I still remember the moment it shifted.

I had just handed off a loaf of sourdough—still slightly warm, wrapped simply—to someone who had asked if they could buy one.

Up until then, baking had lived mostly inside my home. My kitchen, my rhythm, my people.

But in that moment, it felt different.

Because this loaf wasn’t just for my family anymore.

It was going to someone else’s table.

And I remember thinking, if I’m going to do this… I want to do it the right way.

From My Kitchen to Your Table

Sourdough has a way of becoming part of your life before you even realize it.

The quiet routine of feeding a starter.
The feel of dough coming together under your hands.
The early mornings, the patience, the process.

Over time—and through many, many loaves—that quiet rhythm grew into something I wanted to share more intentionally with my community.

But sharing food with others comes with responsibility.

Not just to make something that tastes good—but to make something that’s safe, transparent, and trustworthy.

That’s where becoming a cottage food business comes in.

What That Actually Means

Here in Illinois, and specifically in DuPage County, a cottage food business is a home-based food business that is legally allowed to produce and sell certain foods—like sourdough bread—directly to customers.

But it’s not just about baking at home and posting online.

Behind the scenes, it means:

• Registering as a business with the State of Illinois

• Obtaining a cottage food permit through DuPage County

• Securing a business license through the Village of Carol Stream

• Completing food safety training

• Following clear guidelines for preparation, labeling, and sales

None of it is complicated on its own—but it does require intention.

And for me, that intention matters.

Because when something leaves my kitchen, it’s not just bread anymore.

It’s something you’re trusting.

A Quiet Responsibility

I think about this often when I’m shaping dough early in the morning.

That this loaf might end up next to someone’s dinner.
Or packed into a lunch.
Or shared with family around a table.

That kind of trust isn’t something I take lightly.

Being registered, permitted, and licensed isn’t about checking boxes.

It’s about honoring that trust—by following food safety standards, labeling ingredients clearly, and being accountable for what I’m putting into your hands.

What I’ve Been Seeing More Of

If you spend time in local groups or on marketplace pages, you’ve probably seen an increase in people selling homemade bread.

And truly—there is so much talent out there. It’s exciting to see.

But I’ve also seen something else:

People selling without registering.
Without permits.
And sometimes sharing that those steps aren’t necessary.

And I understand how that happens.

When you’re just starting out, the process can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to begin, or what’s actually required.

But in Illinois, cottage food laws do exist—and they’re there for a reason.

Not to make things harder.

But to make things safer and more transparent for everyone.

This Isn’t About Gatekeeping

If you’re someone who’s just starting out, or even just thinking about it—I want you to know this:

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

I love seeing more people step into this space. I love talking sourdough, sharing what I’ve learned, and helping others take those first steps.

Getting set up the right way might feel like a lot at first—but it’s absolutely doable.

And there’s something really grounding about building something you can stand behind fully.

There’s room for all of us here.

Why It Matters Who You Buy From

When you choose to buy from a registered cottage food baker, you may not see everything that goes on behind the scenes—but it’s there.

It looks like:

• Food safety practices that protect you and your family

• Clear ingredient labeling and transparency

• A business that is accountable to local regulations

• Someone who has invested time, effort, and care into doing things right

It’s a quieter kind of difference—but an important one.

The Way I See It

Every loaf I make carries more than just ingredients.

It carries a process I’ve refined over many bakes.
A standard I’ve chosen to uphold.
And a commitment to doing this in a way that feels honest and responsible.

Being a cottage food business isn’t the extra step.

It’s the foundation.

And it’s something I’m proud to stand on every single day.

Thank you for being here, for supporting local, and for caring about where your food comes from. It truly means more than you know.