Meet Jennifer Bowersock | German Micro Bakery Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Bowersock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I tend to dive into ventures without a clear plan in place. When I launched my bakery from my home kitchen, I didn’t have high expectations. Transitioning to a different work-from-home opportunity was a way to find joy in serving others again and hopefully support my family without returning to traditional employment outside the home.

What should our readers know about your business?
My bakery stands out by exclusively offering recipes from my upbringing in Germany. Each product not only embodies German cuisine but is also crafted by hands with authentic German roots. European baked goods are renowned for their health benefits, using high-quality grains and minimal sugar content. With a diverse range of bread options, you can enjoy a new variety every day, ensuring a continuous rotation of unique offerings throughout the year. Embracing the German tradition of Brotzeit, households relish fresh bread paired with an array of meats, cheeses, and sweet toppings.

Something I am really proud of is listening to my customers and working hard to meet their needs if possible. Starting with German Pretzels to showcase their true essence to my community, the demand for gluten-free versions arose. After numerous trials and the support of Amber from Rosebud’s Real Food in Covington Ohio, I successfully developed a delicious gluten-free Pretzel option that I am proud to offer to my customers, ensuring quality by only selling what I would consume myself. Securing a commercial kitchen space with the help of Whole Heart Kitchen, owned by Julie Casiano, allows for safer production of gluten-free products and more efficient creation of high-demand items.

Making strategic business decisions can be challenging, but each step is a learning opportunity. It is essential to gather all information before committing to a lease, assess the team dynamics, and trust your instincts – if something feels off, listen to your intuition.

Seek out small business support networks offered by your state or local educational institutions like Rhodes in Lima.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Visiting the Great Sidney Farmers Market on a Saturday is a must, as it is renowned for its wide range of products offered by talented up-and-coming business owners. Tawawa Park, our local park, stands out as one of the most picturesque parks in the area, boasting a well-preserved historic covered bridge, a creek serving as a popular gathering spot, and scenic walking paths. When it comes to dining, I highly recommend Fuji Steak House for Japanese cuisine, The Smoothie Life for refreshing beverages and healthy meals, and Crooked Handle in Piqua for exceptional craft beers, pizza, and wings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To be honest, there isn’t one specific individual or business I can single out for helping me get started and stay afloat. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a supportive community and a strong network of friends, family, neighbors, and fellow businesses to launch and sustain a venture.

My father was the one who motivated me to begin despite my apprehensions about starting anew. At that point I had realized that my sewing business had no future at this point, so i took the leap. I am truly thankful to him for pushing me to take that step. The impact has been truly transformative.

The Great Sidney Farmers Market gave me the chance to introduce my authentic German Pretzels at the end of the 2023 season to the public, and the experience was truly inspiring and uplifting. Returning for the 2024 season, the start has been incredibly positive.

Various local small business owners have generously offered opportunities for pop-up shops or pick-up locations to showcase my products to their customers and the community. I want to express my gratitude to Sara Paper & Mini Cakes in Minster, The Grumpy Goat Experiment in New Bremen, Adorning Cosmetics, Red Zen Candles, and my dear friend Melinda B. from Farmers and Merchant in Sidney for their support and encouragement in recent months.

Website: https://www.jennsbackstube.com

Instagram: @jennsbackstube

Facebook: @jennsbackstube

Other: Google: https://g.page/r/CauCFt_lo_7YEBE/

Image Credits
Jennifer Bowersock, Jenn’s Backstube