Stacey Kimball sells alcohol-infused caramels and chocolates with her candy business, Bluebird Confections in Caldwell, ID.

Stacey started selling her caramels from home in 2013, expanded into a shared commercial kitchen in 2017, and then rebranded and moved into her own storefront in 2020 right before the pandemic hit.

In this episode, Stacey shares how she overcame challenges and found success by building relationships with her community and focusing on slow and consistent growth.

• Lean Into Your Strengths: Stacey initially sold cookies and cupcakes, but quickly realized her passion and her business’s unique edge was in making caramels and confections. By focusing on what she truly enjoyed and what set her apart, she built a brand that stands out at every market. Don’t be afraid to pivot! Find what you love and what makes your business special, then double down on it.
• Track What Sells and Let Data Guide You: In the early days, Stacey kept a simple handwritten list of what she brought to each market and what sold. This helped her spot trends like the popularity of assorted bags and make smarter decisions about what to make next. Even basic tracking can reveal powerful insights. Start small, but pay attention. Your best-sellers might surprise you!
• Build Real Relationships: Stacey credits much of her success to building genuine connections with customers, local businesses, and her community. She remembers regulars, collaborates with local distilleries, and even gets surprise visits from customers bringing flowers! People buy from people they trust. Invest in those relationships. They’re the heart of a thriving cottage food business.

Bluebird Confections website (Facebook| Instagram)

Idaho Cottage Food Law

A lot of entrepreneurs still think they need to spend money to get a good website, and that is simply not true anymore.

I created this free tutorial that will walk you through how to set up a totally free website on Square Online in less than an hour!

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/146

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

Simply Bread mixes technology and community to power the next generation of bakers. 

Baking is not just a hobby or a business; it’s one of the simplest things that brings us together as family and friends, cultures and communities, all around the globe.

The Simply Bread oven marries traditional baking techniques with cutting-edge technology.

Simply Bread aims to make the world’s highest-quality baking products accessible to everyone, and the oven’s versatility allows it to bake bread, desserts, and more.

You can bake up to 15 loaves in 40 minutes, use its programmable steam generation and manual steam release feature, control each of its three deck’s temperature individually, and connect it to WiFi to access data about your bakes. They have also designed a line of baking accessories, the perfect addition to anyone’s bakery.

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

Annie Wang lives in Oakland, CA and sells vegan Asian pastries with her food business, Little Moon Bakehouse.

Years ago, when Annie switched to eating vegan, she could no longer eat many of the Asian baked goods that she grew up with. She has now created vegan versions of many of those items from her childhood, and she’s built an impressive business around them!

Initially Annie started selling from home, but she eventually outgrew her home kitchen, expanded into a commercial space, and now ships her products across the country.

In this episode, Annie shares how she turned multiple passions of hers into a very successful hyper-niched and eco-friendly bakery by starting small, scaling up, and completing a massive rebrand.

• Start Even if It’s Not Perfect: Annie shared how she began her journey with Little Moon Bakehouse without having the perfect name or brand. Initially, she called her business Annie’s T Cakes. It wasn’t until three years later that she rebranded. This shows that you don’t need to have everything figured out to start. Just begin and refine as you go!
• Harness the Power of Email Marketing:  Annie emphasized the importance of staying in touch with her customers through email marketing. She shares that launching products via email first creates exclusivity and drives sales. If you’re not already using email marketing, it’s time to jump on board. Start small and watch your customer base grow!
• Maintain a Connection to Your Roots: Annie’s success lies in her ability to recreate vegan versions of nostalgic Asian baked goods. She tapped into memories and cultural significance, which resonated deeply with her customers. Think about what unique aspects of your story and heritage you can highlight in your business. This connection can set you apart and create a loyal customer base.

Little Moon Bakehouse website (Instagram | Facebook | KQED Article)

Kai Kwong (designer)

California Cottage Food Law

Are you building an email list for your business yet? If not, you really should be collecting customers’ email addresses and emailing them on a regular basis. Even these days, email continues to be better than social media for generating consistent sales, and the best part is that you own it. Once you build an email list, nobody can take it away from you.

I created this free tutorial that will walk you through the essentials of using Kit to build an email list and get more followers!

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/144

Ana Delgado lives in Wingdale, NY and sells caramel apples and other treats with her cottage food business, Apples & Jars.

Ana has an incredible business journey that has taken many turns. She started in 2017 and although her business was very successful, she became overwhelmed and took a break from baking.

Then she restarted her business out of a commercial kitchen, but while she was building that up, one day much of her life fell apart unexpectedly.

Determined not to quit, she restarted again from home, and has now become very successful without showing any signs of slowing down.

• Never Give Up, Even When Life Knocks You Down: Ana’s business journey faced many hurdles, from being overwhelmed to becoming homeless. Yet, she never gave up! Her resilience reminds us all that persistence is key. Keep pushing, no matter how tough it gets! 
• Adapt and Innovate: Initially, Ana’s business relied heavily on chocolate, but with her home processor permit, she pivoted to creating unique caramel apple flavors instead. Adapt your products to fit your circumstances — there’s always a way to stand out! 
• Find Your Tribe & Support Network: Ana found crucial support through Chef Amanda Schonberg’s entrepreneur community, which breathed new life into her business. Seeking out mentors and communities can provide the guidance and motivation you need to thrive!

Apple & Jars website (Instagram | Facebook)

Ana’s Stan Store (Top Tools For Sweet Success)

Episode 80 with Chef Amanda Schonberg

New York Cottage Food Law

Chef Amanda Schonberg’s starter course will help you make extra money by adding digital products to your business, just like Ana has done.

More and more bakers are finding ways to earn additional revenue outside of the kitchen, so what’s stopping you?

Let this be the year that you start to earn extra income and have success the digital way.

To learn more about Amanda’s course, go to forrager.com/digital

Chef Amanda Schonberg’s entrepreneur community stands out as truly exceptional.

It offers a powerful combination of community, valuable content, and personalized coaching.

To learn more about Amanda’s community, go to http://forrager.com/amanda

Next year, in the spring of 2026, get ready for CottageFoodieCon — the first ever, in-person, nationwide cottage food conference!

The conference will be located in one of the most active cottage food hubs in the country, and it will be hosted by The Cottage Foodie and My Custom Bakes.

It will have everything that you’d want in a conference: keynotes, classes, vendors, panels, food, and most importantly, the opportunity to connect with cottage food entrepreneurs around the nation!

To learn more about the conference and to get email updates when registration opens, go to cottagefoodiecon.com

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/143

Georgi DeCosta lives in Kaneohe, HI and sells banana breads and bundt cakes with her cottage food business, Georgi’s Goodies.

Georgi has been through some incredibly dark times in her life. Over 25 years ago, she recovered from a dangerous addiction to meth and heroin, and more recently during the pandemic, she dealt with very serious depression.

She never expected to end up in the food industry, but she found that baking provided her with a much-needed reprieve from her depression.

With the help of her boyfriend, she’s turned her baking therapy into a legitimate cottage food bakery, and now sells close to $1,000 of baked goods at her markets.

But Georgi’s story is less about making money, and more about finding purpose when facing adversity.

• Turning Passion into Purpose: Georgi’s journey into baking started as a way to find purpose during a tough time. She turned her love for baking into a thriving business, proving that passion can lead to success. So if you’re feeling stuck, find something you love and let it drive you forward!
• Starting Small and Scaling Up: Georgi advises starting small with what you love and do well. She began with her famous banana bread and bundt cakes, gradually expanding her product line as she gained confidence and customers. Start with your best recipes and let your business grow organically. 
• Building and Leaning on Your Community: From getting help when her stove broke down to loyal customers who return week after week, Georgi’s story underscores the importance of community. Engaging authentically with your audience can create a support system that helps your business thrive. 

Georgi’s Goodies Linktree (Instagram | Facebook | Civil Beat Article)

Hawaii Cottage Bakers & Treat Makers (Facebook Group)

Hawaii Cottage Food Law

Are you building an email list for your business yet? If not, you really should be collecting customers’ email addresses and emailing them on a regular basis. Even these days, email continues to be better than social media for generating consistent sales, and the best part is that you own it. Once you build an email list, nobody can take it away from you.

I created this free tutorial that will walk you through the essentials of using Kit to build an email list and get more followers!

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/142

Rita Magalde sells baklava and other baked goods with her bakery, Sheer Ambrosia, in Salt Lake City, UT.

Rita started her bakery from home back in 2008, and still retains a wholesale account that she acquired in her first year in business.

But while some things have been consistent, most haven’t. Her roller coaster business journey includes big risks, life changes, and many surprises.

Rita calls Sheer Ambrosia her third child, and although it hasn’t been easy, she has now built it into a national brand and is confident it will become a multi-million dollar business.

• How Rita’s business saved her from a very dark time in her life
• What to consider when transitioning from a home kitchen to a commercial space
• Why your business should not look like it’s home-based
• The importance of being honest in your business endeavors
• Why it’s essential to align your business with your passion
• The difference between clients and customers
• How to offer exceptional customer service
• The mindset you need to have to set your business up for success
• The importance of continuously adapting your business to meet customers’ needs
• The sales method that gets you the best of both retail and wholesale

Sheer Ambrosia website (Instagram | Facebook)

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Utah Cottage Food Law

The Cottage Foodie is an online directory that will expand your customer base and connect you with food enthusiasts not only across your own state, but around the country as well. It’s the go-to resource for consumers everywhere seeking unique, locally-made treats.

The founder, Matt Rosen, was on Episode 133 and shared that he was inspired to start The Cottage Foodie to help other bakers fulfill their dreams.

By joining The Cottage Foodie, you’ll also get to connect and network with an exclusive community of Cottage Food Producers who are passionate about running their food businesses from the comfort of home.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your talents and grow your cottage food business!

To join The Cottage Foodie and learn more, go to forrager.com/cottagefoodie

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/141

Michelle Chesser lives in Millersville, MO and sells cinnamon rolls and other baked goods with her home food business, Home Sweet Home Bakery.

Michelle started her cottage bakery 16 years ago when she was living in a mobile home trailer and homeschooling her four young kids. She started very small and steadily grew her business until it became so successful that she had to intentionally scale back multiple times.

She now has a commercial kitchen built into her home and sells thousands of baked goods each year. But that’s not all: she also has a separate, very popular lemonade business in the summertime, a weekly catering gig, and a coaching business where she helps other food entrepreneurs build their bakeries.

She is well known online as the Home Sweet Home Baker and now has over 180,000 followers on Instagram. Rest assured, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

• That you can be successful with your cottage food business no matter how small your kitchen is
• What to do when you face obstacles in your business
• The mindset you need to have to be a successful home baker
• How to make yourself more productive when you have too much on your plate
• How to increase the chances that someone will buy from you
• Tips for growing your social media presence
• The trap of chasing every dollar and what to focus on instead
• How to get your kids involved in your business
• A side-hustle that can get you through a summer slowdown
• When to start hiring help, and how it can transform your business
• How to grow through life’s seasons while staying true to your vision

Home Sweet Home Bakery website (Instagram | Facebook)

The Baker’s Library

Missouri Cottage Food Law

The Cottage Foodie is an online directory that will expand your customer base and connect you with food enthusiasts not only across your own state, but around the country as well. It’s the go-to resource for consumers everywhere seeking unique, locally-made treats.

The founder, Matt Rosen, was on Episode 133 and shared that he was inspired to start The Cottage Foodie to help other bakers fulfill their dreams.

By joining The Cottage Foodie, you’ll also get to connect and network with an exclusive community of Cottage Food Producers who are passionate about running their food businesses from the comfort of home.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your talents and grow your cottage food business!

To join The Cottage Foodie and learn more, go to forrager.com/cottagefoodie

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/140

Chris Martin lives in Charlottesville, VA and sells Latin American baked goods with her cottage food business, bakernobakery.

Chris has been selling baked goods since she was in high school, which led her to culinary school and eventually working for some of the best chefs in the country.

While working at a high-end hotel and restaurant, she started selling her own French pastries on the side just for fun, and they eventually became so popular that she quit her career in fine dining to focus solely on her cottage food bakery.

But a couple of years later, when her business was booming, she completely pivoted to selling Latin American baked goods instead. In many ways she had to start over, but after only a year or two, she was able to rebuild her business back to the same level as before.

In this episode, Chris shares how she used grants to raise money for her bakery, how she built a dream kitchen in her basement, and many of the ups and downs in her business journey.

• How Chris landed jobs at three different Michelin 3-star restaurants
• Techniques in fine dining kitchens that Chris has applied to her home bakery
• Why Chris decided to leave her prestigious career to pursue a cottage food business
• How Chris runs her closed loop farm to keep her business very sustainable
• About Chris’ incredible commercial equipment setup in her basement
• How to apply for grants to get money to invest in your business
• How to attract returning customers at different events during the same weekend
• Why Chris abandoned her very successful products and pivoted to a brand new menu

bakernobakery website (Instagram | TikTok | Bio Site)

Virginia Home Food Processing Law

A lot of entrepreneurs still think they need to spend money to get a good website, and that is simply not true anymore.

I created this free tutorial that will walk you through how to set up a totally free website on Square Online in less than an hour!

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/139

Davia Delgado lives in Trenton, NJ and sells German baked goods with her cottage food business, Raven Cakes Bakery.

Davia has only been running her business for one year, and she is absolutely crushing it!

She consistently sells over $2,000 and sometimes even over $3,000 worth of products at her farmers market, and is already at the point where the sales limit in New Jersey is restricting her business.

How did she become so successful so quickly? That’s what I tried to find out in this episode.

• The difference between German and American baked goods
• How Davia made $1,500 of sales at her very first market, and over $3,000 at markets within her first year
• Potential challenges with building a commercial kitchen in your home
• The importance of building a community and fostering personal connections that extend beyond your business
• The #1 thing you should do if you consistently sell at markets
• A strategy for increasing your average order value
• Simple techniques to make your product photos look stunning
• An extra source of social media content that you’re probably not leveraging
• The mindset you need to be successful

Raven Cakes Bakery website (Instagram | Facebook)

SCORE (Free Small Business Mentorship)

New Jersey Cottage Food Law

The Cottage Foodie is an online directory that will expand your customer base and connect you with food enthusiasts not only across your own state, but around the country as well. It’s the go-to resource for consumers everywhere seeking unique, locally-made treats.

The founder, Matt Rosen, was on Episode 133 and shared that he was inspired to start The Cottage Foodie to help other bakers fulfill their dreams.

By joining The Cottage Foodie, you’ll also get to connect and network with an exclusive community of Cottage Food Producers who are passionate about running their food businesses from the comfort of home.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your talents and grow your cottage food business!

To join The Cottage Foodie and learn more, go to forrager.com/cottagefoodie

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/138

Elena-Maria Hert lives in Billings, MT and sells European baked goods with her cottage food business, European Baked Delights.

Elena grew up in Romania and moved to the United States in 2021. She started sharing her baked goods with neighbors, and they encouraged her to start selling them.

Elena started her cottage food bakery in the summer of 2022, and she’s not shy to admit that her growth went slower than she expected. She mostly sells products that most people in her area aren’t familiar with, so it’s taken a long time to find and educate her customer base.

It wasn’t until 2024 that she started to see significant growth in her business, and now her persistence is paying off, with her being fully booked with orders by the end of that year.

In this episode, Elena shares an honest view of some of the challenges of starting a bakery from home, especially when you don’t initially find product/market fit.

• The risk of choosing a niche you are passionate about
• Why patience and persistence are essential when introducing unfamiliar products
• The challenge of balancing labor-intensive baking with profitability
• Why Elena focuses on an international menu, instead of only selling Romanian baked goods
• How to promote a porch popup
• The benefits of incorporating digital products to supplement baking income
• The reality of work/life balance when starting a business with young kids
• How Elena’s residency status affected her ability to sell homemade food

European Baked Delights website (Instagram | Facebook | TikTok)

Elena’s Stan Store (digital info products for bakers)

Montana Cottage Food Law

The Cottage Foodie is an online directory that will expand your customer base and connect you with food enthusiasts not only across your own state, but around the country as well. It’s the go-to resource for consumers everywhere seeking unique, locally-made treats.

The founder, Matt Rosen, was on Episode 133 and shared that he was inspired to start The Cottage Foodie to help other bakers fulfill their dreams.

By joining The Cottage Foodie, you’ll also get to connect and network with an exclusive community of Cottage Food Producers who are passionate about running their food businesses from the comfort of home.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your talents and grow your cottage food business!

To join The Cottage Foodie and learn more, go to forrager.com/cottagefoodie

Chef Amanda Schonberg’s course will help you make extra money by adding digital products to your business, just like Elena has done.

More and more bakers are finding ways to earn additional revenue outside of the kitchen, so what’s stopping you?

Let this be the year that you start to earn extra income and have success the digital way.

To learn more about Amanda’s course, go to forrager.com/digital

Get full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/137