Shows
Kitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyWant to Make More Money this Year? Don’t “Brick” Your CustomersYou’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.
2026-02-1222 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyFrom Market Tents to Milwaukee’s Best Bakery: How Amy Gorski Built an Award-Winning, Community-Focused Shop From the Ground UpEpisode 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 method...
2026-02-0257 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyRevenue Dip? Your 5-Step "No Panic" Plan to Rebound When Sales Are DownIf 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...
2026-01-2116 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyThe #1 Bakery Profitability Tip You’re Probably OverlookingEpisode 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 baker...
2026-01-1316 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBeyond Resolutions - Real Talk About Setting Intentional Bakery Goals for a Stronger 2026Episode 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 you...
2025-12-2919 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBlack Friday Preview: Your 2025 “5 Days of Deals” Sneak PeekEpisode 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 he...
2025-11-1818 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBig News About Our Bakery! [Part 2]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 Ta...
2025-10-3130 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBig News About Our Bakery! [Part 1]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.Ke...
2025-10-2743 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business Academy6 Things Your Bakery Needs for a Profitable, Stress-Free Holiday SeasonThe 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 cla...
2025-09-1722 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyThe Holidays Are Coming: Is Your Bakery Ready?The holiday season may still feel far away, but if you run a bakery, now is the time to get your game plan in place.In this episode, Meg is giving you a friendly (but firm!) reality check and helping you kickstart your holiday planning before it's too late. Whether you’re a seasoned bakery owner or heading into your very first holiday season this episode is packed with practical strategies, hard-won lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights that will help you turn the busiest time of year into your most profitable — and least chaotic — season yet.On tod...
2025-09-1119 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business Academy9 Things I'd Do Differently If I Started My Bakery TODAYStarting or running a bakery can be thrilling—but it’s also easy to get lost in the daily grind and miss some of the big-picture moves that set you up for success. In this episode, I’m looking back at my own journey and sharing the 9 lessons learned & things I would do differently if I were starting my bakery today.We're talking about three phases of business growth—Getting Started Right, Laying a Strong Foundation, and Creating Sustainability—so you can take what’s most relevant to where you are now and put it into action...
2025-08-1426 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyNo Lines Around the Block? You’re Still Doing It RightEpisode Description:It’s easy to look at the bakeries with long lines and viral reels and wonder if you're falling behind. But here’s the truth: slow, steady, consistent growth is the real magic in most bakery businesses. In this episode, I’m diving into the unglamorous (but wildly effective) habits that actually move the needle—and why you don’t need to chase every trend or constantly reinvent the wheel to build a business that lasts.In this episode, we’re covering:The story of a new Chicago bakery that...
2025-08-0513 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademySold Out in 60 Minutes – The Power of Email MarketingSlow sales week? We’ve all been there! In this episode, Meg shares the story of how one simple email helped sell out an entire weekend’s worth of pies—in under an hour.If you’ve been pouring time into social media with little to show for it, this episode will get your wheels turning on a marketing strategy that’s simple, repeatable, and actually works. Whether you’re brand new to email or just need a nudge to use it more consistently, this one’s for you!📝 Show Notes + Takeaways...
2025-07-2915 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyFrom Solo to Staffed: Tips For Hiring Bakery Employees [Listener Question]Episode Description:Thank you to Margaret for submitting a question for this week's episode!In today’s episode, Meg tackles one of the biggest (and scariest) growth decisions bakery owners face—how do you know when it’s time to hire? If you’ve ever found yourself stretched thin but nervous to bring on staff before the revenue follows, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:How to spot the signs that you're outgrowing your current role—and what that means for your business.Why it's sometime...
2025-07-1713 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyTrends + Truths: What 2025 Is Teaching Us in the Bakery BusinessWe're halfway through 2025—and wow, what a year it's been! In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the trends and patterns I'm noticing in the baking industry. From price sensitivity to labor market challenges, catering wins to AI tools—we're covering what's shifting and, more importantly, what’s actually working right now. Whether you're "feeling the pressure" or simply want to stay ahead of the curve, this one’s for you!🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why customer price sensitivity is rising—and how to adapt without racing to the bottomWhat’s he...
2025-07-0915 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyThe Tech Tools That Power Our 7-Figure Bakery BusinessEver wonder how a small bakery team can consistently generate over $1 million a year in revenue—without burning out? In this behind-the-scenes episode, Meg shares the exact tech tools that help her and co-owner Molly run a lean, efficient, and profitable bakery operation. From point-of-sale systems to payroll, email marketing to order automation, you’ll get a peek into the tools that power their bakery’s success—and learn how to start streamlining your own business, one smart upgrade at a time!Key Takeaways:The full tech stack we use to run our baker...
2025-06-3022 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyLeading Indicators - A Simple Weekly Scorecard to Keep Your Bakery Profitable and On TrackIf you've ever pulled your sales report and thought, "We did okay this week... I guess?" — this episode is for you.In today’s solo episode, Meg walks you through a simple but powerful tool to help you track what’s really going on in your bakery — without fancy software or a finance degree.We’re talking about the Leading Indicator Scorecard — a weekly habit that gives you more clarity, more control, and fewer surprises at the end of the month. You’ll learn how to identify the metrics that matter most (beyond just sales), s...
2025-06-2523 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBreak-Even or Bust: The #1 Number Every Bakery Owner Needs to KnowEpisode Summary:In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important—yet overlooked—numbers in bakery business success: your break-even point. Whether you’re feeling stuck, wondering if you can keep your doors open, or just want to make smarter decisions for your bakery’s future, understanding your break-even number is the first step. On this episode, Meg shares why “busy” doesn’t always mean “profitable” and a simple, actionable method to calculate your break-even—even if you’re not a “numbers person.” She also shares real-life stories from Spilt Milk and other bakeries, and practica...
2025-06-1330 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyWe’re Back! Kitchen Notes Returns with an update on Summer Plans, Bakery Growth & What’s NextEpisode Summary:Meg returns to the Kitchen Notes podcast after a six-month break to share what’s been happening behind the scenes at Spilt Milk Pastry and Bakery Business Academy. In this quick catch-up episode, Meg opens up about why she paused the show, exciting new projects underway, and what listeners can expect from Kitchen Notes moving forward—including more frequent episodes, updated resources, and a special invitation to help beta test a brand new bakery recipe costing app.Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the podcast, tune in to get up...
2025-06-1310 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyFrom Home Bakery to Heart of the Community: How The Evergreen Has Found a Recipe For Success in Rural KentuckyEpisode Summary: Join us on this inspiring episode of Kitchen Notes as we sit down with Amy Smith, the dynamic owner of The Evergreen Southern Kitchen & Gathering Place, a multifaceted Bakery/Cafe & event venue in Bridgeport, Kentucky. Transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, Amy shares her journey of creating a thriving business that not only serves delectable treats but also stands as a pillar in the community. Discover how Amy's blend of passion, creativity, and strategic business acumen has transformed The Evergreen into a beloved local destination.This episode was originally recorded in November, 2022
2024-08-0639 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyIntroducing: Bakery Finance Essentials Live!On today's episode, I'm excited to announce a new program we are running starting the week of August 5, 2024 - Bakery Finance Essentials LIVE!I've been teaching my flagship bakery finance e-course in one form or another since 2019 ... it's gone through many iterations and revisions, and I'm confident it is the most comprehensive & approachable bakery finance e-course out there today. We re-lauched the latest version of the program last month, and now I'm excited to announce that for the first time EVER, we are running a LIVE cohort of the class!I’ve never run a Li...
2024-07-3119 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyReducing Friction In Your Ordering Process to Grow Your Bakery SalesOrder Up! On today's episode of Kitchen Notes, we're diving deep into your bakery’s ordering process - with a specific focus on reducing friction in the ordering process so you can increase sales. From crafting a user-friendly menu to leveraging modern technology for 24/7 ordering capabilities, we explore strategies & techniques to make buying from your bakery as effortless as possible. Join us as we discuss practical tips and share stories of real-world implementations that have helped us streamline our customer service process and grow sales.Resources and Links Mentioned:
2024-07-2524 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyMid-Year Recap (Part 2): Finance Deep Dive from Our Bakery to YoursOn today's episode, we dive into a detailed financial review of the first half of 2024. We'll discusses investments, revenue growth, budget considerations, and specific financial metrics that we're keeping on eye on as we grow our bakery. This financial check-up aims to provide listeners with insights on managing their bakery's finances and adapting strategies for continued growth in the second half of the year.If you run a bakery business, this episode is packed with practical tips and "lessons learned" from our bakery to yours.Key Points Discussed:Revenue Growth: Our total...
2024-07-1520 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyMid-Year Recap: Hits, Misses, Trends, & Triumphs from Our Bakery to Yours (Part 1)On today's episode, we're digging into "Part 1" of a new two-episode series where we look back at the first six months of 2024 - sharing key business updates, financial insights, and unique investments that have shaped the success of our year so far! Join us as we discuss the projects we've worked on, investments we've made this year, and trends that have influenced not just our bakery but could inspire your own culinary ventures as well. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for any bakery owner - especially those of you in the retail space or selling...
2024-07-0925 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyThe Marketing Myth: When More Sales Don't Equal More MoneyEpisode Summary:In this episode of Kitchen Notes, Meg dives into a crucial topic for bakery owners struggling with profitability: the myth that more sales always lead to more profit. Drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned with her bakery, Spilt Milk, Meg emphasizes the need to deeply understand your costs, price your products correctly with healthy profit margins, create a profit-first budget, and have a plan for monitoring numbers/taking corrective action. She outlines practical steps for understanding and managing your bakery's finances effectively before ramping up marketing efforts.Key...
2024-06-0617 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyMixing It Up: Creative Collaborations to Boost Your Bottom LineEpisode Summary:In this episode of Kitchen Notes, join us as we explore the power of business collaborations to boost bakery sales, expand customer reach, and enhance brand exposure. Discover how partnerships with complementary businesses - whether with taco joints or local florists - can lead to fun and fruitful outcomes. Host Meg Svec shares real-life examples from recent successful collaborations, offers practical tips on setting up your own partnerships, and discusses how to ensure these ventures benefit all parties involved.Key Topics Covered:The benefits of business collaborations for bakeriesReal-world...
2024-05-2926 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBake Smarter, Not Harder: Low-Effort Strategies for Boosting Your Bakery’s RevenueEpisode Summary:In today's episode of Kitchen Notes, we're diving deep into effective strategies for increasing your bakery's revenue, without the need to expand your menu or invest in new product development. Focusing on practical, low-effort techniques, we'll explore how things like minor packaging adjustments, "low-fi" subscription models, and regular sales promotions can significantly boost your bakery revenue. Whether you're operating with limited time or looking for creative ways to engage customers, these bakery sales strategies will help you enhance profitability while keeping your operations manageable.Resources and Links M...
2024-05-2318 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBake, Sell, Repeat - Let’s Crunch The Numbers in a Post-Holiday Debrief for Bakery OwnersEpisode Summary:In this episode, we're diving into a detailed post-Mother's Day debrief that reveals how to leverage holiday sales to sustain and grow your bakery business. Join us as we explore practical strategies for maximizing revenue during key sales periods, with real-life examples from our recent successful Mother's Day holiday baker promo! Whether you're running a bustling retail bakery, are in the thick of online sales, or operate as a "popup" business ... this episode will provide you with actionable tips you can apply to your own business operations, and change the way you t...
2024-05-1724 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyThe Dough Must Go On: Life, Baking, and Business ResilienceEpisode Summary: In this comeback episode of Kitchen Notes, we delve deep into the personal and professional challenges of running a bakery amidst life's unpredictable swings. Host Meg Svec shares her heartfelt experiences balancing personal challenges & family life with bakery management, and offers insights into navigating the financial and emotional ups and downs of the bakery business. Join us as we explore the importance of "knowing your numbers" and how this knowledge can be a lifeline during turbulent times. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to keep...
2024-05-1624 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyCapping Off Our Most Profitable Year EVER - 2023 "Year In Review"Join me as I look back & reflect on an eventful 2023! It's been a year of profound changes and learning for me, both on a personal level and as a business owner. From embracing my role as a parent, to steering our bakery towards new growth with the help of my business partner ... we're unwrapping it all on today's episode! Key Highlights:The changes we made this year to manage our team more effectively, New tools that have been game changers for giving our team more autonomy and saving time on things like creating schedules, man...
2023-12-2724 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyThe January Juggle: Let's Talk Inventory Management StrategiesIn today's episode, we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of managing inventory, and practical strategies for deciding how much product you need to produce at your bakery.Picture this: it's December, we're knee-deep in the "holiday hustle", & sales are booming. Slow down there, soldier! January's peeking around the corner, ready to throw us a curveball. Inevitably, this is a time of the year when sales start to dip...folks are starting new diets, wallets are zipped up tight after holiday spending sprees, and (for us, at least) snowy weather has folks cooped up indoors.
2023-12-1121 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyIdentifying Revenue vs. Pricing Issues in Your Bakery BusinessIn this episode, we dive deep into a common challenge faced by bakery owners: distinguishing between a revenue problem and a pricing problem. Often, bakery businesses struggle to cover their expenses, pay themselves, or grow due to low sales and/or cash flow issues. Today, we explore the importance of knowing and understanding your revenue / sales numbers, and discuss some general rules of thumb when it comes to managing your bakery budget - including how much you should plan to spend on things like ingredients, labor, and overhead. We also touch on the significance of a...
2023-10-2012 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyListener Question: Money Matters, & Mastering Your Bakery's Bottom LineIn this episode of Kitchen Notes, we're taking a listener question & diving deep into an essential business finance topic: raising your prices! On today's episode, we'll talk about... The various factors that can impact your bottom-line profitability, The importance of understanding your business costs, which includes overhead costs (rent, utilities, etc.), labor costs (employee salaries), and product costs (ingredients and supplies), Regularly reviewing your profit and loss statements, and why this is absolutely crucial for gaining insights into your business's financial health. Determining your "bare minimum" number - the minimum revenue needed to cover essen...
2023-07-2522 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyRising to Success: How Moira Walker Built Her Thriving Bakery BusinessMoira Walker is a former deli owner who turned her passion for pie baking into a successful cottage bakery business. Moira began her business baking pies on the weekends, and selling from a charming roadside stand, using an honor box for payment.Her business grew through word of mouth, and the support of her local community.Before long, Moira expanded her business by participating in farmers' markets and networking with other vendors to find new opportunities. She discovered the game-changing cheddar pastry recipe during a course at King Arthur and started making savory h...
2023-07-1436 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyNavigating Challenges and Celebrating Milestones: A Mid-Year Bakery UpdateWe're back!It's been a minute since we've posted a new Kitchen Notes episode, and I'm excited to be back at it. Last time I spoke with you, we were talking 2023 goals. Now that we're about half-way through the year, let's check in - shall we?I'm sharing an update on what's been happening in MY business (Spilt Milk), and some lessons learned. I'm hoping you can find some inspiration and camaraderie in today's update!Here's what we'll talk about on today's episode:Bakery Updates: What's Happening In The Business?How we're...
2023-06-1321 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business Academy2022 Wrap Up Part 3: Looking Ahead To A Fresh Start in 2023!Happy New Year!In this 3-part series, we’ll be sitting down to “hit the reset button” as we start a new year. We’ll take a look back at 2022 to talk about what went well, exciting milestones we achieved as a business, lessons learned, and where we’re headed in 2023.Today, tune in for Part Three, where we're talking about some of the important pillars that our guiding our goals for the upcoming year, including commitments we are making to our team, our community, and the planet. Here’s a breakdown of what we cover in tod...
2023-02-0921 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business Academy2022 Wrap Up Part 2: Lessons LearnedHappy New Year!In this 3-part series, we'll be sitting down to "hit the reset button" as we start a new year. We'll take a look back at 2022 to talk about what went well, exciting milestones we achieved as a business, lessons learned, and where we're headed in 2023.Today, tune in for Part Two, where we dig into a few things that could have been better about last year, including some valuable lessons learned we will carry with us into 2023. Here's a breakdown of what we cover in today's episode:Staff Turnover...
2023-01-3031 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business Academy2022 Wrap Up Part 1: The Good!Happy New Year!Over the next 3 episodes, we'll be sitting down to "hit the reset button" as we start a new year. We'll take a look back at 2022 to talk about what went well, exciting milestones we achieved as a business, lessons learned, and where we're headed in 2023.Today, tune in for Part One of this three-part series, where we'll dive into:Our "Million Dollar Year" 🥳 ... Spilt Milk hit an exciting milestone in 2022. It was the first time in the history of our business that we exceeded one million dollars (USD) in rev...
2023-01-2724 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyRevenue Tips for a Profitable Holiday SeasonIf you run a bakery, you know that the fourth quarter can be incredibly hectic. Everybody wants their pastries and treats and goodies for the holiday season. While that usually means a big boost in revenue, it also means a whole lot of work. In this episode, we’re talking all about prepping for the holiday season — like how to boost revenue without adding a ton of extra tasks to your already full to-do list. We also get into:Maximizing production without taking on too much.How offering presales can increase revenue without the extra stress of da...
2022-11-1518 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyUsing Data to Quantify Your InstinctsWhile blindly running on instinct probably isn’t going to be the best path to a successful business, there IS something to be said about listening to what your gut is telling you. In this episode, we’re talking about why when it comes to your bakery business you should listen to that little voice in the back of your head telling you to pay attention — while still looking at the numbers to validate and guide you. We get into:Why we believe in trusting your gut and listening to your instincts. How data should be used to...
2022-11-0408 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyHow to Prep For Your Monthly Financial ReviewOf all the things we do in our business each month, there’s one thing in particular we find is always worth the time we spend on it — the month end financial review. In this episode, we’re sharing our month-end financial review process and sharing how it allows us to put together a strong game plan based on facts based on data. We get into:What exactly goes into our end-of-the-month financial review.How we prepare for the meeting.What highlights we go over when we sit down together.And so much more!
2022-10-3117 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyIt’s Spilt Milk’s Anniversary - Celebrate Six Years In Business With Us!It’s time to celebrate! Spilt Milk has been in business for six years and we’ve got plenty of reasons to jump for joy. We opened our retail shop in 2016, and it’s always fun to take a look back at the journey.In this episode, we’re reflecting back on some lessons learned, friends made along the way, keeping a business running throughout a global pandemic, and our very favorite memories. Thank you to all our wonderful customers and supporters for holding our hand on this journey. We love you - and couldn’t do this w...
2022-10-3024 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyDana Cree: From Pastry Chef to Ice Cream EntrepreneurWhether you’re making mind-blowingly gorgeous pastries or out-of-the-world ice cream, many of the principles of running a small business are the same. On this episode, we sit down with seasoned pastry chef turned entrepreneur and owner of Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Dana Cree. Dana shares her journey and the lessons she learned along the way, including:Figuring out parenthood as a small business owner and building a business that supports flexibility. How wholesale can create a new revenue stream.The unexpected bumps along the road to opening a 2nd shop.Fostering self-discovery to empower your team...
2022-10-1742 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyAdd It Up: Patching Your Budget LeaksKnowing your numbers is a critical piece of bakery business success, but how do you take action to stay on top of things when you notice some gaps in where your money is going? In this episode, we’re sharing how we’ve approached tracking slow leaks in our budget. We get into:How reviewing your weekly KPI report will help you notice small leaks before they turn into massive holes. Why your refund rate is a number you should be tracking.Where we look at our reporting to identify leaks and how we take action. And mor
2022-10-1421 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademySarah Becker Gets Real About Your Dollars and CentsWhen it comes to money management, sometimes you just want to bury your head in the sand and avoid it — but friends, it’s time to take a deep breath and rip off the bandaid!In this episode, we sit down for a chat with financial educator & all-around cool gal Sarah Becker for some real talk on effective money management. After ten years as a wedding photographer, real estate investor, and small business owner, Sarah Becker kept hearing the same story from her biz besties over and over again. While outwardly successful in their businesses, they...
2022-10-1037 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyPlanning for Profitability: Budgeting & The Profitable Pricing FormulaIn a time where the cost of ingredients is steadily climbing, can you run a bakery AND still make a profit? In this episode, we’re tackling this question from a community member. We talk about:•How to adjust when you don’t have a lot of wiggle room in the budget•Why closely monitoring your budget is critical to profitability•How to look for opportunities to “do more with less”•Plus more tips on keep your finances on track! Looking for more resources on running a profitable bakery business? Recipe Costing Es...
2022-10-0716 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyConnie Brown: Build Your Team to Build Your BusinessWhen you run a bakery business, you can always expect the unexpected. In this episode, we sit down with Connie Brown, owner of The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor and Creamery, who successfully made the transition from corporate marketer to ice cream shop owner. We talk to Connie about: The desire to create a gathering place for the community.How she grew her business and what that evolution looked like.Making the leap to bring certain aspects of production in-house.Some of her biggest lessons along the way.And so much more!...
2022-10-0345 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyCommunity Question: How Do You Stand Out in a Saturated Market?Competition is a reality when you run a bakery business. But should you really be worrying & wondering what your competition is up to?In this episode, we get real about how we deal with “competitors”, as well as sharing:Why competition in your area is actually a good thing!Why focusing on collaboration and support versus competition is a win / winSome key questions to ask yourself when you find yourself worrying about what your competitors are doing
2022-09-3010 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyNailing Your Pre-Order ProcessAs many of us head into the holiday season, we’re ramping up for a high volume of pre-orders. So how do you make sure you’re ready for the onslaught?In this episode, we’re talking about how to get your processes for pre-orders nailed down so that you can avoid extra headaches during what is usually a busy time of year. We share our experiences (and pitfalls), as well as:Why nailing your pre-order process can dramatically increase your revenue.How streamlining will help you maximize your ability to take orders.What our pre...
2022-09-2630 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyListener Question: Do You Really Need a Business Plan?Running a bakery business can be a profitable venture, but before you start whipping up your favorite treats, you need to have a plan.In this episode, we tackle the need for a business plan and why if you want to have a sustainable, successful business, putting in the leg work for a business plan is a must. We also talk about:Why having a business plan is a key ingredient of success.Why revisiting your business plan on a regular basis is important.Why researching and coming up with projections is a helpful e...
2022-09-2320 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBalancing Parenthood and Bakery OwnershipBeing a parent and running a bakery business can sometimes feel like your very own three-ring circus. In this episode, we’re serving up some real talk on how motherhood has impacted us and how we’ve worked to find the right balance that allows us to excel as both parents and business owners. We also share:Our own journeys becoming parents while running our business.Some of the hurdles we’ve had to clear at various stages of motherhood and entrepreneurship.How being organized can free up the mental resources you and your team nee...
2022-09-1940 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyWaste, Discounts, Refunds and More: Dealing with “Lost” MoneyWhen you run a bakery, there are various places where money that you may have planned as part of your profits ends up going out the door. In this episode, we’re discussing how discounts, waste, refunds and more can all have an impact on our bottom line. We talk about:Which parts of your profit and loss statements should be monitored most closely every month when tracking wasteWhy your food budget is a good indicator of the health of your bakery financesWhy costing your recipes is imperative to help keep track of where mon...
2022-09-1614 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyPrepping For The Holidays: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!The holidays can be a fun and joyful time to be a bakery owner — as long as you keep your wits about yourself and do some planning in advance. We’ve had plenty of highs and lows over the years - so let’s talk about lessons learned!In this episode, we’re sharing some of our biggest tips & tricks from running our bakery through the holiday season. We’re getting real about some of the challenges we’ve faced (and how we overcame them), as well as:Why holidays can be a great revenu...
2022-09-1234 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyListener Question: How Do You Work with Family and Not Kill Each Other?As sisters who run a bakery business together, we often get questions about what it’s like to work together. Do we always get along? How do we make it work without killing each other?In this episode, we’re sharing our own experience working with family and some of the ups and downs we’ve had along the way. We also talk about:How to keep it professional in the workplace.Breaking out of your familial roles.Why trust is paramount to making it work. Thank you for listening – if you like what you...
2022-09-0908 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyFrom Idea to Empire: How The Dick and Jane Baking Company Leveraged Simplicity to Find Sweet Bakery SuccessWhen Dick and Jane met over a cookie years ago, they had no idea that years later an idea to put education on an animal cracker would change their entire career trajectory!In this episode, we’re joined by the founder of the Dick and Jane Baking Company — Dick Held. He shares how a passion for combining nutrition and education went from idea to implementation, and they managed to get their products into school boards across the country! We also talk about:How simplicity with products has made their growth that much easier & fasterWhy commi...
2022-09-0552 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBreaking Out of Your Motivation Slump - How To Reset & Show Up To Lead, Even When Things Get HARDRunning a bakery business isn’t all sugar, spice, and everything nice. But whether the business is in a slow period, you’ve got personal issues going on, or you're just having a plain old bad day, you still have a business to take care of. So how do you walk in and show up for yourself & your team with a good attitude?In this episode, we’re talking about how to find your motivation when you’re in a slump. We discuss:How to lead by example for your team — even on days yo...
2022-09-0212 min
Kitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyThe Magic of Branding with Tina Harle from Tina Harle PhotographyBranding is one of those things that’s necessary for your bakery business, but if marketing isn’t in your wheelhouse, you may have no clue where to begin. In this episode, we’re having a chat with our friend, photographer Tina Harle of Tina Harle Photography who’s built a thriving business focused on food-related businesses. She shares some of her tips for what bakery owners should pay attention to for their branding.We also discuss:How Tina got into food photography and branding.How her work brings value to the small businesses she works...
2022-08-2950 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyListener Question: How Do You Decide What Goes On Your Menu?As a bakery business owner, you’re a creative soul and probably have lots of ideas about what you’d like to offer your customers. So … how do you narrow down the choices and figure out what makes the final cut on your menu? And more importantly, how do you make sure your menu is profitable?On this episode, we’re answering a common question we often get asked — how do I decide what goes on my menu? We’re diving into:The key questions you need to ask yourself when determining your menuThe...
2022-08-2619 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyBusiness Lessons with Cindy Summers - Chicago’s Premier Wedding Cake DesignerRunning a successful bakery requires more than just making fabulous baked goods. Timing, location, marketing, vendor sourcing, staffing and SO much more all need to be taken into account. On this episode of Kitchen Notes, we’re joined by our friend, Cindy Summers. She’s the former owner of Sugar Fixé in Oak Park, IL, and now owns Flourish Cake Design - a premium custom cake studio in Chicago. We sat down with Cindy to learn some of the best lessons she’s learned along the way on her bakery ownership journey. During the episod...
2022-08-2240 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyListener Question: How Do You Get Comfortable Delegating Important Tasks to Your Employees?Getting help in your bakery business is really exciting, but it can also be fraught with anxiety. With the right processes in place, you can ensure your business is set up for new employees to thrive!This week we’re tackling a listener question: How do you get comfortable delegating important tasks to your employees?Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:Why documenting all your recipes is an important process for long-term successWhy planning for “the learning curve” will help for a smoother transition with new staffHow pushing yourself out of you...
2022-08-1910 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyIncreasing Your Revenue Without Increasing Your Overwhelm (Here’s How)Are you chasing that next big sales goal? Do you want to achieve that next level of success with your financial goals in your business? If so, this is the episode for you!As a bakery business owner, you’ve already got a ton on your plate, so finding the time to investigate new marketing ideas or come up with plans to help you meet your financial goals can feel completely overwhelming.In this episode, we’re diving into six approachable tips for growing your revenue…We’re talking about:Why chec...
2022-08-1529 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyListener Question - How Do I Raise My Prices?With the price of goods rising, and supply chain issues bogging us all down … profit margins are getting smaller (if not disappearing altogether). So - how do you maintain your profit margins, without upsetting your customers? In this episode, we’re chatting about this important & timely topic - How do I raise my prices?!We’ll be getting into:The reality of the current climate and the impact on costsWhy advice for big businesses doesn’t always translate to smaller onesHow to roll out price changes…And so much more!Thank you for list...
2022-08-1216 min
Kitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyFinding Your Financial Footing with Daliah FritzDo bookkeeping and handling the finances for your bakery business feel like a huge chore? Do you feel intimidated trying to make all the numbers work from one month to the next?If so - we’ve been there too! And one of the best decisions we’ve ever made in our business was to hire an expert to assist us with money management!In the episode, we’re sitting down with Daliah Fritz, CEO of Fritz Financial Solutions (formerly My Small Business Pro). Daliah prides herself on helping her clients worry less about...
2022-08-0846 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyListener Question - Let’s Talk About Menu Pricing!“What should I charge for these chocolate chip cookies?""What you would pay for a 6" custom cake?" "Can I price these croissants at $4?”In this episode, we’re talking about the number one question we hear from our community, and it’s probably no surprise it’s about pricing your products! We also give you the rundown on:The fact that there’s no one right and easy answer for how to price everything you make — but there ARE some things you should take into account when figuring out your answer...
2022-08-0509 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyTrust The Data: What Numbers We Track To Run A Profitable Bakery BusinessEver wondered what KPIs are — or why they matter for a bakery business? Let's talk about Key Performance Indicators!During this episode, Molly and Meg share how whether it’s turning a profit, saving for unexpected expenses, paying off business debt, or paying yourself regularly, knowing your numbers makes all the difference in meeting your goals. In this episode, we talk about:Why making data-driven decisions is critical for small business owners with tight margins.How your business model impacts which numbers matter the m...
2022-08-0228 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyHow Chickadee Bakeshop Built A Sustainable & Profitable Subscription-Based Bakery BusinessWhat happens when two friends passionate about baking make the leap from a subscription-based bakery to having a retail storefront?In this episode, we sit down with Kate and Dorie from the Chickadee Bakeshop to chat about operating 2 business models at once, running a thriving business in a small town, and how partnering with an established business can be a recipe for magic. Their smart approach to business helps ensure sustainable revenue AND has helped them grow and scale, while focusing on baking things they enjoy. These ladies have really created something special!We also...
2022-07-291h 08Kitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyFarmer’s Market To Thriving Retail Shop: Bootstrapping Our Bakery DreamIn this episode, we take a trip down memory lane to reflect on Molly & Meg started Spilt Milk. We had a milestone month recently – our first month EVER exceeding $100,000 in revenue. What started as a dream, baking overnight and selling at the farmer’s market in Chicago…has grown into a dream business that we love running every day.Along the way, there were lots of stops and starts. If you’ve ever been curious what it takes to launch & grow a successful and profitable bakery business on a budget … you won’t want to miss this episode!
2022-07-2935 minKitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business AcademyEpisode 1: Welcome to Kitchen Notes!Welcome to Kitchen Notes!In this episode, we’re setting our intentions for the podcast & talking about why we decided to start having these conversations. When we started our bakery in 2013, there weren’t a ton of resources available for bakers looking to turn their talents into profitable small businesses … and we are on a mission to change that! We hope you will find this podcast helpful as you work on launching & growing a successful bakery business in your community.We also talk about our DREAM GUESTS … who we hope to some day have on the podc...
2022-07-2707 min
The Course Creator ShowEpisode 102 | How Meg went from $0 to $250k/year with her online course business for food entrepreneursI am really excited to share this story today.In this interview, I’m sitting down with Meg Svec. Meg is the Co-Owner of Spilt Milk Pastry, a bakery in Chicago, and the Founder of Bakery Business Academy.A few months after launching a small digital product, Meg came to work with me. I helped her re-position her offer, build out her product suite, improve her launching, come up with a lead generation strategy, and ultimately build out a thriving digital business.As a mom to young kids and a busy bak...
2022-03-0722 min
ALL THINGS OAK PARKMEG SVEC PART 2 - FLOODING TO FLAWLESSBack again is Oak Park resident and co-owner of Spilt Milk, Meg Svec. Meg discusses the struggles she has faced trying to keep a bakery open during a pandemic among other unfortunate complications. Listen to find out how Spilt Milk is doing and where you can now find them.
2021-05-0415 minALL THINGS OAK PARK12. Meg Svec - Arabic to Apple PieMeg Svec is an Oak Park resident co-owner of the OakPark bakery, Spilt Milk. Meg talks about majoring in Arabic and Political Science, grad school and professional life in the computer science world and her sharp right turn into bakery ownership.
2020-12-1242 min
Keeping Shop: A Brick and Mortar PodcastStart Small & See What Sticks-Meg and Molly Svec of Spilt MilkThis week's episode is with Meg and Molly Svec. These sisters are the owners of Spilt Milk in Oak Park, Illinois (right outside of Chicago). I was excited to connect with them because I admittedly don't know anything about running a bakery. Meg and Molly graciously agreed to speak with me about their brand new business and to offer some pretty great words of wisdom for those among us looking to start something like Spilt Milk.
We chat about how their bakery came into existence (finding space, piecing together funds, etc), what it's like to work with a family member...
2017-01-2445 min