How I started a Micro Bakery (as a busy mama)

[@JD987abc]

Thank you for sharing the background information of your business, how it progressed and capital outlays. I’ve been an amateur baker for over 15 years, was tempted to try a micro bakery but was working full time. Now I have a 5 foot bakers bench in my farmhouse kitchen, a 6 quart kitchen aide mixer and do all my sourdough and straight dough baking in steel roasting pans in my Breville smart oven pro. I use Ceresota and king Arthur flours. My breads are given out as gifts and everyone loves them. Makes me happy. Thank you…Joseph.

[@ToddWife]

I've got a small jam and baking business in Canada, so I love watching content like this to learn and find encouragement! Thank you for your hard work and for sharing your experience!!

[@kaitysmith4824]

My favorite thing about your videos is I can get my house work done while listening!!!

[@MaceyMerlak]

yessss. this is my fav style of video for the same reason!

[@TheDuvallHomestead]

I started selling bread online in 2020 during the pandemic. It was amazing how many orders I got (I could only take 5 per week) I wasn’t expecting the demand for them, even with a high price tag. I quickly realized I needed a cottage license and couldn’t do that so had to stop. So happy to see someone living this dream out though!

[@dylanwright4042]

hi! how much were you charging for them?

[@TheDuvallHomestead]

@@dylanwright4042 I think around $15 a loaf

[@nobytes2]

How come you couldn’t get one? I thought most states you don’t need an actual license

[@TheDuvallHomestead]

@@dylanwright4042 about $15 per loaf

[@TheDuvallHomestead]

@@nobytes2 the rules in our state were very strict. Things like you couldn’t have pets in the kitchen or be cooking any other food at the same time.. rules that would be impossible to comply with in a kitchen that I’m also cooking 3 meals a day in for my family

[@ArielColmoreWilliams]

I’ve watched this video approx 4 times, it is honestly so interesting. Esp as a fellow mum with two little ones (oldest 2y, youngest 5mo). I’d be so interested in what the stock up back end of your business looks like, how much flour/grain you buy per week/month, how you decided on your packaging, things you would change - sort of like a supply chain video! Enjoying your YT content x

[@dreadfairy6963]

I would love a breakdown of the costs as well! This is so interesting and cool.

[@flowersnflourph]

What a lovely story, and I love Lily’s loaf as well! She gave me the idea to open our own home bakery as well dedicated to sourdough breads. 2 weeks open and so happy and blessed with our growing pool of customers ❤️

[@Sammiejammie521]

I love that you mention how you and your husband make the decision to do things together. I think that is really awesome, you hear most people get caught up in what is “theirs” And how their husband has no right to comment on it. You move as a family and I’m here for it.

[@Missjesuslover]

This is why most marriages are getting divorce so far, bc they don't see themselves as a family.

[@Carolinas_SweetTea]

Great to see a young woman pursuing and being successful! You're very fortunate to have a place to be able to do this at and all the materials necessary and the space the beautiful home ❤ that's a real dream Come true! I want to own my own soup kitchen, hotdog 🌭 business and a mini thrift store that sells everything low budget. I've been sleep too long now and it's time to take action. ❤ I honestly right now don't have the finances for a this but praying 🙏 it comes along. I know you have to start small and think outside of the box first so it's a process. ❤I am so happy for you! So so happy for you. ❤ Sending you blessings ❤

[@yenibobenny]

Ah you have no idea how much this is inspiring me! I have also been working as a graphic designer and started making bread for my husband and I to consume. I am much newer into breadmaking still but how you progressed sounds exactly like how I want to go about it!

[@hadassahqhda2681]

Ohhhh my goodness this is amazing🎉❤🎉!!! I am in ZAMBIA 🇿🇲 in Africa. You are such an inspiration

[@alexiushill7983]

Would you be willing to talk about how you set yourself up financially? For instance, did you have to set yourself up as an LLC, did you have to find an accountant/financial advisor, did you need to talk to a lawyer, etc.?

[@karabrown5077]

Thank you for this content. Starting up a micro bakery (banana bread) and have been trying to figure out how to be more efficient and produce more loafs while I’m a stay at home mama. God blessed me with an illness that forced me to become a SAHM and I haven’t looked back. This opportunity to make banana bread presented itself and keeps getting better and better.

[@natalives]

Hi. How do you sell your banana bread? Thank you

[@curlycurry]

Hi Macey, thank you so much for showing up on my KZbin feed. I don't how the algorithm works but yeah I'm glad watching your video ❤ I am a fulltime mom with 2 little girls as well. I want to do something that can make money just at home. I don't have really great skills. But know for sure, I love cooking. Right know I'm still planning what I want to cook and sell. Somehow it's a bit difficult to start, maybe because I don't have a lot to start.. Anyhow, sending you much love from Indonesia ❤

[@paigevigano]

I’m on the road to becoming a micro baker! Love the apron! 😍

[@laceretol7745]

Looks like a lot of fun. Very organized. Love your white dress.

[@JeanneOlson-vv9tl]

You go-girl. I love to bake, as well! And I’ve been baking solo since 11. Happy baking!

[@judygarland7611]

Beautiful video. I use to bake breads for fun and I loved it. It's great to see someone doing this and following their passion.

[@BizBob2]

Love your channel. This is great inspiration for those looking for stay at home income while raising family. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@malaplava4865]

You are an inspiration for everyone ❤. Best of luck with your journey

[@zibratesmom-giftsforlife8751]

I started with neighbors as well!! Then I began posting in our local town fb group and was surprised at the interest! Now I’m looking for a small convection oven to add to my kitchen. I stopped for a few weeks being busy with summer stuff and already having people message asking when I’m baking again! It makes me so happy to think of adding something healthy and genuine to my own community. ☺️💕

[@susanerickson4811]

I’m very intrigued. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@waveats9211]

Hi! Your story is very inspiring. I am self taught and I just love baking and it’s been a year that I started taking orders for customized cakes. I also bake other sweets like brownies, cookies, etc. I would love to start to have breads in my menu too but making them is quite a challenge for me. I love your home set up and that’s also my dream as to have an actual bakery can be very expensive. I really pray to own and start a small business one day. ❤️

[@julieshelley-fd5kp]

Love your story and vibe!

[@GlorifiedPizza]

Arranging order pickups to be at the farmers market helps a lot. Get a lot more for your time at the market.

[@gervyquis3702]

Love this video so much! I started using hotplate and it has helped me soo much with my bakery

[@BreadnBrew]

Thanks for the video, I've watched it a few times and a lot of what you've said has really resonated with me. I've been baking sourdough for about 15 years now and I'm at the beginning stages of getting my micro bakery off the ground (I'm selling loaves officially for the first time this week). I got tired of daydreaming about doing it and not actually taking those first steps. There are way too many excuses not to do something, and I think I'm finally just burned out on my current career and need to change things up for my mental well-being. I'm grateful to still have a well-paying full-time job while I start this on the side, but I honestly hope I can get to the point where I don't need it and can give my notice. I've been pricing equipment to prepare for the costs in case this does eventually take off for me. I think I've decided on the Simply Bread oven if the time comes, but am still looking around at spiral mixers. Do you still like your Estella, and is the 30qt still sufficient for the quantities you bake? Do you have any regrets getting a fixed-bowl vs detachable for cleaning?

[@bentrabi3a]

Merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo très sincère ❤❤❤ bonne continuation tu m’a beaucoup inspiré ❤

[@jodijustice4140]

Thank you for sharing. encouraging . God Bless your family, home and business.

[@brandyheckenkamp8280]

I love the look of your cooling shelves! Are they stacked shoe racks? And if so, how do you keep them secure while stacked?

[@gabrielncali8999]

Congratulations! Thank you for a super informational video! Would love to see your process for your other baked goods! ❤️😁

[@lissyniña]

God bless you and your business! If I were younger and stronger I probably would do the same I love to bake bread and have gotten pretty good at it

[@madarafarms]

This is so helpful I started a microbakery 8 months ago and I’m taking 180 loaves a week in my home oven and I’m feeling soooo overwhelmed. I just invested in an oven so I’m hoping it helps!

[@elibeth1217]

Would you be willing to create a course to teach other moms to create micro bakeries? how to make big batches, machinery needed, how to price each loaf, etc

[@ArielColmoreWilliams]

Yes!!

[@feliciabacon9923]

I would love this also!!

[@hannahlowery1022]

yes, please!!!

[@jf8461]

My daughter is also interested in starting a home business with her mom, who has experience baking and decorating cakes. This video is very inspiring. Thanks!

[@judithmdza9500]

I love that your little girls are seeing this growing up…it’s what made me want to be a great mom and cook as well cause I always saw my mom in the kitchen making amazing food and how happy it made everyone to sit at the table.

[@GregDawson]

Very cool story ... love that you're thriving! I just started making sourdough bread and it's a ton of fun!

[@GetElevatedWithMe]

Oh I love learning about your bakery so much! I’ve been making homemade bread for gosh 9 months maybe? And it’s gotten to the point where I’m bringing it to my patients. I really want to sell mini breads like individual size and mini cakes! I’m working on my techniques and am going to list on Facebook first I think. Thank you for sharing your journey! I’m excited to watch more of your content.

[@TheYaya1971]

❤❤❤really awesome, cheers from Holland

[@megamamab333]

This is my first time seeing your channel and I appreciate this video as a sister in Christ🙌✝️💯❤️ I am planning to start a home bakery by God’s grace in Saskatchewan Canada where I live much love and Jesus bless you 🙏🙏

[@robscott553]

Wow. Such a great video. Bravo for your success. So many questions but I’ll go through your other videos about your SD process. Thanks for sharing!

[@lydiajohnson2156]

Love this, inspired me to pursue some ideas I’ve had for awhile to contribute to my husbands income, as I am also a stay at home mom ❤

[@rauluribe7828]

Hello, I loved your channel and I subscribed immediately. But I can't find the link to the oven.

[@alr1917]

This is so interesting. So many questions. When did you feel you had the right bread recipe and do you offer several types? Also, ever have weeks where nothing seems to be going right or equipment failure. Thanks

[@lenanavarro2578]

Great vid! I noticed you wearing a ring while kneading the bread - I’m wondering if you should be worried about sanitation? It’s a small thing but just curious. Thanks for sharing!

[@adohrfarms]

She adjusted her shorts then started touching the dough, so for me the ring isn’t really the concern….

[@lenanavarro2578]

@@adohrfarmsI didn’t want to point out too many things but yes also that! The loose strands of hair got me too.. but this is baking from home I suppose..

[@katieevans6017]

You might be waiting a long time for the great plague, caused by the Baker's rings or the baker touching clothes; after eating bread. This might be a concern if this was raw food.

[@MaceyMerlak]

I follow all of the guidelines given to me based on cottage food laws. My hair is always pulled back (hairnet is not required), I wash my hands constantly (gloves are not required), I clean diligently, I always wear shoes, and I even have a separate bakery space in my home (which isn't even required). I take much pride in operating a bakery in my home that is above reproach. :)

[@alimama234]

Congrats…I admire all bakers bec I flunked baking😢😢…very inspiring..God bless

[@briiibonita]

I just started my micro bakery a few months ago and how we got started is so similar. Thanks for all the tips! 🫶🏼

[@summerberries29]

I use hotplate too and it's been game changer for me. I can't imagine running my business without it.

[@daniellemartin3509]

HI! Love your videos. I"m also a designer and tipping her toes in selling my sourdough! Question, is the cottage food law the same thing as the limited food establishment application? If not, how do you go about it without the application and just the health class you mentioned? Pretty please! Thanks.

[@candyluna2929]

We have so much in common...and at the sam time you are doing what I yearn to do!.

[@RosemarySoulSound]

I love what you share ❤

[@freeindeed5393]

Excellent video!! I am trying not to start a micro bakery but people keep asking me to sell them bread! Not sure it makes sense. I also smoke meat and and wondering if a bakery business might also open a door for selling bbq…

[@samggriffin]

you're so close to 1,000! just subscribed!

[@MaceyMerlak]

thank you!!! i am truly so grateful for every ounce of support 🥹

[@lesgoelandsvoyageurs4407]

Really inspiring, thanks for sharing your story!

[@tonyashaw4571]

I was hoping your apron would be linked! Where did you get it?

[@SB-eu3gc]

I’d love to hear more about the legal and state processes Ben’s doing this.

[@MaceyMerlak]

cottage laws vary a lot by states in the US! reaching out to your local health dept is the first step :)

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

This is so cool!! Love your little baking space. Definitely subscribing to your channel ❤

[@urbantreats_sydney]

Great video ! and good luck with your bakery!

[@Isabelizzo1028]

So awesome! Keep it up girl! 💕

[@cheyennewolfe5658]

This is so inspirational to me!! I've been selling bread to friends for years now, and aspire to officially start a micro bakery now that I have a baby and am home full-time. Thank you for sharing this!!

[@MaceyMerlak]

that is so exciting!!!

[@MylaWilson-b9o]

This is so inspiring! So informational! Thank you!:)

[@RuachelRuiz]

I'm just like you, I have big dreams and go big especially with making them a business 😆

[@KalynRobert]

hi! i would love to get the code for the simply bread oven. Thanks!

[@Diana81LA]

hello, I want to know about your oven. can you tell me what brand it is? I want to know more about it, looks really interesting to start. thanks for your video 🙂

[@maja_sukara]

wow, what a dream 🤩

[@chtdkmn]

Nice Cambro containers.

[@wealleuropean]

thank you share your story!

[@Clare4747]

How amazing are you! You cant ever stop. Looks so tasty as well shame I live in England lol.x

[@chaparra71]

Can you please give some info on your oven? I am attempting to find the right oven for my home based micro-bakery.

[@Chelsysweetcrush]

Hi❤from Micro bakery in Taiwan ❤

[@elenanovinskiy7953]

No way! I am also a graphic and web designer and also fell in love with sourdough baking. Is there like a gene in us that draws us to baking? 😂

[@charlotteskadal6539]

God bless you and your family on this journey! I LOVE seeing new business start up, young families thriving through dreams with faith and perseverance. Your bakery setup in your new home is beautiful. I'll be watching for more videos.

[@DelilahMatilda]

This is such a wonderful informative video! Thank you for sharing. I’ve been scared to try to get licensed to sell baked goods from home because my ex made me feel less than, but I’m healing and this video gives me some hope that I can do what makes me happy again soon. I hope that I can get approved. If you have a list of requirements to be approved please do send them to me!

[@whitsworld2016]

Do you have to get inspected by the health dept?

[@MaceyMerlak]

No, cottage food law does not require an inspection in my state.

[@DarcyPellicano]

Where did you get your tables in your microbakery?

[@adrianaflores4588]

Awesome!!, and who cooks and cleans the house??

[@MaceyMerlak]

me, haha!

[@lilacdragon9105]

Where did you buy your prep tables?

[@BriceStacey]

Wait til all the commenters complaining about hairnets and gloves suddenly realize they're not required by law.

[@Joycely101]

Is not required but at least wash your hands after touching something besides the product. Did you notice at 4:04 her touching the back of her shorts and not washing her hands. That's very unsanitary. 😮

[@cma8878]

You’re not required to wipe your ass by law, but you should.

[@nosiphiwomagopeni4570]

It's all about hygiene not law,those who don't point out such will just choose not to buy,we advice out the love of what she does,no harm nor judgement intended

[@claudiasoza4389]

La ropa no es apropiada, el cabello no tiene protección. Tampoco es micro pastelería.

[@JeanneOlson-vv9tl]

@jocely101 Who knows how long she’s been up, dressed, @ if she even sat down this day. Looks like a busy person and no time to get herself dirty, so to speak. I know I may touch my apron or a counter, etc. But I’m the only one who knows that my counters are well-scrubbed before every use for cooking, baking. In The past I sold huge wedding cakes to go through nursing school and they couldn’t be beat, for quality. And I had easily learned about sterile techniques. I’m sure her products are clean, and delicious.

[@my-story9511]

New 🇿🇦 sub🎉❤❤. Thank you for you very informative video. Truly appreciated.

[@marcellaherrerajaramillo4356]

Good Morning ☀️ where is the coupon for the Simply Oven bread?

[@shopcoveragesinsurancesolu4950]

Where do you get you bannetons? Struggling to find them commercially. My daughter and I have a small bakery we started 5 mos ago.

[@MaceyMerlak]

I have some great options linked in my Amazon Storefront in my bio!

[@heykevwhatyouup2]

What type of oven do you have do you have a commercial bread oven or do you use a domestic type oven ?

[@S.D.R.84]

❤❤❤Could I please get a link for your bread oven and your mixer, and thank you for posting this video.❤❤❤

[@kasieharriet8498]

how do you keep from getting mold in your bannetons?

[@nosiphiwomagopeni4570]

Interesting content,please consider getting apron,hair cover and seperate bowl to wash hands after touching or adjusting... Great work, all the best

[@cannonfamilypioneerhisto-pu9ue]

What is the paint color on your walls, I love it and am looking for a good color. Thank you so much for all the great info!

[@MaceyMerlak]

i think it’s ancient marble by SW!

[@abblades9845]

Hello , do you check the temperature when the proofing is done ? Which temperature you looking for? Thanks

[@ashamccracken8082]

What do you do when you have an unhappy customer? or say a hair is found in your food (by accident of course)?

[@claramarty9841]

inspirational woman :3

[@melindasweeney8333]

Who did your cards that you had made for your new neighborhood you were passing bread out to? For those of us at a farmers market, how could we promote hotplate to our customers? On business cards?

[@patriciacuan3707]

Congrats! My best wishes to you with your bakery 🎉🎉 The only unhealthy thing you mistake, is how you are dressed up. It is not apropiated to ware shorts and short sleeves for cooking.

[@MaceyMerlak]

i follow cottage food guidelines within my state 👍🏻

[@ZombieFriedDuck]

Where is your apron from? Love. ❤

[@MaceyMerlak]

its from a brand called linenia dream :)

[@victoriaterry1900]

Can you send the discount link for the simply bread oven?

[@stephenconley8202]

I have a question about the finances of the micro bakery.... I have been getting totally into bread making (since retiring in March) and thinking a lot about having a "hobby" business where I could work a few days per week and make a little extra play money. But after watching this, I'm not so sure... You mentioned selling 100 loaves per week with you working 3 days per week (some very long) and your sister working the other days. Assuming the loaves sell for something like $8 per loaf, the total sales is around $3200 per month. Subtracting for food costs, packaging, electricity and that fancy oven, it doesn't sound like there's much left for spending money. Am I missing something?

[@tinamagnuson2]

What about license to sell and health inspections?

[@MaceyMerlak]

I have my cottage food license. That is what makes it legal for my to sell goods made in my home!

[@nicoleypedro]

Can you sell online to other states ?

[@MaceyMerlak]

I cannot!

[@luiscarol4065]

Podrías poner subtitulos en ESPAÑOL . GRACIAS 😊

[@victoriaschell2225]

Do you bake GF sourdough?

[@GaryThompson1986]

what do you have your simply oven sitting on? Thank you

[@joanncepeda6233]

how to you know how much ingredients you will need to make multiple loaves , i would like to make multiple loaves just for my family and have been doing a loaf at a time.

[@fistsup5700]

You can bake two loaves and freeze one. basic loaf is: 500g flour 350g water 8g salt 2g yeast So double that. 5 lb bag of flour is about 2,260 grams, so about 4 loaves of bread.

[@BriceStacey]

what @fistup5700 said. After doubling the ingredients you can just split the dough in half. If doing more than 2 of anything (e.g. pizza dough), it helps to weigh it like she does in the video since it's harder to eyeball a uniform amount. Also, you can easily fit two dutch ovens in a standard oven to get two loaves out of the way at once.

[@briiibonita]

Where did you get your oven? And what kind is it?

[@MaceyMerlak]

this link will take you to the oven i use! it's also my discount link. :) if you add the accessories package to your cart along with the oven, the accessories will be free! store.simply-bread.co/discount/LITTLEPEARLBREADSESSENTIAL