritage that I've added to my menu using the Heritage Whole Wheat Flour!

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, we're diving into one of the most impactful ways to connect with your customers and stand out in your community—crafting your brand story. Your story is more than just an "About Me" section; it's the heart and soul of your business. It’s what turns one-time customers into loyal fans who feel a personal connection to your microbakery.

I’ll walk you through the steps to create a brand story that’s authentic, relatable, and unique to you. We’ll discuss why your story matters, how it connects you to your ideal customers, and simple ways to start sharing it. Whether it's on social media, your website, or even on your packaging, your story is a powerful tool to build a thriving microbakery that resonates with your community. Tune in and let’s bring your brand story to life!

Book 1:1 Business Coaching with Caroline: https://stan.store/Carolinebower_sourdough/p/build-a-thriving-microbakery-with-11-coaching

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:

Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour

I'm a HUGE fan of Sunrise Flour Mill both for speciality products in my microbakery as well as for my family! I know I'm maximizing the nutrition of everything I bake using Sunrise Flour!

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill

On today’s episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m joined by the inspiring Hannah Guzman, a microbakery owner who’s balancing a full-time job, motherhood, and a thriving sourdough business. Hannah shares her journey of turning her postpartum hobby into a flourishing microbakery in just eight months, all while navigating the challenges of working a 9-to-5 and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

We dive into Hannah’s story, exploring the therapeutic power of sourdough, her strategies for setting boundaries to prevent burnout, and her tips for running a microbakery with limited resources. She also shares valuable insights about fostering an abundance mindset, engaging authentically on social media, and overcoming challenges with local markets. Whether you’re just starting your sourdough journey or looking for ways to grow sustainably, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement.

Connect with Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crustycravingsbyhannah/

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:

Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour

I'm a HUGE fan of Sunrise Flour Mill both for speciality products in my microbakery as well as for my family! I know I'm maximizing the nutrition of everything I bake using Sunrise Flour!

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill

Planning your bake days doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most important aspects of running a microbakery: determining your capacity. Whether you’re gearing up for a big market or setting limits for pre-orders,

I’m sharing practical strategies to help you simplify your schedule, work within your constraints, and avoid burnout. You’ll come away with actionable tips to manage your time and resources more effectively, so you can focus on what matters most—creating incredible baked goods for your customers.

This episode is all about making your microbakery work for you. From identifying your equipment and space limitations to calculating realistic bake-day timelines, I’ll guide you through the steps to create a sustainable workflow.

If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin trying to meet demand, this conversation is packed with insights to help you streamline your process and feel more in control of your baking business.

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

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:

Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour

I'm a HUGE fan of Sunrise Flour Mill both for speciality products in my microbakery as well as for my family! I know I'm maximizing the nutrition of everything I bake using Sunrise Flour!

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill

I am thrilled to share this incredible conversation with Stijn Vanorbeek, the innovative mind behind Simply Bread Company and the Simply Bread Oven. We dive into Stijn’s fascinating journey from a tech-savvy entrepreneur to a passionate baker and inventor of a revolutionary bread oven that has transformed the world of micro bakeries.

Stijn shares how his love for community and his frustration with bread quality in the U.S. led him to develop a product that not only enhances the art of bread-making but also creates meaningful connections among bakers and their customers. You’ll hear his insights on the challenges of scaling, the importance of local production, and the heartwarming ways Simply Bread supports bakers at every stage.

What makes this episode truly special is the passion and purpose behind Simply Bread’s story. Stijn’s journey is a testament to the power of combining craftsmanship with community-building.

Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast, an aspiring micro-baker, or someone curious about entrepreneurship, you’ll walk away inspired to chase your dreams, nurture your community, and savor the beauty of good bread. Don’t miss the inside scoop on future plans, including accessories, education, and even the possibility of international baking adventures!

Ways to Connect with Simply Bread:

• Simply Bread Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1E4FMA7Jz2/
• Simply Bread Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplybreadco/
• General Email: [email protected]
• Stijn's Email: [email protected]

Other important links:

Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Caroline to grow your sourdough microbakery business: 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:

Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour

I'm a HUGE fan of Sunrise Flour Mill both for speciality products in my microbakery as well as for my family! I know I'm maximizing the nutrition of everything I bake using Sunrise Flour!

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill

Hey friends! In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I share some of the lessons I've learned from the best and worst investments I’ve made while building my bakery business. From the tools that have become indispensable to the ones that were total flops, this candid conversation is packed with practical tips to help you skip some of the missteps I made.

I share how starting with the cheapest options sometimes cost me more in the long run (hello, sticking bread liners and terrible oven gloves!). But it’s not all regret—this episode also highlights the equipment that’s been worth every penny, like my trusty Cambro containers and double oven setup. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your toolkit, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to grow a small business smartly and sustainably.

For a full list of the links to my favorite items that I mention in the episode, visit the episode webpage, www.carolinebower.com/episode43

For other links:

Book a 1:1 Coaching 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:

Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour

My kids have been DEVOURING the banana bread that I've been making with the Heritage White Flour, and my customers are so excited about the 50/50 Whole Wheat Heritage that I've added to my menu using the Heritage Whole Wheat Flour!

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill

Hi friends, welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast! In this episode, I’m reflecting on November—what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m taking forward into December. If you’ve ever felt the tension between doing too much and honoring your energy, this one’s for you. I’m sharing how I paced myself for a manageable Thanksgiving rush, why clear boundaries are key to sustainable baking, and a few game-changing lessons (like why frozen dough has a time limit). Plus, I’m talking markets—why I don't stress the slow weeks and my favorite way to introduce new flavors to my customers.

But it’s not just about business—I’m also getting personal. From solo hotel stays to overcoming perfectionism, I’m digging into the mindset shifts that have made all the difference. Whether you're balancing life and business or gearing up for the holiday season, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to help you thrive.

Grow your business with 1:1 coaching and lock in the lowest rate I'll ever offer!: https://stan.store/Carolinebower_sourdough/p/preblack-friday-coaching-offer

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:

Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour

I'm a HUGE fan of Sunrise Flour Mill both for speciality products in my microbakery as well as for my family! I know I'm maximizing the nutrition of everything I bake using Sunrise Flour!

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I take a moment to reflect on the incredible community of bakers and mentors that make this journey so special. This episode is dedicated to expressing gratitude—not just for the lessons and inspiration we’ve gained from one another, but for you, my amazing listeners. Without your unwavering support and enthusiasm, this podcast wouldn’t exist. Together, we’re building something truly remarkable, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

You’ll hear touching messages from members of our sourdough microbakery community, each expressing thanks to mentors and peers who’ve inspired them. From guidance in starting an Instagram account to invaluable advice on bulk baking and business growth, these notes capture the essence of connection and generosity. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s honor the power of kindness and encouragement that keeps us rising (pun intended!). Plus, a special shout-out to our sponsor, Sunrise Flour Mill, whose support fuels this podcast and our shared mission to empower microbakery owners. Don’t forget to explore our new website for show notes, blog posts, and exclusive offers!

carolinebower.com

Take your business to the next level with 1:1 coaching with Caroline: https://stan.store/Carolinebower_sourdough/p/preblack-friday-coaching-offer

20% off Sunrise Flour Mill:  https://thebreadwinner.captivate.fm/sunrise20

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!