In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on my very first year of running a sourdough microbakery—sharing everything I learned, the mistakes I made, and the strategies that helped me grow from a single Facebook post to nearly $50,000 in revenue.

Whether you're just starting out or casually selling a few loaves here and there, I want to give you an honest, encouraging look at what it really takes to build a business you love (without burning out). I walk you through the messy middle of figuring out products, markets, equipment, and pricing—all while balancing family life and learning as I went.

I’ll be sharing my actual numbers, my top-selling products, and the systems that made my business more sustainable over time. This episode isn’t about a one-size-fits-all blueprint—it’s about giving you insights you can adapt to your own business and your own goals.

If you’ve ever wondered how to go from hobby baker to microbakery owner, or how to build something that works for you (instead of the other way around), this episode is packed with encouragement and practical lessons from the journey.

Resources:

• Get the Profitable Pricing Calculator at carolinebower.com/calculator
• Follow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdough
• Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more! www.carolinebower.com/links
• Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://www.carolinebower.com/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery!

April was a whirlwind in the bakery, and in this episode, I’m sitting down to reflect on what worked, what I learned, and how I’m setting myself up for May and the summer ahead. From porch pickups and Easter bakes to market wins and saying no to burnout, I’m sharing the choices I made to keep things running smoothly—like scaling back my menu, planning ahead, and leaning on tools like my recipe calculator to simplify bake days. You’ll hear honest takeaways about revenue, product sellouts, and why consistency matters more than perfection.

I’m also giving a peek at what’s ahead, including slowing down summer bake days, shifting to one podcast episode a week, and launching the new Breadwinner Network for even deeper support. Whether you’re curious about batch planning, navigating busy seasons, or making space for family and rest, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical insights you can apply to your own microbakery journey.

Resources:

• Follow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdough
• Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more! www.carolinebower.com/links
• Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://www.carolinebower.com/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery!

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m joined by Elizabeth from Borges Family Homestead to talk about the power of niching down in your microbakery. Elizabeth shares how tying her bakery to her Portuguese heritage helped her grow quickly, stand out in a rural market, and build deep connections with her community. We talk about the challenges she faced in the early days, her creative marketing strategies, the importance of clear product descriptions, and how she balances sourdough staples with cultural specialties.

We also dive into lessons around managing time, scaling sustainably, and not letting fear hold you back when starting or growing your bakery. Whether you’re thinking about adding cultural products to your menu, refining your marketing, or dreaming about a future brick-and-mortar bakery, this conversation is packed with practical insights and encouragement. You’ll walk away inspired to build a business that feels both meaningful and manageable.

Resources:

• Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: @borgesfamilyhomestead
• Follow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdough
• Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more! www.carolinebower.com/links
• Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://www.carolinebower.com/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery!