Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Griesmyer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

We love to sample new recipes, especially when a customer brings it and it’s a hit! Our Sweet and Spicy BBQ sauce is a customer recipe and so is our Gluten Free Monster Cookie recipe.

We have had the opportunity to participate in the Christmas Wish Program 3 years in a row, sponsored by the Morgan Community Fund. It has been a blessing to contribute to a memorable Christmas for children in the community.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was raised in the food ‘industry’. I am the 9th child of 14 children. Food was and is a big part of our family culture. While attending Florida State University for a degree in Business Economics, I cooked when I was avoiding studying. I also baked bread, taught bread baking classes and shared my mother’s bread recipe with all of my friends in college.

Often, customers will stop in the store or call with questions about baking, especially naturally fermented sourdough.

Of all my baking, I am most proud of my sourdough and cinnamon rolls. I baked for 20 years before I attempted sourdough. I was intimidated, but now it’s my favorite thing to bake. Sourdough, cookies and cinnamon rolls are our biggest sellers in the bakery.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first started using social media to post new items, especially bakery items, I was hopeful. I didn’t have any set expectations. I was surprised to see people coming into the store within the hour of my posts wanting to purchase the newest bakery item.

My advice for those trying to build social media accounts – have fun! Post what ignites happiness in you and say it! Let people feel the excitement in your pictures and your words. Show your personality in your posts.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

My side hustle was anything food. I catered for friends, family and church. I taught bread baking classes and eventually started an in-home bakery. My children would say,” Mommy, you should open a restaurant.” As much as love food, I loved being home with my children more. After moving to McConnelsville I saw an opportunity to take a part time job working with food. It was only 2 days a week and I had the best of both worlds, food and family. 6 weeks later, the owner of the store asked if I would like to buy the business. Of course I said yes! We have expanded, adding an artisan bakery and eatery, serving comfort food, paninis, and naturally fermented sourdough.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: meyers.bake.eat.shop
• Facebook: Meyers Specialty Market

Image Credits
Photo credits: Sarah Griesmyer