The Bread Winner Podcast

Caroline Bower
  • 5.0 (33)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Welcome to The Bread Winner Podcast, the show for microbakery owners who want to create a successful microbakery without spending every waking minute in the kitchen. I'm Caroline Bower, and I bake over 100 loaves a week from my home while still getting 8 hours of sleep and having time to be fully present in the important moments with my family. If you're looking to build a thriving sourdough business from your home, you're in the right place. Every Thursday, I'll be sharing new episodes packed with practical advice on everything from marketing and sales to process optimization and real-life strategies to maintain a healthy, intentional lifestyle. We'll dive into how to get started, attract (and keep) your first raving customers, plan your ideal week, scale your operations, and price your products. Plus, we'll occasionally have some fantastic guests who are experts in the sourdough world. This podcast is all about giving you the tools and confidence to cultivate business that fits into your life, not the other way around. So, hit that subscribe button, do your next round of coil folds then grab a cup of coffee and get comfy for the next 20 minutes. Let's start building your dream microbakery together!

  1. 2D AGO

    117. January Microbakery Recap: Revenue, Workshops, and What’s Actually Working

    In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my January and sharing what the numbers, the menu, and the day‑to‑day realities of brick‑and‑mortar life are teaching me. Revenue was up again (which is encouraging in a post‑holiday month), but what really stood out wasn’t just growth — it was what’s driving that growth. From workshops becoming a meaningful revenue stream to core products continuing to anchor the business, January gave me clarity about what’s actually working and what deserves more attention. I’m also sharing the curveballs — weather‑canceled markets, cold fermentation struggles, and the ongoing guesswork of baking for walk‑ins versus pre‑orders — and how I’m thinking through all of it moving into February. If you’ve ever wondered how to read your own bakery data without spiraling, or how to refine what’s working without overhauling everything, this episode will help you slow down, pay attention, and move forward with intention. Resources: Get the Bread Winner Business Alignment Journal: https://carolinebower.com/journalGrab 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_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!

    17 min

  2. FEB 5

    116. The Simple Review System That Keeps My Bakery Running Smoothly

    In this episode, I’m walking you through the monthly check-in rhythm I use to keep my business grounded, focused, and burnout-proof. If you’ve ever found yourself jumping from one month to the next without really stopping to reflect, this practice is for you. I’m sharing the simple, repeatable questions I ask each month that help me assess what’s working, what’s not, and how to move forward with more intention. It’s not about constantly optimizing or overhauling everything — it’s about creating space to pause, reflect, and make decisions based on what’s really happening in your business. I’ll break down the four main categories I evaluate — products, capacity, revenue direction, and decision friction — and share how they’ve helped me grow my bakery sustainably. I’m also sharing the one powerful question I ask each month that helps bring more ease into the next. Plus, I’ve created a physical and digital journal if you want to implement this check-in process for yourself. If you're ready to build more consistency and calm into your business without adding more to your plate, this episode is a great place to start. Resources: Get the Bread Winner Business Alignment Journal: https://carolinebower.com/journalGrab 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_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!

    20 min

  3. JAN 29

    115. How I'm Planning My Weekly Menu in My Sourdough Microbakery in 2026.

    In this episode, I’m continuing our January series by walking through how I’ve completely rethought my menu planning for the year ahead. If you’ve ever felt mentally exhausted just thinking about your menu, or found yourself re-deciding the same things week after week, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. I’m sharing why more options don’t automatically mean more sales, how simplifying my menu has actually reduced stress and improved consistency, and why predictability has become one of the most powerful tools in my business. I break down the exact framework I’m using now — a hybrid menu model built around core products, rotating items, and predictable specials — and why this structure has helped me protect my energy, communicate more clearly with customers, and stop reinventing the wheel every month. This episode is especially for bakers who love what they do but feel stretched thin trying to offer everything to everyone. If you’re craving a cleaner, calmer, more sustainable way to run your bakery without sacrificing value or sales, this one will give you a lot to think about. Resources: Join the Bread Winner Inner Circle: CarolineBower.com/innercircleJoin The Bread Winner Network: https://carolinebower.thrivecart.com/bread-winner-network/ – Monthly membership for sourdough bakers.Grab the Profit & Pricing Calculator: Simplify the math, clarify your margins, and confidently price your products. http://carolinebower.com/calculator Follow 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!

    24 min

  4. JAN 15

    114. Year-Long Planning for Micro Bakers

    In this episode of The Breadwinner Podcast, we’re kicking off the new year by zooming out and looking at the big picture. January is naturally a slower month for many bakers, and that gives us the chance to pause, breathe, and plan intentionally. But instead of building rigid calendars that break under pressure, I’m sharing a simpler approach—one that’s flexible, supportive, and rooted in how sourdough microbakeries actually run. This method will help you create a container for the year made up of four practical parts: non-negotiables, seasonal anchors, monthly rhythms, and decision rules. If planning the whole year feels overwhelming or unrealistic, you’re not alone. Most of us don’t struggle because we’re unmotivated—we struggle because traditional planning doesn’t match the realities of dough, life, and all the hats we wear. So I’ll walk you through how to clarify what matters most, protect your time and energy, and make better decisions with way less effort. This episode is your invitation to build consistency without rigidity and start the year with intention, not exhaustion. Resources: Join the Bread Winner Inner Circle: CarolineBower.com/innercircleJoin The Bread Winner Network: https://carolinebower.thrivecart.com/bread-winner-network/ – Monthly membership for sourdough bakers.Grab the Profit & Pricing Calculator: Simplify the math, clarify your margins, and confidently price your products. http://carolinebower.com/calculator Follow 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!

    24 min

  5. JAN 8

    113. December Recap & 2026 Kickoff: What Worked, What Didn't, and What's Next

    Welcome to the very first episode of 2026! I’m so excited to be back behind the mic and kicking off the year with you. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the wins, challenges, and lessons from December—both the bakery numbers and the personal growth behind them. This isn't just about product sales or planning menus (though we cover plenty of that too); it's about how we move forward with intention, clarity, and the long game in mind. I talk about how I approached Christmas sales, the surprising trends I noticed in product popularity, and the small changes I’m making to reduce burnout and streamline systems in this next season. I also share four powerful questions you can use to review your own busy season, plus some honest thoughts on where I’m simplifying my menu and growing my support team. If you’re feeling like you’re constantly reinventing the wheel or stretched thin after the holidays, I hope this episode helps you reset and refocus. We’re not just baking bread—we’re building something sustainable, meaningful, and aligned with our values. Let’s start 2026 off with more clarity, less hustle, and a renewed sense of purpose. Resources: Join the Bread Winner Inner Circle: CarolineBower.com/innercircleJoin The Bread Winner Network: https://carolinebower.thrivecart.com/bread-winner-network/ – Monthly membership for sourdough bakers.Grab the Profit & Pricing Calculator: Simplify the math, clarify your margins, and confidently price your products. http://carolinebower.com/calculator Follow 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!

    28 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    112. Pause, Reflection, and Legacy in 2025

    Hello my friend, and welcome to the final episode of 2025. This isn’t a traditional year-in-review episode—it’s more of an invitation to pause, to breathe, and to remember that the work you’re doing in your sourdough microbakery is building something far bigger than weekly sales or Instagram posts. In this slower-paced reflection, I share five intentional questions that I hope will help you zoom out and really honor all that 2025 asked of you. These questions aren’t about vanity metrics or highlight reels. They’re about legacy—the quiet, meaningful kind that shows up in school lunches, family dinners, and the way your community shops for real food. This episode is a gentle nudge to reflect on where you’ve been, what you’ve learned, and how you want to move forward. Before we rush into planning and goal setting for 2026, I hope you’ll sit with these questions and allow them to shape your vision. I also share a heartfelt invitation to join the Breadwinner Inner Circle as doors open once again. Whether you’ve been listening since the beginning or just found your way here, I want you to know that what you’re building matters—and that I’m so honored to be building alongside you. Resources: Join the Bread Winner Inner Circle: https://carolinebower.thrivecart.com/breadwinnerinnercircle/ Join The Bread Winner Network: https://carolinebower.thrivecart.com/bread-winner-network/ – Monthly membership for sourdough bakers.Grab the Profit & Pricing Calculator: Simplify the math, clarify your margins, and confidently price your products. http://carolinebower.com/calculator Follow 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!

    18 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    111. Hiring an Assistant for a Burnout Proof Bakery

    If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have an assistant in your microbakery—or if you’re feeling overwhelmed and know you need help but don’t know where to start—this episode is for you. I’m chatting with Melissa, my former assistant, about what it really looks like to bring someone into your space, how to know you’re ready, and what tasks you can delegate to lighten your load without sacrificing quality. We dive into hiring mindset shifts, the value of a working interview, and what it means to create a business that’s sustainable for the long haul. Whether you’re considering a seasonal helper for the holidays or thinking about more long-term support, this conversation is full of insights to help you build a bakery that doesn’t burn you out. Resources: Join The Bread Winner Network: https://carolinebower.thrivecart.com/bread-winner-network/ – Monthly membership for sourdough bakers.Grab the Profit & Pricing Calculator: Simplify the math, clarify your margins, and confidently price your products. http://carolinebower.com/calculator Follow 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!

    49 min

  8. 12/04/2025

    110. November in Review: From Home Bakery to Brick & Mortar

    November was one of the wildest months I’ve ever walked through, and in this episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes to hear the full recap—what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m carrying forward into December. This was the month I made the big move from my home bakery into a brick-and-mortar space, and it came with all the expected learning curves… and then some. From navigating a new oven and workflow quirks to managing Thanksgiving pre-orders and a soft opening, there was a lot to celebrate—and a lot to adjust. I’ll share honest reflections on product trends, marketing lessons, and how I’m thinking differently about pacing, prepping, and planning ahead (especially when it comes to holidays and retail baking). If you’re in a season of transition or expansion, I hope this month-in-review encourages you to pause, reflect, and keep moving forward with intention. There’s beauty in the messy middle, and sometimes the best lessons come from the days that don’t go quite as planned. Resources: Join The Bread Winner Network: https://carolinebower.thrivecart.com/bread-winner-network/ – Monthly membership for sourdough bakers.Grab the Profit & Pricing Calculator: Simplify the math, clarify your margins, and confidently price your products. http://carolinebower.com/calculator Follow 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!

    37 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Bread Winner Podcast, the show for microbakery owners who want to create a successful microbakery without spending every waking minute in the kitchen. I'm Caroline Bower, and I bake over 100 loaves a week from my home while still getting 8 hours of sleep and having time to be fully present in the important moments with my family. If you're looking to build a thriving sourdough business from your home, you're in the right place. Every Thursday, I'll be sharing new episodes packed with practical advice on everything from marketing and sales to process optimization and real-life strategies to maintain a healthy, intentional lifestyle. We'll dive into how to get started, attract (and keep) your first raving customers, plan your ideal week, scale your operations, and price your products. Plus, we'll occasionally have some fantastic guests who are experts in the sourdough world. This podcast is all about giving you the tools and confidence to cultivate business that fits into your life, not the other way around. So, hit that subscribe button, do your next round of coil folds then grab a cup of coffee and get comfy for the next 20 minutes. Let's start building your dream microbakery together!

Information

  • Creator
    Caroline Bower
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Caroline Bower
  • Show Website
    The Bread Winner Podcast

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