Kneading Dreams into Reality, Katy Porter-Conley's journey to Kitschen Bakery

Midwest Momentum

When European baking meets the entrepreneurial spirit, magic happens in the kitchen—or should I say Kitschen Bakery. Katie Porter-Conley sits across from me, sharing the aroma-filled tale of her quaint bakery nestled in Marysville, Ohio’s historic heart. What began as a family tradition soon rose like the perfect sourdough into a thriving business, blending warmth, community, and the finest local ingredients into every bite. From navigating the switch from academic life to the sweet hustle of entrepreneurship to mastering the delicate dance of home bakery licensing, Katie invites us into her world of flaky pastries and heartfelt connections.
Picture this: a bustling bakery where each quiche and pie tells a story of local farms and community spirit. In our conversation, Katie unveils the layers of planning and passion that transformed her dreams into a brick-and-mortar reality without the crutch of loans. It's not just about the secret behind her lemon basil pie or the crowd-pleasing 'fancy toast'; it's also about the milestones, like celebrating the bakery’s second anniversary. Katie’s journey is a testament to the power of networking and the sweet taste of success when a community pulls together.
A female entrepreneur's life is sprinkled with sugar and spice, and Katie doesn’t shy away from sharing the full recipe. We swap tales of finding balance in the whirlwind of business—managing burnout, laughing off the peculiarities of farm life dreams, and sometimes, making the tough call between personal income and the bakery's financial health. For those with visions of oven mitts and flour-dusted aprons in their future, Katie’s insights are akin to finding that extra spoonful of sugar when you thought you'd run out. Join us for this rich blend of candid stories and seasoned advice, perfect for anyone craving a slice of entrepreneurial life.