The Bread Winner Podcast

94. Test, Tweak, Repeat: A Smarter Way to Grow Your Sourdough Microbakery

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics—how to improve your products without falling into the trap of perfectionism. If you’ve ever held back from launching something new because it didn’t feel “perfect,” or if you’ve caught yourself making endless tweaks after one single comment, this conversation is going to bring so much clarity (and relief). I share my simple “test, tweak, repeat” framework that helps you confidently improve your products while still moving forward in your sourdough microbakery business.You’ll hear how I collect honest feedback, what types of changes are actually worth making, and how to avoid overthinking every loaf or cookie that comes out of your oven. I also talk about how to stop second-guessing and start trusting your process—because consistency builds trust, and that’s what keeps customers coming back. Whether you’re testing new flavors or refining your existing staples, this episode will help you stay focused, strategic, and grounded in what’s really working.Resources: Join my email newsletter here: https://carolinebower.myflodesk.com/newsletter Join the Inner Circle Waitlist here: https://carolinebower.myflodesk.com/innercirclewaitlistJoin the Bread Winner Network: www.carolinebower.com/bwnetworkFollow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdoughFind links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more! www.carolinebower.com/linksDownload 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!

93. How to Create a Signature Product for Your Sourdough Microbakery

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, we're diving into one of my favorite ways to bring clarity, ease, and identity to your sourdough microbakery—your signature product. If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a crowded market, simplify your menu, or create momentum with your customers, this conversation is for you. I’m sharing what a signature product really is, why it matters more than you think, and how to either identify the one you already have—or create it from scratch in a way that aligns with your brand, your capacity, and your personal joy.We’ll walk through how to find your signature product using data, customer feedback, and your own preferences, and how to make it the anchor of your menu without getting bored. I’ll also talk about promoting your signature item in a way that builds buzz without burnout—and why it doesn’t have to be fancy or complex to be unforgettable. If you’ve ever struggled to decide what to focus on or want your bakery to feel more you, this episode will bring the clarity and inspiration you’ve been craving.Resources: Join my email newsletter here: https://carolinebower.myflodesk.com/newsletter Join the Inner Circle Waitlist here: https://carolinebower.myflodesk.com/innercirclewaitlistJoin the Bread Winner Network: www.carolinebower.com/bwnetworkFollow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdoughFind links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more! www.carolinebower.com/linksDownload 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!

92. How to Decide If Organic Ingredients Are Right for Your Sourdough Microbakery

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, we're digging into one of those questions that comes up so often for sourdough bakers: Should you use organic ingredients? I know it can feel overwhelming, so today I'm breaking it down in an honest, practical way. We’ll talk about why this question matters, how to clarify your own values, and how to make sourcing decisions that truly fit your bakery right now.I’ll also share tips on prioritizing high-impact swaps (like flour and dairy), weighing your profit margins, and communicating your choices clearly with customers. Your ingredient sourcing is part of your brand story, and you have permission to let it evolve as your business grows. If you want to be real and intentional while building trust with your customers, this episode is for you.Join the Inner Circle Waitlist here: https://carolinebower.myflodesk.com/innercirclewaitlistJoin the Bread Winner Network: www.carolinebower.com/bwnetworkFollow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdoughFind links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more! www.carolinebower.com/linksDownload 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!

91. 4 Ways to Turn Pickup Day Into a Marketing Opportunity for your Sourdough Microbakery

Have you ever thought about how your pickup experience shapes your customers’ perception of your bakery? In this episode, I’m walking you through why your pickup process matters just as much as your product—and how you can make small, thoughtful changes that turn casual buyers into loyal fans.Whether you're handing off sourdough from your front porch or your trunk, I’m sharing practical tips to help you streamline the logistics, eliminate confusion, and add those extra touches that leave your customers feeling seen and valued—without overwhelming yourself on bake day.Join the Bread Winner Network: www.carolinebower.com/bwnetworkFollow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdoughFind links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more! www.carolinebower.com/linksDownload 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!

90. June in Review in my Sourdough Microbakery: Revenue Records and Strategic Takeaways

June was a big month around here—both in terms of revenue and lessons learned. With just three bake days, I broke my market sales record and tried out some key process changes, including switching all of my inclusion loaves to minis (spoiler: they flew off the table). I’m also giving you an honest look at the behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t always make it to Instagram—including what nearly pushed me to burnout.In this episode, I’m sharing what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m shifting as I head into July. Whether you're managing summer baking, adjusting your product lineup, or dreaming of your own storefront, you’ll walk away with practical insights to apply to your own bakery business.Links to things you might like! Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including the dough bins I mentioned, packaging, pans, and more in my Amazon Storefrom! www.carolinebower.com/amazonJoin The Bread Winner Inner Circle Waitlist: www.carolinebower.com/innercirclewaitlistDownload 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! Follow me on Instagram (@carolinebower_sourdough) for more microbakery tips! https://www.instagram.com/carolinebower_sourdough