From Market to Facebook

The Wild West Wheat Co. has been a rather exciting little experiment that continues to surprise me!

My last blog was a detailed description of my preparation for the first farmers market. It was a good experience, though I made too much and sold too little. The next three times I organized my system and increased my profit each time. I made a little over $60 the first time then over $100 the last time. I focused more on the loaves and focaccia breads then the little treats. I didn't dare sell vegetables again - too much competition from the Hutterites in that department. (Plus I didn't have that much from my garden anyway.)

Stories from each market:
FIRST: As I was setting up my booth rather frantically, a woman came up and looked at my sign. She made some sort of grunt then said, "Well I have celiac's so..." and for some reason I completely forgot what that meant and responded with, "Oh you can't read it?"
My friend Ashleigh brought her kids to visit me! 

SECOND: Pretty much sold out in less than an hour! I gave a woman's two kids free cookies and they came back and bought the rest. I got there at the perfect time and people just bought everything without any delay.

THIRD: I had hoped to get there early enough for the rush, but I think I was riding with TJ on the combine for most of the day and that set me back. So the customers dwindled by yet pretty much everything was sold. TJ's Dad sat with me the whole time and it was so nice to have the company! Robyn came and stopped by with Curtis and Grandpa Frank came and bought almost all my stuff, then tipped me. I spoke with my parents afterwards and got a lot of encouragement from them, along with a quick logo from my Dad. I felt very supported by family near and far.

FOURTH (Attempted): It was busy with harvest and I was feeling overwhelmed making and baking everything. I messed up on almost everything and finally when I had to go - and running late, all of my breads were doughy. So I didn't go. I threw a little fit and regretted it. It was a good lesson to remember where to place mishaps on emotional priorities. This is a hobby, and thankfully we are not dependent on this for food. It was a humbly exercise in learning that controlling my emotions is possible and necessary.

FIFTH or FOURTH: I had a lot of visitors that day! Everything seemed to sell slowly but because I made more breads, I made over $100 and it was so thrilling! It was the last time that I was doing it so I tried to advertise the Facebook page, however I didn't get too many followers from that. I went to Michigan for the next three weeks and thoroughly enjoyed that.

My first "Baking Day" happened yesterday and I delivered today. I had three people order two things each. Unfortunately I didn't get my sandwich bread down perfectly. I attempted a few more loaves but I think I rushed the rising time so they didn't get a great height. I felt it was best to give a free loaf card with each loaf they received. It's important that those getting it feel like they got a great value. I would rather give more then penny pinch to make a profit.

All in all it has been a great crash-course in bread making! I continue to pray that the Lord will direct my paths. Not sure where that path will lead but I'm trusting in Him and enjoying the process.






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