Podcast
Kitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business Academy
A show for bakers and food entrepreneurs who want to build profitable bakery businesses that make an impact in their communities.
- Episodes
- 80
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Typical length
- 22 min
- On air since
- 2022
- Latest episode
- 2 months ago
Episodes
80 episodes, newest first
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23 min
6 Things Your Bakery Needs for a Profitable, Stress-Free Holiday Season [Replay Episode]
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
The holidays are coming (fast), and your Q4 revenue goals won’t hit themselves.
So let me ask you this:
👉 Have you actually started planning?
👉 Or are you telling yourself you'll figure it out "next week"?This week on Kitchen Notes, I’m breaking down the 6 core things every bakery needs to think through before the holiday season hits.
We’re talking:
✅ The 6 critical areas of holiday planning that every bakery should be thinking about
✅ Why simplifying your holiday menu will make you more money
✅ How to avoid the classic production and inventory headaches
✅ Why your cash flow plan and labor schedule must go hand in hand
✅ What happens when you don’t plan—and how to avoid burnout
✅ Why your packaging, promotions, and contingency plan deserve more attention now (not later)Resources Mentioned:
Register for the 2026 Holiday Planning Bootcamp “Implementation Sprint” >>
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Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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23 min
Recipe Costing Just Got A Whole Lot Easier
Show notes
After years of talking about this, I’m thrilled to share that our new recipe costing app for bakery owners is FINALLY Live! On today’s episode, I’m sharing the story behind why I built this app, and how I turned a real pain point in the bakery community into a working software product that will save you TONS of time and help you earn more money in your business!!
If you’ve struggled with recipe costing and pricing strategy for your bakery in the past - you will not want to miss this episode.
We’re talking through the spreadsheet chaos she lived through running Spilt Milk, a failed attempt to get her software-engineer husband to build it for her, and the two weeks in a Chicago co-working space that finally turned a years-old idea into working software. Then she breaks down what Batches actually does and how to try it free.
Key Takeaways:
• Why costing recipes using “the spreadsheet method” is tough to scale — even with a "master ingredient list" workaround (and what we all needed instead!)
• The #1 pain point I heard from bakery owners over and over (for years!) that finally convinced me I had to build something new
• The $40–50k quote that priced me out of building this for years — and the unexpected two weeks that finally cracked it open!
• What Batches catches automatically that most bakery owners don't realize is throwing off their margins
• Try Batches free for 7 days, no card required - http://batches.proResources + Links:
• Start your free 7-day trial of Batches → http://batches.pro
• Recipe Costing Essentials - Our introductory recipe costing course for bakery entrepreneurs who want pricing clarity without financial overwhelm
• Watch the Batches demo video
• Got feedback or a feature request? Reach out at hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com*************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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3 min
Summer Vacation, Here We Come!
Show notes
A quick episode this week to update you guys on a few things...
• Kitchen Notes is going on summer vacation! I am easing back into work after maternity leave, and my older kiddos are off on summer break. I'll be taking a little podcasting break this summer, but we will return to regular weekly episodes again in September!
• We had a baby! My husband and I welcomed our THIRD daughter, Marigold, on April 18th! We are so in love, and her older sisters are OBSESSED with her. I'm easing back into work now after maternity leave.
• Christmas in July Sale is ON! Our annual "Christmas In July" summer sale is happening ... mark your calendar for July 20-24! All of our best-selling programs, courses, and coaching packages will be on major sale that week. If you have been wanting to invest in your professional development - you do not want to miss the sale.Be sure to join our email list to stay up-to-date on what's coming down the pipe with Bakery Business Academy.
Subscriber Here >>
https://bba.kit.com/0c91881f2f -
20 min
4 Signals that You're Ready to Grow Your Bakery Business: A Data-Backed Framework to Guide Your Decision
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
Growth is exciting, but it's also one of the most consequential decisions a bakery owner can make.
In this episode, we’re breaking it all down with an honest, data-backed conversation most bakery owners never have before they sign a lease or make a major investment in growing their business.
Whether you're thinking about getting your first commercial space or expanding into something bigger, this episode will help you figure out whether you're truly ready — or whether you're running a little ahead of the data.
Key Takeaways:
• Four key signals that tell you your bakery is genuinely ready for growth (and why "feeling maxed out" isn't one of them!)
• Why growing toward sales — instead of because of them — can unravel a business that was otherwise thriving
• Three common "growth traps" that feel like green lights, even though they’re not
• A useful financial exercise to do before you sign anything or make any major commitment!Resources + Links:
• Bakery Budget Helper — An interactive budgeting tool designed specifically for bakery owners. Helps you model out new cost structures and run revenue scenarios
• Bakery Finance Essentials — A comprehensive bakery finance e-course course for business owners who want to build a complete, sustainable financial system
• Free Bakery Profit Audit — 15-minute financial checkup to help you identify where the gaps are in your bakery's financial foundation
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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26 min
The 30-Minute Financial Habit that Separates Profitable Bakeries from Struggling Ones
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
Most bakery owners either avoid their Profit & Loss statement entirely … or they open it up a few times a year, feel terrible (or confused) about what they see, and shut it right back down.
In this episode, I’m making the case for a totally different relationship with your P&L — not as a report card, but as one of the most powerful diagnostic tools in your entire business toolkit.
If you dread digging in to your bakery’s numbers and are finally ready to take back control, this week’s episode is for you!
Key Takeaways:
• Getting a grip on your bakery’s numbers is an opportunity to grow faster & easier … so don’t get wrapped up feeling like your business’s financial performance is a verdict on YOU as a business owner!
• Three simple questions to use every single month when you review your bakery’s numbers to get real, useful information from your financial reports
• How to quickly tell whether you have a revenue problem or a spending problem (important to understand, since they each require very different solutions!)
• The benchmarks for a healthy bakery cost structure — and what it means when one of your categories starts creeping out of rangeResources + Links:
• Bakery Finance Essentials — If you need more help on this and want to go deeper, BFE includes a full walkthrough of how to use your P&L as a diagnostic tool, plus a QuickBooks orientation video & real bakery use case
• Free Bakery Profit Audit— Start here if you're not sure where the gaps are in your business!
• QuickBooks Online — My #1 recommendation for a simple, affordable bookkeeping software for small business owners. Save 30% for 6 months when signing up via my link!
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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22 min
Cash Is King for Small Bakery Businesses - Why Your Income Statement Shows a Profit, But Your Bank Account Is Empty
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
It’s the end of the month, and you’re sitting down to review your sales reports and Profit & Loss statement…
You open up Quickbooks or download the P&L that your bookkeeper or accountant sent over and see a profit. GREAT - pop the champagne, right?!
Not so fast … you hop over to your bank account, log in, and (record scratch) … your stomach drops.
Sound familiar?
You're not bad at math, and nobody is stealing from you. What you're experiencing is a cash flow gap — and it's one of the most disorienting, least-talked-about realities of running a bakery business (or really, ANY small business).
In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly why this happens and what you can do to avoid the gut-wrenching, stressful “cash flow gap” every month.
Key Takeaways:
• Why profit and cash are not the same thing — and why that distinction matters so much in a seasonal business like yours
• The four MOST common reasons bakery owners experience cash flow gaps (including a few you might not have considered)
• Why a profitable year can absolutely contain unprofitable months — and how to stop panicking when this happens to you
• Three practical things you can start doing right now to get ahead of cash flow crunches before they become crisesResources + Links:
• Bakery Finance Essentials — Ready to dig deeper? BFE includes a full cash flow planning system + spreadsheet for building out a complete month-by-month financial picture for YOUR bakery business
• Free Bakery Profit Audit— a quick financial checkup to help you identify where your bakery stands right now when it comes to cash flow + profit
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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34 min
The Bakery PROFIT Framework: Your Complete System for Running a Financially Healthy Business
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right — the baking, the orders, the hustle — and the money still isn't adding up … this episode is for you.
Today, we’re introducing you to the Bakery PROFIT Framework: a six-part system to help bakery owners see and understand their full financial picture (not just one piece of it).
This isn't just about menu pricing. It's about building a financial system in your business that's designed to pay you well and grow your bank account month after month.
Key Takeaways:
• Why getting your pricing right is 100% necessary — but not wholly sufficient — for running a truly profitable bakery business
• What the six components of the PROFIT Framework are, and why you need all of them working together to grow your business
• Why marketing more should be your LAST step (and what happens when you layer it on before the foundation is solid)
• How to identify which piece of the framework is your weakest linkResources + Links:
• Free Bakery Profit Audit — a free, 15-minute financial checkup that helps you quickly see where your gaps are across the PROFIT Framework
• Bakery Finance Essentials — When you’re ready to go further, check out our advanced bakery finance e-course built around the PROFIT Framework. Includes all the tools, templates, and support for each of the six areas we talked about on today’s episode (our Spring enrollment promo for this program is running April 6-10, 2026!)
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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18 min
You've Nailed Your Recipe Costs — So Why Is Your Bank Account Still Empty?
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
You've done the work.
You've costed your recipes, built a pricing system you trust, and you're not just guessing at your margins anymore.
So … why does the money still feel tight?
In this episode, I’m talking about a concept called “micro vs. macro thinking” — and making the case that MOST bakery owners are only operating with half the picture. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right and still not seeing the financial results you expected, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
• There's a critical difference between understanding what your recipes cost vs. understanding whether your business is actually working financially — and most bakery owners only have visibility through one of these lenses
• Three real-world examples of bakery owners who have solid pricing strategies but are still losing ground financially — and what was hiding at the bigger-picture level
• Learn what it actually looks like to operate with both the micro and macro view, and why having BOTH is what separates bakers who are constantly in “survival mode” from those who build genuinely sustainable businesses
• Find out where to start if you're hearing this and realizing the big-picture view is the piece you've been missing!Resources + Links:
• Free Bakery Profit Audit — a quick financial checkup & first step toward the “macro” picture
• If you still need help with costing your recipes (the “micro” level), Recipe Costing Essentials is a great place to start
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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24 min
How Much Money Do Bakery Owners REALLY Make? (The Real, Honest Answer)
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
It's the question everyone's secretly Googling but rarely gets a straight answer to: how much money can you ACTUALLY make running a bakery?
In this episode, I’m cutting through the vague, overly optimistic answers and giving you a real, practical framework for understanding your own earning potential — grounded in actual numbers, not hope or fear.
If you've ever wondered whether the math could ever really work in your favor and how much money you REALLY make running a bakery business - this one's for you.
Key Takeaways:
• When estimating their income potential, most bakery owners are working from either way too much optimism or way too much fear. We’ll talk about how to shift this thinking, and ground your income goals in reality.
• The benchmark profit percentage that well-run bakeries typically hit, and what it means for your bottom line
• The 7 specific inputs that determine how much money your bakery can actually make (every single one is within your control)
• Why growing your revenue isn't always the answer to earning more money (and what to focus on, instead)Resources + Links:
• Free Bakery Profit Audit — a 15-minute financial check-in for bakery owners: [Link in show notes]
• Bakery Budget Helper — an interactive bakery budgeting tool that guides you through building a real working budget for your business - following the same process Meg uses with her private coaching clients
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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24 min
Busy Doesn't Mean Profitable: What to Watch When Your Bakery Starts Getting Traction
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
Getting your first orders is a huge deal — and you should feel genuinely proud of that.
But early momentum is also one of the trickiest stages of building a bakery business, and it's where a lot of talented bakers unknowingly set themselves up for a frustrating plateau down the road.
In this episode, Meg breaks down what's really happening when your business starts to move — and why being busy is not the same thing as being profitable. If you've got orders coming in and things are starting to click, this one is for you.
Key Takeaways:
• Why the excitement of early traction can actually mask a bigger problem — and what to watch for before it catches up with you
• The real reason so many bakers end up with a full order book and an empty bank account (and why it's more common than you'd think)
• Three specific things to focus on right now to make sure the business you're building is actually working for you
• How to start looking at your numbers without fear — because your numbers aren't a verdict, they're just informationResources + Links:
• Recipe Costing Essentials - our beginner-friendly recipe costing system that’ll have you accurately & easily costing your recipes in an afternoon
• Free Bakery Profit Audit — a 15-minute financial check-in for bakery owners: [Link in show notes]
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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25 min
Stop Waiting Until It's Perfect — Start Selling Now!
Show notes
If you've been spending more time on your logo than on actually selling your baked goods … this episode is for you.
Today, we’re getting real about the "overengineering" trap that keeps so many bakers stuck before they ever make their first sale — and I’ll be sharing exactly where your energy needs to go instead (especially in those early days).
Key Takeaways:
• Your brand colors, website, and Instagram aesthetic aren't what's going to make your bakery profitable
• The story of how Spilt Milk went from a scrappy farmers market table to a seven-figure business — and what we didn't spend money on along the way
• The three things every baker should focus on before worrying about branding or polish
• Why getting in front of real customers early is the most valuable market research you'll ever doResources + Links:
• Recipe Costing Essentials - our beginner-friendly recipe costing system that’ll have you accurately & easily costing your recipes in an afternoon
• Free Bakery Profit Audit — a 15-minute financial check-in for bakery owners: [Link in show notes]
• New York Times article on successful home baking businesses
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation -
29 min
Why Your Bakery Feels Busy, But You're Still Broke: A Simple Bakery Profit Audit
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
Are you actually profitable in your bakery business — or just busy?
In this episode, I’m walking you through a simple 15-minute Bakery Profit Audit designed to help you stop guessing about your numbers. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, fully booked, and somehow still unsure whether you’re truly making money… this one’s for you.
We’ll talk about why “busy” doesn’t automatically mean “profitable,” the hard lessons I learned scaling wholesale, and the four financial checks every bakery owner should be able to answer with confidence.
And yes — I’m sharing the exact framework you can use to run the numbers yourself in about 15 minutes!
Key Takeaways:
• Why being busy is not the same thing as being profitable (and how that mistake nearly cost us big)
• The 4 simple financial checks that reveal what’s really going on in your business
• Subsidizing your bakery’s bottom line with your own unpaid labor makes your bakery look more profitable on paper than it truly is
• Avoiding your numbers prevents progress in your bakery business
• How to stop treating tax season like the only time you look at your P&L
• A free 15-minute tool you can use to audit your profitability todayResources + Links:
• Download the free Bakery Profit Audit and work through the framework yourself. It’s a quick financial checkup designed to help you answer one powerful question:
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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22 min
Want to Make More Money this Year? Don’t “Brick” Your Customers
Show notes
You’ve dialed in your pricing.
You’ve built your budget.
You understand your labor and food costs.Now what?
If you’re trying to grow your bakery this year — more weddings, more catering, more foot traffic, more wholesale — your online presence can’t afford to be a brick.
In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most overlooked revenue leaks in small bakery businesses - and it's not an ugly website, haphazard social media strategy, or even rude customer service...
It's a broken or unclear customer journey.
In 2026, having an online presence is no longer optional — it’s the center of your sales engine. And if customers can’t figure out what to do in the first few seconds of landing on your page…they’re gone. And someone else gets the sale.
Stop "bricking" your customers this year!
Key Takeaways:
• Why pouring gasoline on your marketing efforts should come after your bakery’s financial foundation is solid
• What “Bricking Your Customers” really is — and how it’s quietly costing your bakery thousands of dollars
• Why your online presence should be the center of your customer journey in 2026
• The simple 3-second rule that determines whether customers stay or bounce
• How to do a super lightweight, no-cost online audit of your bakery business (no tech skills required!)
• Where to look first if business feels slow or inconsistentResources + Links:
• Use AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude to help audit your website copy and customer journey
• Need help dialing in your financial foundation first? Check out Bakery Finance Essentials
• Want help walking through your customer journey together? Email me about scheduling a personalized marketing audit for your bakery business before I go on mat leave! You can reach Meg directly at: hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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57 min
From Market Tents to Milwaukee’s Best Bakery: How Amy Gorski Built an Award-Winning, Community-Focused Shop From the Ground Up
Show notes
Episode Description:
In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with someone very near and dear to my heart — Amy Gorski, owner of Poppy Bakery in Milwaukee, WI, and a former kitchen manager and head baker at Spilt Milk. Amy has had one of the most intentional, inspiring, hard-won journeys to bakery ownership I’ve ever seen, and in this conversation she opens up about the decisions, discipline, and deep commitment to quality that have shaped her business.
From her years of working in some of the Midwest’s most respected kitchens, to her methodical plan for gaining the skills she needed, to the realities of farmers’ market life, to launching Poppy Bakery and earning Best Bakery in Milwaukee within months — Amy shares it all. This is an episode full of honesty, heart, and so many takeaways for any baker dreaming of their next step.
Key Takeaways:
• The mindset shift that allowed Amy to confidently move from “someday” to opening her own bakery
• Why she chose not to pursue wholesale — and how that decision transformed the consistency, quality, and guest experience at Poppy
• How 14 years of working for other chefs became her greatest asset (and why she believes young bakers should avoid management too early)
• The surprising tough-love realities of farmers’ market life — and how those long, grueling weekends prepared her for brick-and-mortar success
• What helped Poppy Bakery grow a loyal community fast and earn city-wide recognition within months of openingResources + Links:
• Poppy Bakery - Check out Milwaukee’s best new bakery!
• Follow Amy on Instagram
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Visit Bakery Business Academy's website for more information about our courses, programs, and private coaching with Meg
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation -
16 min
Revenue Dip? Your 5-Step "No Panic" Plan to Rebound When Sales Are Down
Show notes
If your bakery is feeling the post-holiday sales slump right now—you’re not alone. In this episode of Kitchen Notes, Meg walks through a calm, strategic 5-step plan to help you assess the dip, figure out where it's coming from, and create a realistic game plan to recover revenue without panic or burnout.
Whether January is slow for you, or your dip hits in July or October, this episode will give you a framework you can return to any time the numbers feel off.
Key Takeaways:
• Why seasonal dips are normal (and even predictable) in bakery businesses—and how to plan for them
• The first number you must know before you can rebound from a sales dip
• How to analyze which parts of your business are underperforming so you can stop guessing
• Creative, low-effort promo ideas that can help you quickly fill the revenue gap
• The one action step that most bakery owners skip when they’re feeling stressed or discouraged—but that can make or break your momentumResources + Links:
• Bakery Finance Essentials – our self-paced online e-course course designed for bakery owners who want to get more confident with their numbers
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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17 min
The #1 Bakery Profitability Tip You’re Probably Overlooking
Show notes
Episode Description:
In today’s episode, we’re answering a listener question that came up during one of our recent live workshops — and it’s one I hears all the time:
What’s your top cost-saving tip for bakery owners?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make your bakery more profitable, this episode is for you. I'm shares the real, often overlooked secret to improving your margins — and it’s not about cutting labor, finding cheaper ingredients, or slashing your rent!
Whether you’re just getting your bakery off the ground or you’ve been in business for years, I hope this simple & powerful reminder helps improve the way you manage your bakery’s finances this year and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
• Why profitability isn't about one magic fix — and what it is about instead
• The slow, sneaky “leaks” that drain your profits (and how to catch them early)
• A simple routine that can help you make better, faster, and easier financial decisions
• How staying close to your numbers reduces stress and increases confidence
• My practical recommendation for checking in on your finances — even if you “hate numbers”Resources Mentioned:
• Bakery Finance Essentials – our self-paced online e-course course designed for bakery owners who want to get more confident with their numbers
• 🗣️ Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com -
19 min
Beyond Resolutions - Real Talk About Setting Intentional Bakery Goals for a Stronger 2026
Show notes
Episode Description:
It’s that quiet, cozy week between the holidays and the New Year—a natural time to pause and reflect. In this episode, let's walk through a gentle (non-hustle-y!) approach to year-end reflection and business planning. Instead of racing into 2026 at full speed, I invites you to slow down, look back with honesty, and begin the new year with grounded clarity about what’s working—and what’s not.
Whether 2025 was your best year ever or a bit of a blur, this episode offers a calmer, step-by-step framework to assess your numbers, your energy, and your goals—so you can move into the new year with confidence and intention.
Key Takeaways:
• Rushing into New Year planning can backfire—here's what to do instead
• The three simple numbers to look at before setting any 2026 goals
• Why “how the year felt” is just as important as analyzing your profit margins!
• A practical framework to reflect on 2025 without the overwhelm
• Avoiding “hope and pray” planning in 2026Resources + Links:
➡️ Register for the Free 2026 Planning Workshop on January 12th
➡️ Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation
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18 min
Black Friday Preview: Your 2025 “5 Days of Deals” Sneak Peek
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
This week on Kitchen Notes, we’re doing something a little different — and very exciting. For the first time in years, we’re bringing our biggest sale of the year back to Black Friday Week… and today, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes preview of everything coming your way.
After selling our bakery this fall, I’ve finally had the headspace to revamp, rebuild, and expand many of the tools, templates, and programs inside Bakery Business Academy. And next week, we’re rolling out a curated lineup of offers designed to help you:
✨ streamline your production
✨ understand your numbers
✨ start a bakery with clarity
✨ price for profit
✨ build stronger systems
✨ and make 2026 your most profitable, organized, sustainable bakery year yetIn this episode, I walk you through how the 5 Days of Deals will work, what you can expect each day, and how to plan your week so you don’t miss the offers that support your goals.
Whether you’re dreaming of opening a bakery, knee-deep in production chaos, or ready to level-up your systems and profitability — there’s something coming for you.
On this week’s episode, we’re talking…
• What “5 Days of Deals” looks like and how to plan for it
• The types of problems each daily offer is designed to solve
• What to expect in terms of pricing, timing, and availability
• Why some offers are extremely limited (👋 maternity leave!)
• How to decide which deal is right for your goals, stage of business, and budgetMORE INFO:
Our Black Friday Week sale starts:
🗓 Monday, Nov 24 – Friday, Nov 28
⏰ New deal goes LIVE each morning at 6:00am CST
⏳ Each offer is available THAT DAY ONLY from 6am-midnight!
💸 Biggest discounts of the year
🎯 Tools + trainings designed for bakery owners at all stagesNone of the purchase links activate until the morning of each deal — but you can preview the entire week right now!
👉 Preview the full Black Friday catalog and daily schedule here:
https://www.bakerybusinessacademy.com/black-friday-2025
Not sure which offer fits your goals?
If you’re torn between two programs or want help choosing based on your stage of business, send me an email! I’m happy to help you pick the best fit.
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Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
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30 min
Big News About Our Bakery! [Part 2]
Show notes
Episode Show Notes:
In this follow-up episode, Molly and I are back to talk about what happened after we sold Spilt Milk. From the nitty-gritty of the transition process to the emotional side of letting go—we’re walking you through what it really looks like to step away from a business & successfully transition it to new ownership.
We also share what’s next for both of us, and what the future holds for Bakery Business Academy.
Spoiler: we're not going anywhere! In fact, we’re just getting started.
Key Takeaways:
• What a business transition period actually looks like (and how it’s nothing like selling a house)
• How we structured our handoff and training plan with the new owner
• What tools, checklists, and systems helped make the transition smoother
• The emotional side of letting go (and how to stay grounded through it)
• What’s next for both of us—and for Bakery Business AcademyIf you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to sell a bakery—or maybe thought about selling yours someday—this one’s for you!
Resources Mentioned:
• Scribe is the tool we use for creating step-by-step PDF guidess
• Follow Molly’s next chapter (and new fitness & wellness biz!) → Whole Her Fitness
• Looking for personalized, 1-on-1 support launching & scaling your bakery business? Read more about private coaching on the Bakery Business Academy website, ➡️ Linked Here
• Have other questions we can answer about the business sale? Email us: hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com******************************
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!
-
44 min
Big News About Our Bakery! [Part 1]
Show notes
Episode Description:
Big news—after more than a decade running Spilt Milk, we’ve sold the bakery. In this special two-part series, I’m joined by my sister and co-founder Molly to talk about the journey that led us to this huge decision. This first part dives into the why behind our decision, how the idea came about, and what the early steps looked like.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to sell a business—or if you’ve thought about your own “what’s next?”—you’ll want to listen in.
Key Takeaways:
• Why we decided to sell Spilt Milk—even after our most profitable year ever
• What personal and professional shifts made this the right time
• How we got from “maybe someday” to “let’s do it”
• What we looked for in a buyer (and why it felt so personal)
• The mindset shifts that came with such a major transitionWe’re breaking this story into two episodes, so be sure to tune in to Part 2 for more details about the business sale - including how we transitioned the business to the new owners, and what's next for Bakery Business Academy!
Resources Mentioned
• Our amazing bookkeeper, Daliah Fritz, recorded an episode with us on Kitchen Notes! Be sure to listen in for more tips from Daliah about how to manage your business finances ➡️ Listen Here
• Looking for personalized, 1-on-1 support launching & scaling your bakery business? Read more about private coaching on the Bakery Business Academy website, ➡️ Linked Here
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