Someone once told me, “Write what you know. Share your real life—people connect with stories.”
So today, I’m sharing a slice of my real life that’s become surprisingly meaningful lately.
It might seem odd to talk about sourdough bread in a business newsletter, but I’ve learned that inspiration comes from the most ordinary places.
Since moving to the country, I’ve been baking sourdough—and the more I do it, the more I see how much it parallels the process of building a business.
Here are a few things that have been on my mind, in between stretch-and-folds and preheating the oven:
1. It Starts Out Simple (But Not Easy)
Sourdough starts with just flour and water. That’s it. You feed it daily, and eventually, it becomes something living and active—a starter. It doesn’t look like much at first, but it holds potential.
That’s a lot like starting a business. You begin with an idea or a skill. At first, it might feel small or even invisible, but with consistency and care, it begins to grow.
2. There’s So Much to Learn
I had no idea how much I didn’t know about baking bread! I thought you kneaded sourdough like regular bread—but nope.
You stretch and fold.
Then there’s bulk fermentation, overnight fermentation, scoring (which I stink at, by the way, but I’m trying), and so many little details that make a difference.
Business is the same way. You start out thinking it’ll be one thing… and then you realize you need to learn marketing, systems, invoicing, client communication, automation, and it keeps going.
Just like with bread, you get better with time, practice, and a little humility.
3. You Can’t Rush It
With sourdough, rushing ruins everything. The dough needs time to rest and rise, and it even requires a long, cold overnight in the fridge.
It’s not fast food—it’s slow food.
In business, growth doesn’t happen overnight either. There are seasons of waiting, watching, and wondering if anything is working. But just because you can’t see immediate results doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Some of the best rising happens in quiet.
4. The Heat Is Where Transformation Happens
After all that slow prep, the dough goes into the oven. The heat transforms it into something strong and beautiful.
In business, the “heat” might be launching a new service, handling a challenging conversation, or pushing through imposter syndrome. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s what makes us better. The challenge is part of the process.
5. Letting Go is Part of Growing
To keep your sourdough starter healthy, you have to discard part of it regularly. At first, it feels like a waste—but it’s necessary.
In business, sometimes you have to let go, too. Maybe a client relationship, an offer that isn’t working, or a system that’s draining you. It doesn’t mean you failed—it means you’re learning what does work and making space for that.
6. You’re Not Fully in Control—and That’s Okay
Sourdough isn’t just science—it’s feel, timing, and instinct.
You learn to read the dough. Sometimes you mess up, and that’s part of the journey.
Business works like that, too. You do your best, but at the end of the day, you also have to trust yourself, your process, and if you’re like me, God’s timing too.
So, if you’re in a season of learning, waiting, or wondering if you’re getting it right—I get it. Me too.
Just know that what you’re building matters.
The effort, the stretching, the waiting—it’s all part of something bigger that’s rising, even if you can’t see it yet.
Thanks for reading. Now I’m off to bake another loaf and see if I can finally get the scoring right.
Virtual Assistant & Sourdough Work-in-Progress
