In today’s market, finding a bakery with low prices is not an easy task yet micro-bakeries are aiming to change that.
Micro-bakeries are home-based bakeries that saw massive growth nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic as people explored new hobbies at home.
In Texas, the expansion of cottage food laws have allowed people to sell certain homemade foods without a required state license, kitchen inspection or permits, expanding the possibility for entrepreneurship in the region.
Two local micro-bakeries, Plain Jain Bakes and Mestas Sourdough Delights, began their journey by baking bread for their close family and friends. They have now successfully expanded their kitchens selling to their community.
Emily Harryman, the owner of Keller’s Plain Jane Bakes, first launched her business in 2023, using a longtime hobby to generate supplemental income for her growing family.
“I was not a COVID baker,” she said. “I’ve always been baking.”
It wasn’t until she had kids that she shifted from baking sweet treats to healthier, nutrient-dense goods.
The convenience of being able to bake at home while still being able to raise and homeschool three young children is why she opted for a micro-bakery instead of a brick and mortar.
“I know how fleeting the time is as a mom,” Harryman said “I just don’t want to miss those little years.”
Mariam Mestas, the owner of Mestas Sourdough Delights in Flower Mound, was also inspired to start her micro-bakery because of her children.
She initially started her business because her daughter was into artisan sandwiches, which were costing anywhere from $8-15 per sandwich.
“I took it upon myself to just say, ‘I am going to make the sourdough bread at home, so I don’t have to spend so much money.’” Mestas said.
All of her bread is made from organic ingredients. She makes sourdough cinnamon rolls, English muffins, and a variety of treats and Mexican desserts.
Harryman, who is now a few months out from the release of her first cookbook, first started by selling sourdough starter.
People began to ask if she would consider baking and selling bread after seeing her videos on Instagram.
“I had six loaves that I sold in my first week, but by the end of the month, I was getting orders for 60 loaves a week,” Harryman said.
Through word of mouth and growing her social media following, she has been able to steadily grow her business.
With over 102,000 Facebook followers and 59,000 Instagram followers, she has had to put a cap on the amount of baked goods she sells per day.
Similarly, Mestas started with just two regular customers, increasing her sales by word of mouth. She said her experience in marketing and sales also helped her business start to grow.
“I came from nothing to essentially having a customer base of 500 or more,” she said.
She bakes Monday-Saturday, allowing her customers to place an order any time during those days.
Both Harryman and Mestas also offer classes where people can learn how to make their own sourdough bread, which not only helps people, but also helps them bring in extra income.
“If I can help someone else learn how to make more nutritious items, I am all for it,” Mestas said.
Mestas says she aims to make her bread as affordable as possible and intentionally sells her goods at lower prices than other nearby bakeries.
Harryman said the way she customizes her bread with intricate designs has allowed her to justify specific price points, earning more than what she originally invested in.
They plan to continue to serve their community and grow their businesses as long as it’s an option here in Texas.
Find a micro-bakery near you
Holly Made Bakes
Where: Near Coit and Campbell in Dallas, 75248
When: Thursday and Friday
Pick up: Porch
They offer organic sourdough bread and bakes for porch pickup weekly. Their menu changes weekly, which may include classic or jalapeno sourdough bread, honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread, or chocolate chip cookies. Orders can be placed online Saturday through Wednesday.
Little Bit Bakery
Where: 9639 Nightfall Drive Frisco, TX 75035
When: Every other Saturday
Pick up: Porch
They offer sourdough bread, cranberry orange scones, strawberry cake slices, chocolate chip cookies, and more. Preorder online or walk up, the cart is honor-system run. Zelle, Venmo, and cash are accepted methods of payment, and sales start at 8 a.m. until sold out.
Fort Worth Cookie Gal
Where: 3520 Blue Bonnet Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76109 or 7521 Mesa Verde Trl, Fort Worth, TX 76137
When: Thursday-Saturday
Pick up: Inside Sweet Lucy’s Pies and Co. or Porch
They offer a weekly menu that includes treats like cookies, banana bread, and cinnamon rolls. Preorder online or walk up at their porch shop every Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
