At The Sourdough People, we believe that sourdough is more than just bread. It’s a symbol of community, tradition, and authenticity that transcends people, places, time, borders, and cultures. To thrive in the sourdough industry, it’s essential to prioritize sincerity, connection, and genuine support over revenue and profit. This ethos is the cornerstone of our approach, and it’s what we strive to share with our community every day.
The Heart of Sourdough: Listening and Helping
Success in the sourdough industry starts with listening. Listening to your customers, your peers, and your community. It means paying attention to the needs and feedback of those who interact with your business. By doing so, you create a foundation of trust and respect.
Helping others is the next step. Whether it’s answering comments and questions, offering advice, or providing support, your willingness to help fosters a sense of community. It’s about seeing and hearing other people, making them feel valued and appreciated.
Engaging With Your Community Sincerely
Engagement goes beyond just listening and helping. It involves actively participating in your local community. Buy products from your neighbours, support local businesses, and seek to serve others. This not only strengthens your local economy but also builds lasting relationships within your community.
Thriving in the sourdough industry is not about prioritizing revenue. It’s about finding your people, sticking together, and supporting one another. Sourdough bread is ancient food for real people, and succeeding in this industry requires an authentic commitment to these values.
The Pitfalls of Outsourcing and the Importance of Local Connections
In today’s globalized world, it’s tempting to cut costs by outsourcing production overseas. However, selling low-quality, mass-produced products is not the way to add value to your community. It may offer short-term financial gains, but it does so at the expense of the local economy and the integrity of your business.
Instead, focus on creating your products from locally available materials. Build your supply chain through mindful connections with real people. This approach not only supports local artisans and businesses but also ensures that your products are of the highest quality and authenticity.
Authenticity and Integrity in the Sourdough Industry
Faking authenticity is easy to spot. Consumers today are more informed and discerning than ever. They can tell when a product is made with care and sincerity and when it is not. Plastic, junky products made in a factory overseas do not align with the values of the sourdough community. They are neither wanted nor needed. Of course, sometimes consumer budget can be an issue, but that is not what we are speaking about, premise wise.
Supporting people in the industry means buying products from your neighbour or someone locally. It means giving credit where it’s due. If you publish recipes inspired by others, mention and thank them transparently. Taking people’s ideas and using them without acknowledgement does not create a community; it isolates you and damages your integrity.
The Ethos of The Sourdough People
At The Sourdough People, we are committed to doing things the right way, the hard way, and the long way. We aim to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, loved, and appreciated. This journey will take years, but we are up for the challenge and grateful for each and every one of you.
Feel free to email us or chat with us on social media at any time. We are here to be your friends in sourdough and help you succeed in your personal journey. Let’s all slow down, be a bit more kind, and get better at listening and seeing others. Together, we can make the sourdough industry exceptional, one act of kindness at a time.
Thank you for being a part of our community. Let’s rise together, with sincerity and heart.
With gratitude,
The Sourdough People ©
