08/24/2026
Bakery Fam — we need to chat.
I debated whether or not to post this because, at the end of the day, we’re talking about $6. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it really isn’t about the money.
When I closed up the stand tonight, the numbers didn’t align. We keep hard inventory lists and spreadsheets so we can keep track of all numbers across the board, down to the penny (my husband is a spreadsheet wizard — Bless him!)
First and foremost, I want to give someone the benefit of the doubt. Mistakes happen. Maybe something was added up wrong, the wrong amount was put in, or something was simply forgotten. I truly hope that’s all this was.
But I also feel like I need to say this…
I’m a VERY small business. There isn’t a big corporation behind this bakery absorbing a loss. It’s just me, in my kitchen, putting a whole lot of time, money and heart into something I’ve worked really hard to build.
Every loaf of bread, cookie, cakesicle and treat in that stand started with ingredients I bought and hours of my time. There are late nights, early mornings, dishes, baking, packaging and plenty of behind-the-scenes work that nobody ever sees.
I love doing it. I wouldn’t continue doing it if I didn’t. But loving what I do doesn’t make my time any less valuable. The work I put into this little bakery deserves to be respected.
We do have cameras at the stand, and I will be going back through them. I wanted to post this first because if someone realizes they made an honest mistake this weekend, I would much rather give them the opportunity to make it right. No explanation, embarrassment or awkward conversation necessary. 🤎
The honor system is something I genuinely love about our stand, and the overwhelming majority of you remind me every weekend why it works. I don’t want one discrepancy to take away from that.
But I also don’t want to dismiss it because “it’s only $6.”
My time matters. My work matters. And this little business deserves the same respect as any other business, big or small.
Thank you to all of you who continue to support this little dream of mine and allow me to keep doing something I truly love. 🫶🏼
School starts tomorrow, routines are starting back up, and a brand-new week is waiting for all of us. Let’s make it the best week yet!
I’ll see you next weekend.
- Ashlie
