The 4 Most Common Fears for New Home Bakers (and What to Do About Them)

If you're thinking about starting a home baking business—or you’ve just rolled out your first batch of cookies to sell—you’ve probably felt it: that tight little knot of fear sitting in your gut.

I get it. I’ve baked through it. Cried over it. Sent cupcakes with it. And after sixteen years of running a home bakery, I can tell you: the fear doesn’t totally go away… but neither does the joy.

So let’s name some of the biggest fears that come with starting a home bakery—and talk honestly about how to walk through them.

Because they’re common. They’re normal. And they don’t get to run the show.

1. "What if my friends or family think I’m ridiculous?"

Oh, friend. This one stings, because it hits close.

Maybe you’ve already heard them—the jokes, the side-eyes, the “You’re selling cookies now?” comments. Maybe they laugh, maybe they ask questions that make you feel small. That gets loud fast in your brain.

Here’s the thing: sometimes people poke fun because they don’t get it… and sometimes, it’s because they wish they had your courage. Starting a home bakery is brave. It’s creative. It’s kind of magical. And yeah, it might be a little crazy—but the good, bold kind.

Let them say what they’ll say. You’ll be in the kitchen, building something sweet.

And let me say one more thing about this. I've been in business for sixteen years. Countless women have come to me asking me how I did it, how they admire my courage, and how they want to someday do what I've done. You may get some side snickers or passive-aggressive comments, but I guarantee more friends are watching and admiring you. 

2. "What if no one orders from me?"

Spoiler: you might start out slow. That doesn't mean you're doing it wrong.

Every single baker I’ve mentored has hit this wall—waiting on orders, wondering if anyone even wants what they’re offering. It’s not a failure. It’s part of building something from the ground up.

If your warm market (family, friends, people from your community) isn’t coming through with weekly orders, that doesn’t mean they won’t. It might just take some time and visibility. You’re in this to build—not just to launch. And sometimes building starts slow.

Let the silence teach you something instead of define you. Keep showing up. Keep baking. The right people will find you… especially when they see how consistent and passionate you are.

And remember, you’re not “too late.” You’re not “behind.” You’re right where you need to be.

3. "What if someone leaves a bad review?"

Oof. This one lives in the heart of every perfectionist-baker out there. (Hi. Same.)

We hear horror stories of nightmare customers—blasting a bad review on Facebook or ghosting after something goes wrong. And yes, those things do happen… but here’s the truth: most people are not out to get you.

What do you do if something actually does go wrong? You do what any heart-led small business owner does:

• Own your mistake
• Apologize with kindness
• Make it right (refund if needed)
• Learn something
• Move on

Embarrassment doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this. It means you’re human. Welcome to the club of bakers who’ve left cookies in the oven too long or iced the wrong name on a birthday cake. We’re in here learning right beside you.

4. "What if I’m not successful?"

This one’s big. And vague. And full of pressure unless you define what success actually means to you.

Is your goal to earn an extra $100 a month to afford swim lessons for your kids? Do you want to quit your job one day and bake full time? Or maybe success for you is making enough to cover supply costs and get a creative outlet outside your full-time life?

All of those are valid. None of them are “small.”

You get to build your own version of success—and you get to change it as you grow, learn, and live.

Progress might be slow (and some weeks you’ll feel stuck), but that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re figuring it out. And you’re doing it with heart.

A Pep Talk, Because I Know You Need It

You don’t need to do it perfectly.
You don’t need to be fearless.
You just need to start scared and keep going.

There is enough room at the table for you and your cookie dreams. And even on the days when you feel unseen or unsure, you’re still building something beautiful. One batch, one brave post, one new customer at a time.

You’re not behind. You’re being bold. That counts for so much.

And I’ll be cheering you on every single step of the way.

So go ahead—preheat that oven and start scared.

💻 Ready for More Than Just a Pep Talk?

If reading this blog stirred something in you—if you're nodding along thinking “Okay… I’m scared, but I still want to try”—then Bake From Home was made with you in mind.

It’s not just another online course filled with fluff and overwhelm.

Bake From Home is the exact roadmap I wish I had when I started my own home bakery—minus the guesswork, the Googling at midnight, and the messy trial-and-error.

Inside, I’ll walk alongside you (one cozy module at a time) to help you:

• Build a legit home bakery that feels doable with your already-full life
• Price and sell your goods with confidence (and heart)
• Navigate all the “what ifs” with real support—not just theory
• And yes… finally take your first (or next) brave step without overthinking yourself into burnout

👉 Click here to join Bake From Home

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to say yes to your dream—it’s this.
Let’s get you baking with purpose and peace. You bring the butter—I’ve got the rest. 💛

You’ve got this.

– Michelle