Welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast! In this episode, I’m excited to share an inside look at my business during the month of October. I'll be discussing the highlights and challenges I've faced, including my decision to scale back my menu for November to better manage my energy and capacity. As I reflect on my journey, I aim to provide inspiration and insight that may help you find your own path in the sourdough microbakery world. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, I hope my experiences can spark some lightbulb moments for you.

I also dive into my thoughts on creating a sustainable balance between work and family life, especially during the busy holiday season. Join me as I sip my coffee and share some valuable takeaways about hiring help, adjusting my baking strategy for the cooler months, and the importance of systematizing processes for future growth. So grab your favorite brew and settle in for a friendly chat about what it truly means to build a thriving, joyful microbakery business!

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

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I delve into the powerful impact of generosity on our micro bakeries. Generosity goes beyond just giving away free bread or sharing tips; it’s about building genuine connections with our customers that foster loyalty and trust. I’ll share practical ways to incorporate generosity into our baking practices, helping us cultivate a positive reputation within our communities.

Join me as I explore thoughtful strategies to weave generosity into your bakery while maintaining balance and avoiding burnout. From surprising customers with small gestures to sharing your knowledge, these acts of kindness can create lasting relationships and contribute to the sustainability of our businesses. Together, we’ll discover how generosity can enrich both our communities and our bakeries.

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

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of custom orders for microbakery owners. As flattering as it can be to receive requests for personalized items, accepting custom orders can also become overwhelming if not managed carefully. I share my own journey with custom requests and the lessons I’ve learned on balancing demand with my own capacity and workflow. Together, we'll explore the key elements that help bakers make the best decision for their business, including setting boundaries, creating a custom order policy, and knowing when a firm but friendly “no” is the best answer for everyone.

I walk you through practical strategies for handling custom orders without compromising the quality of your regular offerings. From setting minimum order requirements and lead times to pricing for profit, I cover all the details to ensure that each custom order is worth your time and effort. Whether you’re just starting to receive these special requests or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with insights on how to manage custom orders efficiently and on your own terms. Join me as we tackle the art of balancing creativity and business sustainability!

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

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