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How to Stop Taking Your Business Personally: Mindset Shifts for Microbakery Owners | Episode 71



Running a microbakery is incredibly personal. You're pouring your heart into every loaf, shaping dough while your kids play at your feet, and building something from scratch—literally and figuratively. But that also means it’s easy to take things personally when business feels slow or when a customer who used to order regularly just… stops.


In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes conversation from inside my Inner Circle coaching group all about learning to separate yourself from your business—because if we don't learn to do that, burnout, self-doubt, and resentment can creep in fast.


1. When Customers Ghost You (and How to Handle It)


It stings. You see their name missing from this week’s order form. You wonder if your bread wasn’t good enough, if you said something wrong, or if they found someone “better.” I’ve been there too.


But here’s the truth:

✔ People have seasons. Their schedules, budgets, and needs change.

✔ Most of the time, it’s not about you.

✔ Some will come back. Some won’t. And that’s okay.


💬 “We think we’re being abandoned, but most of the time—they’re just busy, or they forgot, or it wasn’t in the budget this week.”


Instead of spiraling, ask yourself:

  • Am I showing up consistently?

  • Am I delivering the experience I promised?

  • Am I nurturing my customer relationships?


If the answer is yes, then you're doing enough.


2. Your Business Is Not Your Identity


This one’s tough—especially for women running heart-first, homegrown businesses. Your bakery is a reflection of you, yes. But it’s not you.

✔ When you equate your worth with your sales, your confidence will rise and fall with every order.

✔ Instead, anchor yourself in your values and your why.

✔ Your business is the vehicle for your purpose, not the proof of your value.


💬 “You can take pride in your work without taking everything personally.”


3. Stop Over-Explaining or Apologizing for Business Decisions


Whether you’re raising prices, taking time off, or switching up your schedule—you don’t owe everyone a full explanation.

✔ Clear communication builds trust, but you don’t need to defend every move.

✔ People who value what you do will respect your boundaries.

✔ Over-apologizing sends the message that you’re unsure of your worth.


💬 “It’s not your job to keep everyone comfortable—it’s your job to run a sustainable business that supports your life.”


4. Remember: It’s a Numbers Game


If you’re only selling to 30 people, and three stop ordering, it feels huge. But that doesn’t mean your business is failing—it just means you need more visibility.

✔ Aim to expand your reach. Don’t rely on a tiny customer base to carry your business long-term.

✔ Use pop-ups, collaborations, or local networking to bring in fresh faces.

✔ Keep marketing simple but consistent.


💬 “If you’re depending on 10 people to make your bakery profitable, it’s going to feel very personal when one walks away.”


Growth gives you breathing room. Don’t be afraid to pursue it.


5. Celebrate the Customers Who Do Show Up


It’s easy to focus on the ones who leave—but don’t forget to celebrate the ones who keep coming back.

✔ Say thank you. Send a kind message. Leave a note in their bag.

✔ Create a loyalty program, or offer early access to your best buyers.

✔ Focus on deepening those connections.


💬 “Your next 10 customers are likely to come from the experience your last 10 had.”

Pour into your existing customers with gratitude and intentionality.


6. Create a Mindset Safety Net


Running a business will stretch you. So build a safety net that supports your mindset.

✔ Surround yourself with other women who understand the journey.

✔ Journal your wins—big and small.

✔ Remind yourself that one quiet week doesn’t erase the impact you’ve already made.


💬 “Business is personal, but it can’t be too personal if it’s going to be sustainable.”


Final Thoughts: You Can Care Deeply Without Carrying It All


You are allowed to care about your work and your people without tying your entire identity to every order. Let customers come and go. Let feedback guide you, not define you. Stay grounded in who you are, and why you started this business in the first place.


📌 RESOURCES & LINKS



What’s one mindset shift you’re working on this week? I’d love to hear—tag me on Instagram or drop a message anytime.


You’re doing better than you think. And your business will be better for it.



Try Sunrise Flour Mill Organic Heritage Flour: 20% off Sunrise Flour Mill https://thebreadwinner.captivate.fm/sunrise20



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