What Taking a Summer Baking Break Taught Me (After 16 Years of Nonstop Hustle)

After sixteen summers of baking non-stop, I finally gave myself permission to do something different: take a home bakery summer break. No early market mornings. No late-night prep marathons. Just more slow mornings, sun-drenched lemonade stands with my kids, and space to breathe. At first, it felt wrong—like I was stepping away from the momentum I worked so hard to build. But what I’ve realized is this: stepping back isn’t giving up—it’s giving yourself room to keep going. And if you're thinking about easing up this season too? You’re not alone, friend. Let’s talk about what taking a breather can really look like in this sweet, messy, ever-evolving baking life.

How to Take a break From Baking

Let me tell you something I never thought I’d say:
I’m not baking this summer.

Okay—not completely. I’ll still be elbow-deep in dough now and then (because let’s face it, baking is part of who I am). But for the first time in sixteen years, I’m not spending summer buried in flour, frosting, and farmer’s markets.

And wow, even saying that out loud feels... uncomfortable and freeing at the same time.

The Pause That Panicked Me (At First)

When I made this decision, I had a little spiral. I worried about losing momentum in my business, disappointing loyal customers, or looking like I wasn’t serious about baking anymore.

But then—between deep breaths and second guesses—I realized something:

This is the gift of building a business on your own terms.

No quotas to meet.
No ladder to climb.
No one telling you how many cookies to bake or events to attend.

Just you—a real human navigating real life—and the freedom to adjust your rhythm when you need to.

Baking Looks Different in Every Season

During past summers, I was booked solid. Every weekend, I was hauling coolers and baked goods to outdoor markets, talking to customers, managing orders, and squeezing in family time where I could.

And don’t get me wrong—I loved parts of that hustle. But the truth? What worked before doesn’t always fit now.

This summer, my life looks different. My priorities look different. I look different.

I’m learning to ask:
What do I need in this season of life?
What would feel good, sustainable, joyful—not just profitable?

And maybe most importantly:
What’s possible if I trust the pause, instead of fighting it?

Every Baker’s Path Is Different (and That’s Okay)

Maybe you're reading this and thinking:
"Well... I have to bake this summer. I rely on that income."
Or: "I love the energy of summer events—I’m all in!"

And friend, let me say this loud and clear:
That is just as valid. You are not behind or doing it wrong.

Some of us build up during the sunny months.
Some of us rest and rebuild during the quiet ones.
Some of us build something totally new (hello freshly squeezed lemonade biz 🍋).

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to this home bakery journey. And that’s the magic of it. You get to evolve just like your recipes do.

Farmer’s Market to Family Table (Before & After)

Real Talk: You’re Still a “Real Baker”

If you’ve been wrestling with the idea of scaling back—or feeling guilty about needing a break—let this be your permission slip.

Choosing to rest? Still a baker.
Changing your hours? Still a baker.
Pivoting your product line? Still a baker.
Taking care of yourself? Still a baker.

You don’t owe anyone 24/7 hustle to prove your passion.

So if you're slowing down this summer, know you’re not alone. I’ll be right there with you—soaking up family time, running our lemonade stand, sneaking in the occasional bake, and not putting pressure on myself to do it all.

Baking is a love story, not a race.

Grab Your Summer Baking Support

If you are baking this summer (or just want to prepare for future seasons), I’ve got your back.

✨ Inside The Baker’s Library, you’ll find my free “Summer in the Bakery” PDF—packed with ideas, inspiration, and tips for making the most of high temps and busy days.

Not a member yet? You can join here and get instant access to all the downloadable resources waiting for you. Join the Baker’s Library today.

Whatever your summer looks like—busy or breezy—remember:
You get to write your own bakery story.
And sometimes, that means resting between the batches.

With love and lemon zest,
Michelle 💛
Home Sweet Home Baker