23/03/2026
Here it is, the post I never wanted to write.
After a lot of thought and sleepless nights, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close the doors of Mrs Smith’s Bakery.
This hasn’t been an easy choice in any way. This little bakery has been such a huge part of my life for 13 years, 4 and a half of which I’ve been on Newmarket Street, and I’m so proud of everything it’s been. The early mornings and late nights, the chats over coffee, the familiar faces who have come to be my friends, and the sense of community we built together, one bun at a time.
The reality is that the challenges facing small businesses right now are bigger than ever. Spiralling costs across ingredients, utilities, and day to day running expenses have made it harder and harder to keep going, and footfall in our already struggling town has dropped. At the same time, I completely understand that people are feeling it too. With the rising cost of living and everything going on in the world, disposable income just isn’t what it used to be. Treats, coffees, and eating out have become luxuries for many, and that’s something none of us can ignore.
It's become so hard, in fact, that I’ve finally reached my limit.
Like many small business owners, I’ve also felt the lack of meaningful support from government and local councils during these difficult times. I could go on and on about the struggles, Lord knows I bore some of you on a daily basis with them, but it still feels like not enough can be said about the lack of help and support afforded to small businesses. Unless things change within the higher ups, I don’t see how things will improve for the bread and butter businesses of our little country.
Budget after budget after budget, we are forgotten. We are overlooked. We are considered less than the larger establishments with even larger pockets. Just when you think you’re starting to see the light, blink and you are dragged right back down again. For the last number of years, it can feel like there is little space left for small businesses to survive, never mind succeed. I’m not sure when that will change, but I’ve decided not to hang around to find out.
I say this with nothing but appreciation and respect. Small businesses truly rely on local support to survive, but I also know that support isn’t always possible right now, and that’s no one’s fault. It’s just the reality we’re all living in. What I will say is that when you can support local, it really does matter, because without it we risk losing these places altogether. I would hate to see a day where there’s very little left of the independent shops and cafés that give places like Kells their character and heart.
To every single customer who has walked through my door, supported me, recommended me, or even just stopped for a chat, thank you. You have meant more to me than you’ll ever know, and I will miss you all so much.
To my family and closest friends, who have been with me from the beginning, through all the highs and lows, coming in for a coffee and being given a job, keeping me sane and listening to all my ramblings, I appreciate you all so much, and I know you're all as excited as I am for my next chapter in life because no doubt you'll be there for the highs and lows of that, too 🫶
The bakery will remain open for the next few weeks until May 10th, and I would absolutely love to make these final weeks our busiest yet. One last hurrah filled with your favourite treats, good coffee, and great company ❤️
If you have a cake booked in with me, don’t worry, I will be in touch soon if I haven’t already.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
Emma x
