Bread and Butter Baking

In the Wealth Talks studio the aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread fills the air. Today, we have the pleasure of meeting Anna, the founder, owner, and master baker of Bread and Butter Baking. Anna’s journey from a small baking hobbyist to a successful business owner is as delightful as her cinnamon rolls. Her story is one of dedication, creativity and community spirit.

An Humble Beginning

Anna’s journey with sourdough baking began eight years ago when a client introduced her to the world of sourdough. Intrigued by the simplicity and historical richness of sourdough, Anna created her own wild yeast sourdough starter (a fermentation of flour and water) which she used to make her first ever loaf of sourdough bread.

“The ingredients of sourdough bread are simple,” Anna explains. “But the main thing with sourdough is time.” Her dedication to perfecting her craft is evident as she describes the 24-hour process it takes to make a single sourdough loaf. From feeding the starter, to mixing the dough and developing strength through fermentation, before finally shaping and baking.

Building Bread and Butter Baking

Anna’s new hobby soon turned into a small business. Initially, she managed custom orders, baking cakes, cookies, and pies on request. However, upon moving to Indiana, she decided to shift her business model. Inspired by roadside produce stands, Anna and her brother, Steven, built a charming bakery cart and stocked it with fresh baked goods. This approach allowed her to reach more customers and create a self-serve experience which quickly gained popularity in her neighborhood.

The pink bakery cart with explanatory roadside signs topped with flapping pink flags for visibility, quickly became a local favorite. Anna’s use of high-quality ingredients and made-from-scratch baked goods set her products apart. “Everything I do is made from scratch,” she says. “No chemicals or preservatives. Just the real deal.”

Scaling Up and Overcoming Challenges

Scaling the business did not come without its challenges. The demand for Anna’s cinnamon rolls became so high she struggled to keep up. Steven once again came to the rescue, sourcing a commercial-sized mixer to help her produce larger batches more efficiently. This upgrade was a game-changer, allowing Anna to mix up to 5 gallons of cinnamon roll dough at once and supply her eager cinnamon roll loving customers with cinnamon rolls once again.

Anna also faced the challenge of theft from her self-serve bakery cart. Determined to continue providing the community with fresh baked goods, she installed a camera, which significantly reduced theft and even revealed her loyal customers were leaving generous tips.

Embracing Technology and Community

Social media has played a crucial role in Anna’s success. By sharing behind-the-scene glimpses of her baking process on Instagram, she has built a loyal following. Her posts not only keep customers informed about what’s available in the bakery cart but also create a sense of connection and community.

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers often leave heartfelt messages, expressing how much joy the bakery cart brings to their lives. Anna recalls a touching moment when a regular customer insisted on purchasing baked goods for a new visitor, guiding them through the self-serve process.

Looking Ahead

Anna’s next big venture is joining the Franklin Farmers Market as a vendor, starting June 1st. She plans to offer her popular cinnamon rolls, sourdough bread, and cookies, bringing her beloved baked goods to an even wider audience. “It’ll be a great time together,” she says, eagerly anticipating the market experience.

Anna’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and community. From humble beginnings to a thriving business, Bread and Butter Baking is a delicious example of how dedication and a love for one’s craft can turn dreams into reality. As Anna continues to bake with love and care, her community eagerly supports her, one cinnamon roll at a time.

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by Anna McFie

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