Open since 2009, owner Mandy Harper used her Main Street Launch loan to open her retail bakery space at 299 Divisadero Street in San Francisco. “Starting my business was a bit of an accident,” remembers Mandy. “It’s my personality to want to work for myself and do it all, and I had food allergies that made it hard for me to find prepared food. I decided to start my business in part to solve the problem I was personally facing.”
Wholesome Bakery is an organic, sustainable bakery offering delicious options to serve nearly every dietary restriction: gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, trans fat-free, low glycemic, and more! Their ingredients are thoughtfully sourced and locally produced. You can purchase Wholesome Bakery products at their bakery, as well as in many grocery stores! In addition to baked goods, they offer a rotating brunch menu, gift boxes, custom orders, and more. Whatever you’re looking for, sweet or savory, you can enjoy it knowing it’s good for you and good for Earth.
Before expanding into their current space, Wholesome Bakery was focused on wholesale and catering. “My loan from Main Street Launch made growth for my business possible,” says Mandy. “Because it’s just me, no investors or partners, the ability to access the money I needed to do the things I’ve been wanting to do was critical in expanding my business.”
“When I was working with Main Street Launch, I felt cared for. The process made me more confident I could handle the growth and less afraid to take the risk,” recalls Mandy.
Mandy offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Be resourceful: don’t spend money you don’t have to spend. I’ve been conservative with my spending that that has made my business sustainable. Also, it always gets better. It will be hard, but each time you face challenges, it will get better.”
Wholesome Bakery is always on the lookout for catering opportunities, so contact them today to book your next corporate lunch or event. They have an amazing retail space that serves incredible baked goods. Their gluten-free vegan bread is the best out there (try one of their sandwiches!), and you will be able to buy it by the loaf by Fall 2019. Check out their website for their mouthwatering menu!
