If you've ever wished you could sit in on a real, unfiltered business conversation with me, this episode is exactly that. I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing the live Q&A session from this year's Bread Winner Summit — our annual sourdough business conference — and it is a rapid-fire, honest conversation covering so many of the questions I know are on your mind. From time blocking and work-life balance to building a loyal customer base and navigating cottage food laws, we dig into the real stuff that doesn't always make it into a polished podcast episode.

In this conversation, I tackle questions about ordering platforms, growing your pre-order list, overcoming self-doubt, finding your first hire, knowing when you've hit your ceiling, and so much more. Whether you're just getting started or you've been baking for years and feel like you're ready for the next level, there's something in here for you. I love these kinds of conversations because they're messy and real and full of the kind of practical nuggets that actually move the needle — and I can't wait for you to listen in.

Get the Bread Winner Summit All Access Pass! https://carolinebower.thrivecart.com/2026aap/

In this short episode, I’m sharing why I believe the Bread Winner Summit is so much more than just another online business event for bakers. As I’ve been recording sessions and sitting in conversations with some of the most thoughtful voices in the sourdough world, I’ve found myself deeply inspired—not just by the practical strategies being shared, but by the reminder that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves. Building a sourdough micro bakery can feel isolating sometimes, but this summit is designed to help you feel connected, encouraged, and equipped to build a business that is sustainable, impactful, and deeply aligned with your values. If you’ve been wondering whether to join us, this episode is my encouragement not to sit this one out.

Join us at the Bread Winner Summit! http://carolinebower.com/breadwinnersummit

In this episode, I’m talking all about navigating the transition into summer as a sourdough micro bakery owner and why this season can feel both exciting and incredibly overwhelming at the same time. Between changing family rhythms, travel, hotter temperatures, lower energy, and shifting customer habits, summer often asks us to reevaluate the way we run our businesses. I share some of the different approaches I’ve taken in past summers—from maintaining a steady bakery rhythm to intentionally scaling way back—and how those decisions supported both my business and my family in different seasons.

We also talk about how to make intentional decisions for your bakery this summer instead of reacting out of stress or burnout halfway through the season. I walk you through practical questions to help you evaluate your goals, your capacity, and the opportunities available to you so you can build a summer rhythm that actually fits your life. Whether you want to rest more, grow strategically, focus on education, or simply create more breathing room, this episode will help you approach summer with clarity and confidence instead of guilt and overwhelm.

Resources:

• Join us at the Bread Winner Summit! http://carolinebower.com/breadwinnersummit
• Get the Bread Winner Business Alignment Journal: https://carolinebower.com/journal
• Grab the Profit & Pricing Calculator: Simplify the math, clarify your margins, and confidently price your products. https://carolinebower.com/calculator
• Follow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdough
• Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more! www.carolinebower.com/links
• Download 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!