We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shelby Verley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shelby below.
Shelby, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
I am so much happier as a business owner. There’s a lot of freedom and flexibility that allows me to be a mother first, and then a business owner, which produces an income while also letting me use my creative outlet. I’ve worked in customer service and sales, typical 9-to-5 jobs. I found it always took me away from my family, so being a business owner has not only boosted my confidence, but it’s allowed me to provide a service for others and allow people to bring something into their homes to feed their families as well. It provides a sense of purpose, not only for me, but for my family. After I had my second son, going back to a typical 9-to-5 was just not an option for me if I wanted to create the life that I wanted to live. It’s amazing that they get to see me work hard. My four-year-old son is learning about entrepreneurship, personal growth, and hard work. It’s not always easy, but nothing good ever is, and nothing worth creating ever is.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My story begins in Lincoln, California, a small town nestled outside Sacramento. I’m Shelby Verley, 28, and my childhood memories are vividly painted with the vibrant orange hues of California poppies, the deep blueness of Lake Tahoe, and the simple joys of gatherings with family and friends by the coast!
Those trips to San Francisco and Bodega Bay, where the taste of fresh sourdough combined with the salty air, are forever engraved in my heart. I grew up with my older brother, and my days were filled with camping adventures, 4-wheeling, and volunteering with horses and other animals.
At fourteen, my family relocated to Nevada. I was, perhaps, always a bit of a free spirit—a rebellious girl, a cheerleader, and a bit of a “lost soul.” I was always yearning for something more.
After high school, I chose to follow my heart, embarking on a period of self-discovery marked by both intense experiences and personal challenges.
This journey, though at times tumultuous, ultimately led me back to my faith in God and eventually to the love of my life, Trevor. He and my sons are the greatest blessings I could have ever asked for! The path to motherhood and womanhood, particularly after my first son’s birth in 2020, brought its own set of trials, including postpartum mental health struggles.
This experience has fueled my passion for open conversations about mental wellness, a cause I hold dear.
I ended up returning to school, graduating college, and welcoming my second son shortly after. I realized the traditional nine-to-five wasn’t my calling. I always knew I was meant for something different. I’ve tried multiple businesses and faced setbacks, but I never gave up on my entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by my childhood and a desire for wholesome, quality food, I began baking sourdough for my family. Frustrated by the lack of genuinely fresh, well-crafted loaves in stores that reminded me of my childhood, I embarked on a personal mission to perfect my own recipe.
After countless attempts—hundreds, literally—I finally achieved the taste and texture I envisioned. With a background in customer service, sales, digital marketing, and the unwavering support of my husband, We launched WildFlour Sourdough. It’s a reflection of my love for nature, seen in our floral designs, and my deep passion for the art of baking.
What truly sets WildFlour Sourdough apart? We use only the finest Bob’s Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour for exceptional flavor and quality. Our loaves are two pounds, ensuring a substantial and satisfying experience. Each loaf is adorned with unique WildFlour designs, and we offer a variety of shapes and sizes to cater to diverse needs. We also provide online pre-ordering, delivery throughout Las Vegas and Pahrump, participate in local farmers markets and events and offer customer loyalty programs, ensuring accessibility for all, including those who may find it difficult to leave their homes.
We solve a simple yet profound problem: providing access to truly fresh, artisan sourdough bread. We offer convenience through delivery and pre-ordering, and we ensure a reliable, consistent, and trustworthy product.
I am deeply gratified to provide a delivery system that brings fresh bread to those who might otherwise miss out, and am so proud to offer customer service unlike any other and accept nothing but the best.
I am most proud of building this business from the ground up, driven by passion and personal experience. Creating a product that brings joy and nourishment to my community is incredibly fulfilling. The partnership with my husband, and the legacy we are creating for our children, is invaluable.
More than just bread, WildFlour Sourdough is a labor of love, rooted in family and a commitment to quality. I believe food should be nourishing and trustworthy. I am dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and fostering a strong community for years to come.
Thank you for letting me share my story!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One time, it was our first major event in town. Weeks of preparation had finally culminated in this moment. I had poured my heart and soul into every aspect, baking over eighty distinct sourdough creations – loaves, focaccia, cookies – each meticulously packaged and labeled. The aroma of freshly baked bread had permeated our home, a testament to the sleepless night I’d spent ensuring everything was perfect. I promoted the event tirelessly, ordered marketing materials, and everyone was so excited.
Then, an hour before we were set to launch, the text arrived: the event was canceled due to unforeseen weather. My initial reaction was a wave of disappointment, as all our hard work seemed to crumble. But we knew we couldn’t give up. I had to pivot, and fast.
Instead of wallowing in disappointment, my husband and I decided to take our show online. We quickly transformed the canceled event into an impromptu online sale, showcasing the array of baked goods I had prepared. I snapped photos and posted them on our social media platforms. Within minutes, the virtual marketplace was buzzing.
The response was overwhelming. Within two hours, every single loaf, every cookie, every focaccia was sold. We were flooded with orders and spent the rest of the day meticulously packaging and delivering each one, ensuring that our customers received their fresh sourdough creations despite the event’s cancellation.
That day taught me a valuable lesson: resilience is paramount in business. Instead of letting a setback derail us, we adapted, innovated, and turned a potential disaster into a resounding success. It wasn’t just about selling bread; it was about proving to ourselves that we could overcome any obstacle. And most importantly, we learned that our customers are the most supportive and amazing people, and that we have built a community that supports us no matter what. That experience solidified my belief that with determination and a willingness to adapt, any challenge can be transformed into an opportunity.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
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