Raise Some Dough

Comment

Comment by Grace Becker on May 17, 2012 at 5:40am

Vanessa,

Welcome to the group. Your cakes are beautiful! Please feel free to tell us about yourself, and jump in with questions and answers any time. We can all learn a lot along the way from each other. Thanks for joining us.

Comment by Grace Becker on May 15, 2012 at 4:37pm

Although I have had a commercial kitchen for a long time, when I was in high production mode I simply worked all night. I am lucky that I don't require a lot of sleep. I admit that I don't do that for long periods of time, but can pull it off once a week or so.

Comment by Kathy Leicester on May 15, 2012 at 11:42am

Thanks, Karen,

     I make bread now to share at work--my colleagues are my "beta tasters." I've used your scheme on those weekends I've wanted to make as much as possible. Nice to know I'm not alone in my methods - reassuring.

Comment by Karen Wortman on May 15, 2012 at 11:05am

Kathy,

  I just use my home kitchen as well.  I start baking on Thursday and do an assembly-line type of set up.  Make dough, let it rise, make more dough, back to the first dough, knead, shape, let it rise, back to 2nd dough, repeat.  I keep going until I have what I want for the 1st day.  Then, on Friday, I do another type of bread.  I also do foccacia bread which is easy, breadsticks which are easy, and muffins which are super easy......

Comment by Kathy Leicester on May 15, 2012 at 10:49am

My question is how do I create enough bread to offer at a Farmer's Market? I've got my home oven, but that's all, right now.

I'd take no bread home, either, but that would only mean I've got maybe six or seven fresh loaves to sell....

How do I prepare volume? Help, please!

Comment by Karen Wortman on May 15, 2012 at 10:46am

Thanks for the warm welcome!  Yes, we are fortunate in our state that we have the option for the domestic kitchen.  It takes a while to get through the red tape, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.  I've been to two farmer's markets so far this season and haven't brought any bread home.  :>)  I am also participating in a trade show later this month to see if I can find some retailers to carry my line of herbal jellies.  (and my goat's milk soap) 

Comment by Karen M. Bryant on May 15, 2012 at 8:05am

Thanks as always Grace for the advice. Most of the books I ordered are about the business side of things.  That is the side of things that make me somewhat nervous.  So hopefully they will help. 

I will keep everyone posted on my progress.

Katie

Comment by Grace Becker on May 15, 2012 at 7:40am

Katie,

Sometimes it takes an "i have had it" experience to make the changes in our lives we want. It sounds like you are moving ahead at full speed. Read as much as you can  not only about baking  (the fun stuff) but about business as well. Make sure you start from the very beginning treating this like a business, especially the financial end. In the beginning, you will need some seed money to start your business, but once things are running, only make business purchases from the business checking account, and only use the proceeds for business purposes. That does not mean you can't spend any of the money you make, just  make one of the expenses your salary. Once all the expenses are paid, what is left is your profit. Remember to set aside the money that will be due for taxes, both sales and income tax. I highly recommend that you brush up on basic business bookkeeping if that is something you are not already familiar with.

Thanks for sharing your journey, you will inspire others.

Comment by Karen M. Bryant on May 15, 2012 at 6:38am

Hi Everyone!

To make things easier since there are now two Karens in the group I will use my nickname which is Katie.  That should make it easier on everyone. 

Yes, I am somewhat disappointed about the previous job, but it just goes to show that you cannot always hang your hat on what people tell you.  It's a lesson learned.  The same goes for what you are told in a job interview.  Hence my wanting so badly to be my own boss. 

I have looked into the cottage laws for WV and it only allows you to prepare food in your house that will be sold at a Farmers Market.  That is not too bad because at least it gets my products out there to the public. 

I recently ordered the Fabjobs book on cake decorating and cupcakes.  I started reading it yesterday and didn't want to put it down.  I also found a few books on starting a baking business that I've ordered as well.  I am really getting excited about moving my dream forward and just love being able to share this with group.  Your support and advice is awesome.

Katie

Comment by Grace Becker on May 15, 2012 at 4:28am

Karen B,

Hope you Karens don't mind, but I will address you with you last name initial so it does not get confusing. I  am sorry to hear about your former job, but I hope you can make the best of this one as you work on building your dream business. We are all here to encourage you and to try and help you figure out how you can get there. Take care.

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