04/29/2026
An open letter to my beloved community--
I first discovered my love for baking years ago. As a freshman at Gray's Creek, I was in Mrs. King's Ag science class and had left a project to the last minute. 😅🙈 If I remember correctly, the assignment was to showcase the impact of agriculture in any way. In my hurry to have something to present, I came up with the idea of a mock bakery, as everything that goes into a cookie is produced by a farmer in some way. The molasses cookies were a hit with the class, and I guess you could say the rest is history. 🍪🖊
Since then, as many of you know, my cookie baking turned to cakes, candies, and ultimately bread. For years I ignored that little call in my heart that said to take this beyond the safe place of my home. I got the courage when I watched a friend step out into the unknown. 🍞🥧
What started out as me lovingly making high-quality baked goods for my family and friends, turned into a passionate pursuit of trying to be a blessing to this community. 👩🍳 It is a miniscule impact, I know, but it has been one of my utmost pleasures these 34 years of my life. I will never make the claim to being the best because I know that there are some incredible bakers out there who could bake circles around me, but I know that I leave the S&K Farm Market 🚜 today being the best baker that I've ever been.
And that's what I'd like to leave you all with. If you are going to compare yourself to someone, compare you to you. Strive to be better than the you from yesterday in whatever your calling that God has placed over your life. In your work, your hobby, your relationships. If we all strive to be a little better each day, what a beautiful world we would have. You matter to this community, so go out there and do your best. Learn. Fail. Learn some more. And grow. ❤️
To my incredible customers - you rock! I have been so blessed by each of you, not just from a monetary standpoint, but to the depths of my heart. Each nice comment, picture sent, hug in the grocery store, and invitation to your home has impacted me in a profound way. Thank you all so much for supporting me over the past year! 🫶🏼
To Paige and Ryan (and Trevor 😊) - the impact on the community that you have made has been inspiring. Never before did we have festivals of the magnitude that you've produced, never before did we have a place where the common person could offer up a talent, but you guys made it happen. Thank you for sharing your talent and calling with all of us, and thank you for allowing me to have a space in your store. This is a most bittersweet day, but I am grateful.
I'll never really hang up my apron, and I'll probably be back on the scene in the future, but until then -- cheers 🥂🥰
With love, Madison
