Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Kelly.
Hi Wanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was tired of working in an office setting, so I started working for a local bakery with zero baking experience. I have always loved bread and pastry, and I wondered why not. I primarily made all the dough for bagels, loaves, croissants, etc. I developed a love for mixing and shaping sourdough. For someone who has experienced a lot of loss and has anxiety, I found that bread mixing and shaping was very therapeutic for me. It allowed me to escape. I had a shoulder injury, and a lot of personal / family stuff happened. I left the bakery to work a couple of other jobs. I missed it so much. I visited some farmer’s markers in town and had the brilliant idea of making sourdough and selling it from home under a cottage food business. It was a challenge learning how to bake bread; I had never baked loaves, only mixed dough at my previous job. I started making a couple of loaves for family and friends initially. The word got around that I was making sourdough, so the demand increased quickly. I now set up at two farmers markets weekly and have many personal customers. I have returned to the profession that makes me the happiest. I love making fresh sourdough and sharing my loaves with my community.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenging road. Learning how to mix bread and bake using my little kitchen aid and regular home oven was a challenge. I also have had some physical issues, which required surgery, but I’m recovered and back in the kitchen.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us more about your business.
My sourdough bread business is Wandough, a play on words (Wanda). It was a nickname given to me by co-workers. I make all sourdough bread and pride myself on always being fresh. I never freeze bread. I want my customers to have the bread at its very best. I always have my basic loaves, but I also take special orders for loaves, which I don’t usually bake weekly. My favorite loaves are rosemary garlic and blueberry lemon. I always use local produce from my market family when possible.
What does success mean to you?
I think success is when you live life with meaning and are happy. I’m finally happy now that I found a way to provide for my family and do something I’m passionate about.
Pricing:
- $12 sour dough loaves and focaccia
Contact Info:
