Community Living: Rachel's Journey - Part 2

Rachel’s journey is marked by resilience and a love for cooking that her beloved grandmother had instilled in her from a young age. Her grandmother’s recent passing at 97 left a void in Rachel’s heart but ignited a spark to carry on her culinary legacy. If you haven’t already, be sure to read Part 1 of Rachel’s story to discover how she launched her small-batch bakery, ‘Small Batch Goodies,’ out of her very own Purple Tent.

Rachel’s grandma had grown up during the Great Depression, learning to make the most of every ingredient and to turn leftovers into delectable treats. She passed down treasured family recipes, especially those reserved for Christmas. Among her possessions, Rachel discovered an old cookbook given to her when she was just 5 or 6, still fully intact and undamaged. As she turned the pages, she turned to unique recipes that had always been close to her heart – cookies.

Baking has been Rachel’s passion for as long as she can remember, but she had never pursued it professionally. Instead, she had worked in various restaurant kitchens, helping others create culinary masterpieces. “I started at Burger King and then Baker Square when I was 16 as a cook and went to Champs, and then I got into fine dining, restaurants, and restaurants that did a lot with local food.” However, her health started to deteriorate over the years, making it increasingly challenging to continue her work in the restaurant industry. Even so, Rachel would still bake cookies as gifts for friends and neighbors during the holiday season, a gesture born out of her financial limitations. Those cookies brought joy to those around her, but she never imagined they could be the key to her future.

Unfortunately, Rachel’s physical limitations reached a point where she could no longer work as she once did. As time passed, she needed to find a way to support herself independently, and her passion for baking provided the answer. With help from family and friends, she was able to pursue her dream. She started a cottage bakery business from her home, turning her cherished recipes into income. As things fell into place, Rachel was able to utilize her waiver services to keep her on track. “The help I’ve gotten from Safeway has [helped] me transition from catch-up to forward-thinking. Things I didn’t think would be possible five years ago are things I’m doing more now.”

The journey was challenging. Rachel had to make her kitchen more accessible, adapting countertops, cabinets, and appliances to accommodate her limited mobility. “I got a home rehab loan from the Hennepin County and the state of Minnesota city of Brooklyn Park [that’s] geared towards people who are disabled, veterans, or seniors. I applied for it in 2019 and [received a] letter saying, ‘Don’t expect it, but we have you on the waitlist.’” After years of waiting, she received the much-needed funds to make her kitchen a suitable workspace without constant pain.

Rachel’s determination led her to explore the local farmers’ market scene, where she could sell her baked goods. With every sale, her confidence grew, and customer feedback motivated her to expand her offerings. She carefully crafted her baked goods, experimenting with flavors and designs that reflected her artistic sensibilities.

Despite her physical challenges, Rachel found joy in her newfound business. The act of creating and sharing her baked goods not only provided her with a sense of purpose but also helped her manage her health. It allowed her to set goals and work toward them in physical therapy by using baking techniques as therapy exercises.

As her business flourishes, Rachel dreams of the next steps. She wants to acquire a food truck and a mobile kitchen that would enable her to reach a wider audience without the physical demands of a traditional bakery setup. “I dare to dream because the MA-EPD (Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities) program I’m on now has an asset limit. But the legislature just nixed it for MA-EPD [participants], so I can [build up] my assets to try and get a food truck.” With the recent changes in asset limits for her healthcare program, Rachel sees a glimmer of hope for her food truck dream becoming a reality.

Amid her entrepreneurial journey, Rachel also faced personal challenges, including a difficult divorce and custody battle. But she was determined to provide a stable and loving home for her daughter, Sammy. With the support of legal aid, Rachel navigated the complexities of the legal system.

Looking ahead, Rachel envisions her business thriving and her food truck hitting the streets. Her focus remains on perfecting her cookies, truffles, and brownies, the treats that won the hearts of her customers. Each batch is a labor of love, a testament to her resilience, and a tribute to her grandmother’s enduring legacy.

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