Community Living: Introducing “Small Batch Goodies”

A cloudy afternoon, with a promising chance of rain, has not detoured many happy customers to Rachel’s tent on a Wednesday afternoon in hot July. Rachel’s purple tent sits in the parking lot of North Hennepin Community College; other beautifully colored tents splash across the parking lot to make up the local farmer’s market, which is open every Wednesday from 2 pm to 6 pm from July 12 to October 11. Eager customers wait to place orders, occasionally getting a sweet waft of baked goods.

The idea to start Small Batch Goodies, LLC had germinated within Rachel long before she had to stop working due to her health condition. She had always loved baking and had a natural talent for it. As she experimented with different recipes and techniques, friends and family helped her realize that her treats could bring others joy and she could start an entrepreneurial journey through the cottage food industry.

Rachel offers a variety of flavors beyond her chocolate chip cookies. She has honed her skills in creating delicious truffles, captivating customers with rich and indulgent flavors. However, Rachel knows to focus on the three big sellers – chocolate chip cookies, truffles, and dog treats – showcases her ability to cater to diverse tastes. But it doesn’t stop at the big three; Rachel’s creative prowess extends to working with chocolate molds, turning ordinary chocolates into intricate designs, from elegant lagoons to playful robots, race cars, and delicate flowers. A perfect bite-size, melt-in-your-hand treat that hardly allows you to appreciate the creativity.

Rachel’s booth includes various elements that showcase her commitment to customer convenience and satisfaction. She offers pre-boxed cookies that customers can quickly grab and go, catering to those in a hurry. In addition, she allows customers to place custom orders on the spot to choose their favorite treats and have them boxed.

As Rachel delves deeper into the world of baking, she places great emphasis on the quality of the ingredients she uses. While she sources local products when possible, one exceptional non-local ingredient stands out: the high-quality Belgium chocolate – Callebaut Chocolates. Rachel’s fondness for this chocolate traces back to a 6-week backpacking culinary adventure across Europe in 2004. Having been smitten by its rich flavor and texture, she has since incorporated it into her recipes and worked with it in numerous high-end restaurants and catering events.

The setup and teardown process of the market is a labor of love. Set up starts long before market day, as Rachel spends hours baking, packing, and preparing. Day of, she must arrange her baked goods, display her chocolate creations, and create an inviting atmosphere that draws in customers. Teardown requires packing up unsold items, cleaning up her booth area, and reflecting on the connections she has made throughout the day.

The decision to showcase her talents at the farmers market was rooted in a deep desire to give back to her community. Rachel recognized the importance of local markets as an opportunity to connect with her customers face-to-face, share her passion, and create lasting memories through her delectable treats.

Rachel’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination have driven the success of “Small Batch Goodies, LLC.” From its inception, her passion and drive have been evident. Yet, like any journey, there were moments when a guiding hand made all the difference.

Rachel’s love for baking had deep roots in her childhood. She cherished fond memories of her time spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, who had been a master at making the most of every ingredient, especially during the challenging times of the Great Depression.

Her grandmother’s resourcefulness had taught her to transform simple ingredients into delicious meals and sweets, passing down cherished family recipes through generations. Rachel’s life was bittersweet when her beloved grandmother passed away at 97. One day, as Rachel was flipping through her grandmother’s old cookbook, well-worn, bindings broken, and pages yellowed with age, she reconnected to those recipes full of memories in her heart. With the support of her friends and family and her newfound determination to overcome challenges, Rachel decided to start “Small Batch Cookies.”

Additionally, since 2019, Safeway has been a steadfast ally, providing essential support when Rachel needed it most. Through the guidance of individuals like Zinash, Misra, and Mara, Rachel navigated challenges that ranged from consolidating her doctor’s list to understanding the intricacies of LLC establishment and taxation. Rachel reflects,

“Transitioning from always playing catch-up to proactive planning and execution was life-changing. While Safeway’s role was instrumental in certain aspects, realizing my dreams truly became a reality because of my unwavering determination. Achieving milestones I once thought were out of reach now feels like the norm, and while I lean on support for specific tasks, the trajectory of my success is something I envisioned.”

Business Name: Small Batch Goodies, LLC
Owner: Rachel Schermann
Facebook: @SmallBatchGoodiesLLC
Office Phone: (651) 472-5757
Cell: (612) 508-6511
Email: lilchef@gmail.com
Address: 7860 83rd Court North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Let’s celebrate Rachel’s dedication to her craft and her deep commitment to bringing others joy within Minnesota’s Cottage Food Law framework.

Continue reading Part 2 of Rachel’s Story to see how her journey with Safeway Home Healthcare unfolds as she gains more independence and embraces new opportunities.