Running a bakery

Years ago my sister-in-law and I opened a bakery. She started it out of her home and was successful at various markets around town in Macon. I was living in Dallas Texas, working in a toxic environment (I’ll save that discussion for another day). I was at a point in my career where the money was getting to be too good. So when she asked if I’d be willing to join/help, I jumped. I assume she asked…I don’t exactly recall. I’ll wait for her to read this and refresh my memory (as the Queen eloquently said ‘recollections may vary’.)

Whether she asked or I volunteered or begged or thrust myself into the business, we found ourselves partners. I wrote a business plan and was…a little discouraged by the number of muffins that we’d need to sell to break even. Still, hope springs eternal, so I moved to Macon, Georgia and dove in.

I learned a lot about myself, Amanda and business in the three years we operated Bread & Buddies. We’ll get to that in a sec. First, let me toot our horns. Starting from ‘nothing’ (not entirely – starting from the reputation/brand that Amanda built pre my arrival), we were able to grow the business to supply goodies in stands at 3 Krogers and provide 2 restaurants with bread. In addition, we had a lovely store front at Ingleside and Wimbish Road that offered those items, plus soup and coffee (and our winning personalities). Amanda really is the Martha Stewart of Macon!

Running a bakery is hard work! I was used to a corporate job where a paycheck came in every two weeks and there was health insurance and retirement funds that happened whether you showed up to work or were on vacation. As an entrepreneur, all of that is thrown out the window. And there are no hand-offs, meaning we baked, we packaged, we cleaned dishes, we delivered, we did the accounting. And getting up early – VERY early. UGH! For me it was 24/7…meaning if I wasn’t working, I was thinking about the business, stressing out about sales or lack of sales. I’m pretty sure I made Amanda miserable. If you know Amanda, you know she is one of the nicest persons around. I am not. Our friendship took a beating, for which I am to blame 100%.

My sister Sarah was my biggest cheerleader. Whenever I got discouraged, she cheered me up. I owe her a LOT. Plus she let me live with her for free, which helped the money situation greatly.

My time in Macon was filled with highs and lows — living with my sister was great fun. We found a sweet beagle mix named Speedy, who deserves his own blog and more. Amanda and I created a business and got the doors open and stayed open for three years, which is impressive. Neither of us are sales-y, so the fact that we mustered up the courage to get the clients we did is a HUGE win. I participated in several productions at Macon Little Theatre, which was a fun outlet for me. Mixed high/low is I met my husband (now ex). The meeting and beginning of the relationship was a total meet-cute rom com.

Bread & Buddies had great products, but Atkins was the rage, so sweets were shunned outside of the holiday season. And bakery items have a short shelf life. Ultimately we ended up closing the bakery. It was tough to sell off the equipment and walk away, even if it is/was the right decision.

Do I think it could be a success today? Absolutely! There are many things that are easier. With Instagram and Facebook, there’s a wider market that is more easily reached. And while Keto is popular, the desire for home-cooked/baked items is strong. In addition, there’s more disposable income in Macon now as it has grown (and yes, I knew this was an issue when I wrote the business plan). I could see Bread & Buddies reincarnated as a food truck or a pop-up or available only for special online orders. Those three options were not really available back in the day.

I realize now…in hindsight… that my family has always been incredibly supportive of me. I’ve not always seen that and certainly have not always been grateful. I realize now my personality is better suited for entrepreneurship. I don’t get office politics and think that titles and all that nonsense is just that – a bunch of nonsense.

Bread & Buddies was my first foray into small business. Orange Whips Risk Advisors is my second attempt. Ironically I didn’t write a business plan for my consultancy and yet I’m more successful (no issues with shelf life here). From time to time, I will bake for pleasure. My sister asks for the recipe to our Macon Muffin bread every once in awhile (shhh – it’s basically cranberry orange bread, but substitute Georgia peaches in for the cranberries). I don’t think either Amanda or I have made a Good Morning muffin or low fat Chocolate muffins since closing our doors.

I thought I had a brochure somewhere…and maybe I do in a box in the garage. If I find it, I’ll upload it because it was very lovely and showcased Amanda’s style (and Trotter, a rescue greyhound who was also a fan of Bread & Buddies). I did find my old business card which I’ve scanned and attached here as proof of the business!