Building a Microbakery in a Small Space with Angela De Krieger

Running a microbakery from a small home may seem impossible, but Angela De Krieger of Singing Trees Keep proves otherwise. In this episode, Angela shares how she transformed her 80-square-foot dining room into a fully functional microbakery while balancing homesteading, fermentation, and raising four children. She dives into the power of food independence, the deep roots of local farming in American history, and the mindset shifts that helped her push past fear and create a successful business.

If you've ever thought, I don’t have enough space or I’m not ready yet, this episode will change your perspective. We talk about creative storage solutions, maximizing efficiency in a small kitchen, and how to make big dreams happen in unconventional spaces. Angela also shares how homesteading, sourcing locally, and food sovereignty have shaped her approach to business and life. This conversation is full of practical takeaways, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible—even in a tiny space.

1. The Mindset Shift: Fear Is Not a Reason to Wait

Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially when your space is limited. But Angela shares a powerful realization:

💬 "Fear is not a reason to not move forward. You can spend so much time researching, planning, and watching others—but planning is not doing. You have to start."

✔ Break through fear by taking small steps.

✔ You don’t need the perfect setup to start baking for your community.

✔ Surround yourself with people who believe in you.

💡 Lesson Learned: The biggest difference between people who succeed and those who don’t? The willingness to push through discomfort and just start.

2. How to Run a Microbakery in a Small Space

Angela runs a successful microbakery from an 80-square-foot dining room—proof that small spaces shouldn’t hold you back.

✔ Use vertical storage. Floating shelves, stackable bins, and wall-mounted racks make a huge difference.

✔ Invest in collapsible tools. Folding cooling racks, stackable containers, and rolling storage carts help maximize space.

✔ Rearrange as needed. On bake days, Angela moves furniture and even has her kids eat lunch on a picnic blanket on the floor to free up counter space.

✔ Get scrappy. Think outside the box—Angela uses dog food storage bins as affordable rolling flour bins!

💬 "If you're waiting for the perfect setup, you’ll never start. Make what you have work, and grow from there."

3. The Power of Food Independence & Local Sourcing

Angela’s journey into microbaking was rooted in something bigger: food sovereignty and supporting local farmers.

✔ She started with chickens—raising her own meat when she realized she couldn’t afford the organic prices at the store.

✔ She added fermentation—making kimchi and sauerkraut as part of her family’s health journey.

✔ She built local relationships—connecting with other farmers and business owners to strengthen her community.

💬 "Supporting local isn’t just about buying from farmers. It’s about knowing who grows your food, keeping dollars in your community, and ensuring food security for the future."

4. Creating Multiple Revenue Streams (Without Burnout)

Angela doesn’t rely on just one income source. Instead, she’s built a sustainable business model with multiple revenue streams:

✔ Sourdough microbakery – Weekly porch pickups and community drop-off locations.

✔ Fermentation business – Selling small-batch kimchi, sauerkraut, and other ferments.

✔ Homesteading workshops – Teaching skills like chicken processing, sourdough baking, and fermentation.

✔ Writing & education – Sharing knowledge through blogs and Homesteaders of America magazine.

💬 "I believe in having multiple revenue streams, but I also believe in balance. If quality starts to suffer, it’s a sign you’re spread too thin."

5. Why Mindset & Community Matter More Than Square Footage

Angela’s success isn’t just about storage hacks—it’s about her mindset and her community.

✔ She surrounds herself with supportive people. A single encouraging text from her sister and mentor helped her push past self-doubt and launch her bakery.

✔ She networks with other local business owners. She builds relationships without expectation—and in return, opportunities naturally arise.

✔ She speaks life over her business. Instead of dwelling on limitations, she focuses on growth and possibility.

💬 "If you’re stuck in comparison—wishing you had someone else’s kitchen or space—you’ll never be content. Stop waiting for perfect. Get creative, get scrappy, and make it happen."

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Dream Big

Angela’s story is proof that you don’t need a huge kitchen, fancy equipment, or years of experience to build something meaningful. What you do need is a willingness to adapt, learn, and take the first step.

📌 RESOURCES & LINKS

🌟 Follow Angela on Instagram (@SingingTreesKeep) → Here

🌟 Check out Angela’s website & workshops at Singing Trees Keep →Here

🌟 Follow me on Instagram (@carolinebower_sourdough) for more microbakery tips! → Here

🌟 Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://mailchi.mp/thebluebirdbreadco/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery!

What’s one thing that’s been holding you back from starting or growing your bakery?

Drop a comment or tag me @carolinebower_sourdough on Instagram—I’d love to hear from you!

Happy baking!

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