We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Beranek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.

Sarah, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At SB Sourdough, our story is deeply rooted in a passion for homemade food and a heartfelt desire to make a positive impact on rural Nebraska communities. It all began with a simple realization—that in the hustle and bustle of modern life, we’ve lost touch with the simple pleasures of homemade goodness and the nourishing power of real, wholesome food.

SB Sourdough was born, a labor of love dedicated to bringing the time-honored tradition of sourdough baking to rural Nebraska and beyond. But it’s not just about baking bread; it’s about so much more. It’s about fostering a connection to our food, to our community, and to each other. It’s about reclaiming the lost art of homemade goodness and rediscovering the joy of sharing a meal made with love.

Our mission to provide better gut-healthy options with sourdough breads and more isn’t just a business venture—it’s a calling. It’s a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, one loaf at a time. Because we believe that food has the power to heal, to nourish, and to bring people together in ways that nothing else can.

For me, this mission is deeply personal. It’s about honoring the old traditions, celebrating the rich bounty of our land, and It’s about creating a legacy of love and nourishment that will endure for years to come.

So when you bite into a slice of SB Sourdough bread, know that you’re not just enjoying a delicious treat—you’re partaking in a movement. A movement to reclaim our connection to food, to support local farmers and artisans, and to build stronger, healthier communities from the ground up. And that, my friends, is why our mission is so meaningful to me.

Sarah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m thrilled to share my journey with you and introduce you to SB Sourdough—a passion project that’s near and dear to my heart.

After losing my job then experiencing a life-altering car accident July 2023, I found myself at a crossroads, searching for a new path forward. It was during this challenging time that I re-discovered my love for sourdough baking—a simple pleasure that brought me comfort and joy in the midst of adversity. Inspired by the healing power of homemade food, I decided to turn my newfound passion into a business, and thus, SB Sourdough was born.

At SB Sourdough, we specialize in crafting artisanal sourdough bread and other homemade treats, each one lovingly handcrafted using locally sourced ingredients and traditional baking methods. But we’re more than just a bakery—we’re a beacon of hope and nourishment in our community, dedicated to providing better gut-healthy options for our clients.

What sets us apart from others in the industry is our unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and community. Each loaf of bread that comes out of our ovens is a labor of love—a testament to the time-honored traditions of sourdough baking and the rich bounty of our land. But beyond the bread, we’re also dedicated to fostering meaningful connections with our clients, supporting local farmers and artisans, and making a positive impact on the world around us.

I’m incredibly proud of the journey that SB Sourdough has taken me on and the lives that we’ve touched along the way. From providing nourishment to those in need to inspiring others to embrace the joy of homemade food, every moment has been a gift. And as we continue to grow and evolve, my hope is that we can continue to spread love, joy, and deliciousness far and wide.

So to all our potential clients, followers, and fans, here’s what I want you to know: at SB Sourdough, we’re more than just a bakery—we’re a movement. A movement to reclaim our connection to food, to support local communities, and to celebrate the simple pleasures of life. And we invite you to join us on this delicious journey, one loaf at a time.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Ah, let me tell you about the time SB Sourdough faced a challenge head-on and came out stronger on the other side. After the farmers’ market season came to a close, I found myself at a crossroads, wondering what’s next for my budding business. The demand for SB Sourdough products was still strong, but without the bustling market stalls, I needed to find a new way to connect with my customers.

That’s when the lightbulb moment struck—I realized that if the customers couldn’t come to me, I would bring SB Sourdough to them! And so began our journey into the world of craft fairs and holiday markets, where we set up shop and introduced our artisan bread to new audiences eager for a taste of something special.

But it didn’t stop there. As we continued to grow, I knew we needed a more sustainable solution to reach our customers year-round. And so, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, setting up pre-order systems and delivery schedules to several communities in the area.

It wasn’t easy—there were late nights and early mornings, logistical challenges to overcome, and moments of doubt along the way. But with determination and a whole lot of passion, we made it happen. And you know what? The response was overwhelming.

Customers were thrilled to have access to SB Sourdough products on a regular basis, and our community of bread lovers continued to grow with each delivery. It was a reminder that sometimes, the greatest opportunities come from unexpected challenges—that by embracing change and adapting to new circumstances, we can not only survive but thrive.

So here’s to the power of resilience, creativity, and a damn good loaf of bread. Here’s to SB Sourdough and the journey we’ve embarked on together—one filled with twists and turns, challenges and triumphs, and, of course, plenty of delicious bread along the way.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

It’s still a story in progress, but SB Sourdough went from a humble cottage bakery to a thriving business, one market at a time.

It all started with a dream and a few dollars scraped together from my own savings. With a passion for sourdough and a determination to share it with the world, I set up shop at my local farmers’ market, armed with just a few loaves of bread and a whole lot of hope.

Those early days were tough. I poured every penny I earned back into the business, investing in better ingredients, upgraded equipment, and eye-catching signage to draw in customers. But despite the challenges, I knew I was onto something special. The response from customers was overwhelmingly positive, and with each market, SB Sourdough gained momentum.

As the business grew, so did my ambitions. I knew that to truly make an impact, I needed to expand beyond the farmers’ market circuit and establish a more permanent presence in the community. But to do that, I needed funding—and lots of it.

And so began the journey of applying for grants, exploring every avenue to secure the capital needed to take SB Sourdough to the next level. It has not been easy. There were rejections, setbacks, and moments of doubt along the way. But I refused to give up.

One by one, I am chipping away at the obstacles in my path, saving every penny, reinvesting back into the business, and never losing sight of my goal. And slowly but surely, the pieces are falling into place.

The dream of acquiring a brick-and-mortar location will hopefully be closer to reality soon. Until then, I dream—a quaint little storefront in the heart of town, ready to be transformed into the home of SB Sourdough.

As I look back on the last 9 months, I can’t help but feel a swell of pride. From those early days at the farmers’ market to the brink of opening our own bakery, it’s been a wild ride filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: the unwavering belief in the power of sourdough to bring people together, to nourish the body and soul, and to create something truly special.

So here’s to the dreamers, the doers, and the believers. Here’s to SB Sourdough and the incredible journey we’ve embarked on—one market at a time, one loaf at a time, and always with a whole lot of heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://sarahbsourdough.com/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sbsourdough
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sbsourdough

Image Credits
Photos taken by Sarah Beranek, Owner of SB Sourdough