March in Review: Growth, Markets, and What I’m Learning Along the Way

Some months feel quick and smooth. Others stretch you in ways you didn’t expect. March was one of those stretching months—in all the best ways. Between one full market, running the show solo without an assistant, and prepping for two major business projects, I was pushed to my limits. But I also saw just how far I’ve come.

In this post, I’m walking you through what worked, what I’d tweak next time, and how I’m continuing to grow without sacrificing sustainability. Whether you're deep in market prep or dreaming up something new, I hope this recap gives you insight, encouragement, and a few ideas you can bring into your own business.

Porch Pickups & Product Lessons

March included just one porch pickup due to travel, and it ended up being a great opportunity to observe and adjust.

💬 “My menu was a little bit of a scaled back menu… I offered all of my staples, but my inclusion loaf flavors were ones that don’t historically sell well.”

What I Observed:

✔ Lower sales were likely due to a slower-selling menu

✔ Earl Grey Lavender scones didn’t perform well

✔ I did little to no marketing that week (no posts or local group sharing)

✔ Having a lighter week actually helped with no assistant available

Market Recap: Selling Out & Scaling Up

I baked for two markets this month, both at my regular spot. These markets reminded me how valuable consistency, preparation, and listening to my customers really is.

💬 “I brought some muffins… some individual cinnamon rolls, which I haven't done before… and those sold really well.”

Market 1 Highlights:

✔ I sold staples, muffins, pizza crusts, and a few individual cinnamon rolls

✔ Cinnamon rolls were a hit—I sold out around 1:00 p.m.

💬 “I offered over 40… I think it was 42 packs of six English muffins. And they just sold so fast.”

Market 2 Highlights:

✔ I brought my highest volume yet—especially English muffins

✔ Pre-orders + booth sales helped me hit and surpass my $2,000 goal

✔ I packed the entire setup in my Jetta (3 tables, a tent, bins, baskets)—and somehow made it work!

Operating at Capacity (and Why I’m Hiring Help)

💬 “Just because I can does not mean that I should stay in it without help.”

This month confirmed what I already knew: trying to do it all is not sustainable.

Takeaways:

✔ I’m actively hiring a new assistant (20+ hours/week)

✔ I realized I need to protect my bandwidth if I want to grow

✔ I’m intentionally creating space to bring someone on board—even if that slows things down temporarily

Prepping Ahead Saved Me

With no assistant, preparation became my saving grace.

💬 “Pre-measuring flour… getting labels prepped early… mixing up cinnamon roll glaze ahead—it just makes bake day that much easier.”

Small Steps That Helped:

✔ Prepping ingredients several days ahead

✔ Mixing glazes and prepping packaging before bake day

✔ Getting a head start on labels, logistics, and schedule flow

Navigating Cinnamon Roll Competition with Kindness

💬 “I wasn’t aware that she brings trays of cinnamon rolls… and that’s what she sees as her specialty product.”

Another baker at the market shared concern about my individual cinnamon rolls. After reflection, I made a few intentional shifts to stay true to my values and respectful of hers.

How I Handled It:

✔ I’ll continue offering cinnamon rolls in pre-order packs of four

✔ I won’t offer full trays of cinnamon rolls at my booth

✔ I’ll avoid promoting single cinnamon rolls on social media

✔ I’ll gladly refer customers to her for her signature product

💬 “I’m going to stay kind, stay consistent, speak well of her, and stay in my lane.”

Big Projects Behind the Scenes

1. Brick-and-Mortar Possibility

💬 “I am working on opening a small brick-and-mortar bakery in our community.”

✔ A beautiful retail space opened up that fits my vision

✔ I’m currently working on funding, lease details, and logistics

✔ It’s not official yet, but I’m cautiously hopeful and very excited

2. Breadwinner Summit Launch

💬 “Registration will officially open for the first annual Breadwinner Summit.”

✔ A 2-day virtual event happening April 14–15

✔ For sourdough business owners ready to grow with intention

✔ 15+ speakers and over 20 bakery-focused sessions

✔ Free to attend live with optional upgrade for lifetime access

✔ Designed for bakers at any stage—from beginners to full-time pros

Revenue & Rhythm Recap

💬 “My total sales in March—gross revenue—was $4,327.”

✔ I had one fewer porch pickup than usual

✔ Most revenue came from pre-orders, repeat customers, and text list orders

✔ I barely posted on social media, but consistent customers still showed up

✔ Staying consistent and delivering quality kept things running smoothly

Final Thoughts

March was full of movement, challenge, and growth. It reminded me that even in the busy seasons, it's possible to stay rooted in rhythm and kindness. And that creating space—for help, for rest, for new opportunities—isn’t just allowed, it’s necessary.

If you're navigating growth, feeling stretched, or just trying to stay steady in your bakery life, I hope this post reminds you that you’re not alone. You’re doing better than you think.

Resources & Links

🌟 Subscribe to my email list to find out more about the Bread Winner Summit!

🌟 Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more here!

🌟 Follow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdough

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

If this post encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you! Tag me when you share this episode—I love seeing where you’re listening from and what part of the story resonates most.

Until next time, happy baking.

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