Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Kennedy.
Hi Laurie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my business in October after a season of a lot of change. I had just had my youngest in May and spent the summer home with my kids after leaving a job I once loved. The company had been acquired, and over time it shifted away from the core values that mattered most to me—people and quality service. Those have always been important to me, and a big reason why I pursued my degree in human performance. I’ve always been a people person at heart.
As fall approached, I found myself at a crossroads. I considered going to work with my mom, who runs a tax office, but that would have meant putting my youngest in daycare. Even though I had a great option lined up, I really felt called to be home with him during this season. I knew I still needed to contribute financially, so I spent a lot of time reflecting, praying, and talking things through with my sister—trying to figure out what that could look like.
During that time, I remembered a conversation from high school when someone asked what I wanted to do someday. Without hesitation, I said I wanted to own a bakery. That memory stuck with me. It felt like a reminder from a younger version of myself—the version that wasn’t weighed down by fear or practicality yet.
I’ve always loved baking, especially cinnamon rolls, and I realized they weren’t something a lot of people make from scratch or could easily find locally as a specialty item. So one day, I made a batch and gave them to friends and asked a simple question: “Would you buy these?” The response was overwhelming, and that gave me the confidence to move forward.
I’ve had business ideas before, but I never acted on them—and I’d watch someone else bring a similar idea to life. This time, I decided I wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines. I just started. I began posting, leaned into the timing with fall and cinnamon rolls, and did my first market, which went really well.
When that season ended, I pivoted. I had seen farm stands online and loved the idea, so we built one and opened it up. I started sharing it on Facebook, and over time it’s grown through word of mouth and community support.
Now, I offer a variety of baked goods—cinnamon rolls with creative flavors, cookies, scones, and more. It allows me to tap into my creativity while also creating something that brings people together.
More than anything, this journey has given me the ability to stay home with my youngest while still helping support my family. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly fulfilling—and I’m grateful I chose to just start.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Starting something from scratch while raising kids—especially with a baby at home—comes with its fair share of challenges.
One of the biggest has been balancing everything. There are nights when I’m baking late after the kids are in bed, trying to get everything ready while still making sure I’m present for my family during the day. It’s a constant juggle, and I’m still learning what that balance looks like.
There’s also been a lot of trial and error on the business side. Figuring out pricing has been a challenge—understanding what people are willing to pay while also accounting for the rising cost of ingredients and supplies. That’s been a big learning curve, and something I’m continuing to refine as I grow.
On a more personal level, this journey has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve always been someone who gives a lot of myself to others, sometimes at the expense of my own time and my family. Learning to set boundaries—saying no, not taking on too much, and really protecting my time—has been one of the hardest but most important lessons. I’ve had to stay rooted in my purpose and remind myself why I started this in the first place.
I’ve also had to be really intentional about who I surround myself with. Having uplifting, positive people in my corner has made such a difference—people who encourage me, support me, and remind me to keep going on the hard days.
There’s a vulnerability that comes with putting yourself out there, too. Attaching your name to something you’ve created and sharing it publicly can feel intimidating, and there have definitely been moments of self-doubt along the way.
But honestly, those challenges have shaped so much of this journey. They’ve helped me grow, become more confident, and build something that truly aligns with my values. It hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been incredibly meaningful—and worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own and operate Laurie’s Home Baked + Farm Stand, where I create homemade baked goods that are both comforting and a little bit creative. I specialize in cinnamon rolls—they’re really what started it all—and I love experimenting with different flavors and seasonal twists. Along with that, I offer cookies, scones, and other baked desserts that rotate depending on what I’m inspired by or what I think my customers will love.
I think what I’m most known for is the quality and the heart behind what I do. Everything is made from scratch, and I truly care about the experience people have when they stop by the stand or take something home to share with their family. There’s something really special to me about being part of someone’s morning, their gathering, or just a small moment in their day.
What I’m most proud of is building something from nothing and watching it grow through word of mouth and community support. I didn’t have a storefront or a big launch—I just started, and people showed up. That support has meant everything to me.
I also take a lot of pride in the fact that I’ve been able to create something that allows me to stay home with my kids while still contributing to my family. That balance was the whole reason I started, and being able to live that out is incredibly meaningful.
I think what sets me apart is the combination of creativity, quality, and intention. I’m always thinking of new flavors or ideas, but I’m also really focused on making sure everything tastes as good as it looks. And beyond that, I genuinely care about the people I’m serving. It’s not just about selling baked goods—it’s about creating connection and being part of a community.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Honestly, a lot of my inspiration and learning comes from community and real-life experience more than anything formal.
I’m part of several Facebook groups for home bakers, farm stands, and cottage bakers—especially ones focused on cinnamon rolls and gourmet cookies. Those groups have been incredibly helpful for learning from others, asking questions, and seeing what’s working for people in similar situations. They’ve also connected me with other farm stands here in Kansas, and being able to communicate with people in my area who are doing something similar has been such a lifeline and source of support.
I also use TikTok quite a bit for ideas and inspiration. It’s a great way to see trends, new techniques, and creative flavor combinations. Sometimes it sparks a new idea, and other times it just gives me the confidence to try something I’ve been thinking about.
A lot of what I’ve learned, though, has simply come from doing—figuring things out as I go, trying new ideas, and learning what works best for me and my customers.
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