Willow Basket Bread Company

Lea Anne Somerville has been baking yummy breads and pastries for friends and family for many years. She prides herself on milling her own stone ground wheat each day just prior to making her delicious creations. Although she began selling some of her items in August 2015, Lea Anne came to the Navarro SBDC when she was considering turning the hobby into its own business. After speaking with Business Advisor, Amy Freeman, Lea Anne realized that she was ready to make that move and begin the official process of business ownership.

After Lea Anne registered her business name and opened the checking account, Amy Freeman provided Lea Anne with websites to research sale tax collection as well as LLC information. In addition, Lea Anne employs her husband in the business as he assists her with baking and selling. They have discussed many marketing options for the business such as Facebook and website design utilizing wix.com. She has attended a few farmer’s market type events as well as provided food for weddings and showers.

Lea Anne is in discussion with a couple of local women’s boutique owners who are considering carrying her baked goods in their stores. Currently, Lea Anne is operating her business under the State of Texas’ Cottage Laws. However, she is planning to move a portable building onto her property, installing a commercial kitchen and creating an LLC for liability purposes. Her hope is to begin selling her pastries and bread over the internet.

Lea Anne stated, “Amy Freeman has motivated me to move forward and make decisions that I otherwise might have been complacent about. By providing me with the next steps to take and a time line to work toward, I have begun reaching the first goals that I established for my business.”

Amy will continue to provide resources and support for Lea Anne as the business expands over the coming months and years.