Cottage Bakery Journey so far…

When I first started my cottage bakery, it was more of a dream than a business. A passion for baking combined with a desire to potentially work more from home and have more control over my schedule. But over the months since I’ve started, it has become so much more than that. It’s not just about flour, yeast, sugar, and butter — it’s about creating something that people genuinely enjoy, that brings them comfort and joy. And in return, it’s been a source of financial security for my family and a deep, fulfilling sense of pride for myself.

I specialize in traditional sourdough bread but have recently started branching out with a variety of exciting flavors like garlic and rosemary, jalapeño cheddar, and even cinnamon raisin. There’s something magical about that tangy, chewy texture — every loaf I bake feels like an art form. Then there are the cinnamon rolls — soft, gooey, and fragrant — pastries, cookies, and all those other treats that make a kitchen smell like home. My customers have become a part of my day-to-day life, and I genuinely enjoy creating these baked goods for them.

But more than just crafting delicious products, my bakery is starting to give me a sense of financial independence and security that I never imagined. In a world where so much seems out of our control, being able to provide for my family through something I’m passionate about has been a game-changer, no matter how small the sale.

I’m building something of my own, something that matters — not just to me, but to my customers, too.

There’s a unique kind of satisfaction in working for myself, knowing that every loaf I bake and every pastry I make is directly contributing to my family’s well-being. It’s the kind of satisfaction that can’t be replicated in a corporate setting (despite how much I enjoy my 9-5 and the people I work with!) Sure, running a side-business is full of challenges, from balancing time and managing supplies to handling unexpected setbacks. But every early morning spent mixing dough, every batch of cookies pulled from the oven, and every satisfied customer who returns for more is a reminder of why I do this. The work is hard, but it’s my work, and that means everything.

What makes this all even more special is the time I get to spend at home, balancing work with family life. I’m present in it. My kids get to watch me do something I love, and I hope that’s something they’ll take with them as they grow. That sense of independence and determination — the ability to build something meaningful with your own hands — is one of the greatest lessons I can teach them.

Every day, I’m reminded that what I’m doing isn’t just about running a business or making money. It’s about creating something real. It’s about joy, pride, and knowing that, in some small way, I’m making the world a little bit sweeter, one loaf at a time.

Running a cottage bakery isn’t always easy, but it’s mine, and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world. It’s hard work, but it’s the kind of work that fills me with purpose. And in the end, that’s what makes all the early mornings and late nights worth it. Every loaf I bake isn’t just a product — it’s a piece of me, a reflection of my passion, and a symbol of everything I’ve built.

And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.