The Balancing Act: Being a Full-Time Mom, a Full-Time Worker, and Running a Cottage Bakery
Life as a mom can feel like an endless juggling act, and when you add a full-time job to the mix, it’s easy to feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But for me, there’s one thing that has always been a hobby I can enjoy no matter how my day goes — baking.
As a busy mom of two kids, a military wife, owns a photography business, and who works full-time at an office, I understand the extreme challenges of balancing work, family, and everything else life throws your way. But I’ve found a way to fit something I truly love into my hectic schedule: running a cottage bakery from home. This isn’t just a side hustle or a small business for me; it’s a way to provide my family with fresh, healthy food and bring a little bit of joy to others. Here’s how I make it work.
The Power of Passion
Let’s be honest. It can be hard to find the time to do anything outside of work and parenting. So, when I decided to start baking for others, it wasn’t just about making money or building a business. It was about reconnecting with something I love. Baking has always been my form of self-care. It’s my pride. It brings me peace and gives me a sense of accomplishment when my day hasn’t really allowed me to get anything else done. Whether it’s the smell of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen or the satisfaction of pulling out a batch of cookies that’s just right, baking is my creative outlet.
It’s a way for me to take a break from the chaos and enjoy a process that slows time down. And the fact that it also benefits my family and community? That’s the icing on the cake (pun intended)!
Fresh, Healthy Foods for My Family
As a full-time mom, I’ve always wanted to provide my family with nutritious and wholesome food. But I’m also a realist—I know how busy life can get, and the temptation of convenience foods is real. That’s where my cottage bakery comes in. By baking from home, I can make sure that my kids have access to fresh, homemade treats, muffins, and breads without the excess sugar or preservatives often found in store-bought goods. This is very important to me as a mother - my son is gluten sensitive, which is part of what spurred me to try sourdough in the first place.
I’m able to control the ingredients, ensuring that everything I bake is not only delicious but also nourishing. I use organic ingredients when possible and try to incorporate healthier alternatives. I also love experimenting with flavors that aren’t just sweet, like savory herb breads. It’s important to me that my family has access to a variety of foods that are both satisfying and nourishing.
The Secret to Managing It All
Let’s be clear: I don’t have it all figured out, and some days are definitely harder than others. But here are a few strategies I use to manage it all:
Time Management is Key – I’m a planner by nature, and I rely heavily on my calendar. I schedule baking sessions around my work and family commitments, and I try to stick to a routine. This helps me stay on top of both my professional and personal responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.
Batch Baking – On weekends or days off, I dedicate time to batch bake. This means I can prep several orders at once, freeze everything I can, and save time on those busy weekdays when I’m rushing between work, daycare, and dinner prep.
Get the Family Involved – I’m lucky to have a supportive family. My kids love helping in the kitchen for our meals—whether it’s mixing ingredients or decorating cookies. It’s a great bonding activity, and they love feeling like they’re part of something important. Plus, it teaches them valuable skills and an appreciation for homemade food.
Setting Realistic Expectations – I’ve learned that I can’t do it all every day. There are weeks when I need to scale back on orders, and that’s okay. By setting realistic expectations for both my business and my family life, I’m able to avoid burnout.
The Joy of Bringing a Smile to Others
One of the most fulfilling aspects of running my cottage bakery is knowing that my creations bring joy to others. Whether it’s a loaf of homemade bread for a family dinner, a batch of cinnamon rolls for a holiday party, or a care package of multiple frozen goods for a friend going through a tough time, the act of sharing food is a powerful way to connect.
There’s something magical about homemade treats. They don’t just fill stomachs—they create memories. And knowing that my little business contributes to that, in a small but meaningful way, makes the long days and nights worth it.
Finding Balance and Grace
In the end, the key to managing it all is balance. It’s about making time for what matters most and finding the grace to accept that some things won’t always be perfect. Some days I may burn the muffins, other days the house might be a mess, and sometimes I’m running late because I couldn’t resist making one more batch of cookies. But at the end of the day, I’m doing something I love, supporting my family, and bringing joy to others through food.
Being a full-time working mom and running a cottage bakery isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s my way of creating a little bit of sweetness in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.