To celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month, I have put together a selection of women who are both entrepreneurs and moms. Mompreneurs, if you will. These women have built businesses out of nothing that serve our local community. They're women who grew up in Sussex County and/or moved here to enjoy its scenic beauty. These businesses have all been built from scratch, with babies nursing, toddlers running around, and children playing. Nap times, the crayons on the wall and milk spilled on the floor can't stop the hustle of these mamas. Enjoy the third installation of my Women's History Month: Mompreneurs Interview, with Kasey Bryson of The Bread Boutique.
What's your name?
Kasey Bryson
What's your business name?
The Bread Boutique
What town in Sussex County do you live or operate?
Lafayette, NJ. Sussex County.
Tell us a little about yourself, and your story.
I’m a young mom of four, and my family is truly at the heart of everything I do. I was born and raised right here in Sussex County. I spent my childhood in Hopatcong, enjoying many summers on the lake. After my husband and I met, life took us on a bit of a journey, moving between Hackettstown, Sussex, a temporary stay in Pennsylvania, back to Sussex, and finally, we found our first home in Lafayette. We always knew we wanted to settle in a place where we could be close to family and friends, but also have easy access to the local farms that make this area so special. We adore where we are now and plan to plant deep roots here, not only for my family but also to grow The Bread Boutique within this community.
What inspired you to start your business or pursue what you do?
My family was, and continues to be, the primary inspiration behind starting The Bread Boutique. After becoming a mom, I felt a strong desire to contribute financially to our household while also pursuing something I genuinely loved and excelled at. Baking, particularly sourdough bread, quickly became that passion. Beyond just enjoyment, I’ve always been passionate about nutrition, and I quickly discovered the incredible health benefits that sourdough offers for gut health. What began as a small passion project, baking just a few loaves in my home oven, has blossomed into something far beyond my initial dreams. It's incredibly rewarding to provide delicious, healthy food options to the community.
What does your business do, and who do you help?
At The Bread Boutique, I specialize in Artisanal Sourdough Bread, alongside an assortment of other baked goods like Scones, Croissants, and Cinnamon Rolls. Currently, I’m consistently baking between 40-50 loaves of bread almost every week. My mission is to provide families and individuals in Sussex County with wholesome, delicious, and gut-friendly baked goods. It’s about offering an alternative to mass-produced options, focusing on quality ingredients and health conscious methods of sourdough baking.
How has becoming a mom influenced your work, business, or goals?
Becoming a mom has changed everything for me and the single biggest influence on my journey with The Bread Boutique. It truly was the driving force behind starting this venture. My goal was to create a way to provide for my family while doing something I loved, and that passion intensified with each of my children. This business isn't just about baking; it's a way for me to contribute to our family’s well-being and build something meaningful that my kids can one day be apart of.
What challenges have you faced balancing motherhood and your work?
Balancing motherhood and running a small business is a constant juggle, full of unique challenges. There are days filled with "accidental" scoring mishaps on loaves, standing on my feet for 15 hours straight, or even being up until 4am, rotating nursing , rocking the baby back to sleep, getting bread in the oven and then loading the car for a rain-drenched farmers market!! The early mornings and late nights are frequent, but the passion for what I do and the desire to provide for my family always push me through.
What has been your proudest moment so far as a mom, entrepreneur, or both?
One of my proudest moments has been seeing The Bread Boutique grow from a small passion project in my home kitchen to a business consistently baking dozens of loaves for families across the community. Each positive review and returning customer fills me with immense gratitude. As a mom, seeing my children watch me build something I love, knowing I'm creating a legacy and working hard to provide for them, is incredibly fulfilling. The combination of providing nourishing food to my community and building a family focused business makes me so proud on both fronts.
What do you love most about being part of the Sussex County community?
I deeply cherish the sense of community and the strong connection to local agriculture here in Sussex County. The ability to be close to family and friends, combined with the support for local businesses and the abundance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, makes it an ideal place to live and grow my business.
Is there another local woman-owned business or inspiring woman you'd like to shout out?
I'd like to give a shout-out to Meg (@GetFedbyMeg), another local bread business owner) - Her dedication to her family and her son is admirable and truly inspiring! Please give her page a look!
If you had one piece of advice for other moms thinking about starting something new, what would it be?
My advice would be to just start, even if it's small, and don't be afraid to learn as you go. There will be challenges and moments of doubt, but if you're passionate about it and it aligns with your values, those initial steps are the most crucial. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself, and remember that every small effort contributes to something bigger.
Is there anything else you'd like readers to know about you or your business?
Ultimately, my dream is to open a small, cozy bakery where my kids can grow up, be a part of the business, and eventually, even pass it down to their own children. The Bread Boutique is more than just baking; it's about creating a legacy, fostering community, and sharing the joy of wholesome, handcrafted food.
You can find more information about The Bread Boutique, and connect with Kasey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094468765555&mibextid=wwXIfr%60&rdid=GOswYXWQ7PzQq5p0&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F17MRkCjsL5%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr%2560
