Welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast! In this episode, I'm diving into your questions with a focus on boosting profits and maximizing efficiency in your sourdough microbakery, especially during the holiday season. We’ll explore practical tips for creating profitable products that are less time-consuming to make, including some smart ways to utilize freezer space and prepare holiday gift baskets that will wow your customers. Whether you’re looking to streamline your baking process or come up with creative offerings for the festive season, this episode is packed with ideas to help your business thrive.

I also tackle how to start teaching baking classes, sharing my own experiences and practical advice on setting up your first workshop. Teaching can be a fantastic way to connect with your community while showcasing your baking skills. If you’ve ever thought about offering classes but weren’t sure where to start, you’ll find some valuable insights here. So, grab your notebook and get ready for a fun and informative session!

Things I mentioned:

Apply for a free coaching episode: https://forms.gle/bWrNEUYuk8jGVe148

My favorite boxes for packaging flights of mini scones: https://amzn.to/4fg5IIr

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

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

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, I’m sharing one of my most effective strategies for growing my sourdough microbakery—leveraging local Facebook groups. Facebook might feel outdated, but local groups are a goldmine for small bakery owners looking to connect with their community, build trust, and attract loyal customers. I’ll show you how to find the right groups, engage meaningfully, and use these free platforms to grow your bakery business without coming across as spammy.

You’ll learn how to:

• Choose the best Facebook groups for your microbakery
• Engage with your community and build trust
• Use storytelling to connect with customers
• Turn casual interactions into sales
• Leverage social proof for better visibility
• Stay consistent to see results over time

If you’ve been struggling to reach more local customers, this episode is for you. By the end of this video, you’ll feel confident using Facebook groups to grow your bakery and build a stronger community presence. Don't forget to subscribe for more tips on how to build a sustainable, successful microbakery!

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

Are you working tirelessly in your microbakery but still feel like you’re not earning what you deserve? In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I break down the essential steps to confidently raise your prices without losing your loyal customers. Pricing your handcrafted sourdough for what it's truly worth can feel intimidating, but it's key to creating a sustainable, profitable business.

We’ll dive into the mindset shifts you need to make, why underpricing is costing you more than you realize, and how to communicate the value of your bread to your customers. If you’ve been hesitating to raise your prices, this episode will equip you with the tools and confidence to make changes that support your business and reflect the love and skill you pour into every loaf.

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

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, I sit down with Kala Hembree, a seasoned sourdough baker and workshop expert, to dive deep into the world of teaching bread-making workshops. Kala shares how she transitioned from selling at farmer's markets to leading successful workshops, helping others bake their own bread while building a strong community. Her unique approach to balancing business growth with genuine connection makes this conversation a must-listen for bakers looking to expand their business model.

Kala’s story is filled with inspiring moments, from her first class to the surprising realization that teaching workshops can actually strengthen community ties rather than create competition. We explore the practical aspects of hosting workshops, including Kala’s tips for managing logistics, pricing, and the unexpected benefits of building relationships with students. Whether you’re thinking about teaching workshops or just want to hear how one baker grew her business while staying true to her values, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

Connect with Kala on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebreadhousemoco/

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

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 best time-saving hacks for busy bakers—freezing your dough! After crowdsourcing ideas from my amazing Instagram community, I’m sharing a treasure trove of baked goods that freeze beautifully and can be baked straight from frozen. From cookies to scones, cinnamon rolls, and even bagels, I’ve gathered all your best tips for prepping ahead and making your baking days easier. Plus, I’ll share some of my own experiments that have worked wonders in my bakery.

If you’re looking to save time during the holiday rush or just want to streamline your microbakery’s workflow, you won’t want to miss this episode. Whether you’re prepping for a busy market or just want to bake smarter, this episode is packed with practical, actionable tips that will help you make the most of your time. Grab your notepad—these ideas will definitely inspire you to get freezing and baking!

Links to things we talked about:

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

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