Emerald is launching her own Cottage Bakery!

Emerald Green is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi! Hello! My name is Emerald Green. I’m a professional baker based in Tempe, Arizona. I’m most known for my work as a Sourdough Bread Artist and the Lead of Recipe Testing and Development at Proof in Mesa, Arizona. Over the years at my time at Proof I developed and launched numerous successful specials and taught my own series of Sourdough Art classes. And now, I'm thrilled to announce that I am venturing out on my own and launching a Cottage Bakery called The Confectionery Apothecary, specializing in unique and delicious vegan desserts. My mission is to not just make desserts that are good for being vegan, but just good.

"it's been a rich caloric pleasure to follow the growth of Emerald Green's baking. Creative but not fussy, delicious but not too dense, these are treats for the whole table." - John Darnielle

If you don't know me already, I am the kind of person who shows up with baked goods wherever I go. My mother taught me that there's no better way to show that you care for someone than by feeding them. Watching someone's face light up when they take their first bite of something you lovingly crafted for them is one of the best and simplest joys that the world has to offer.

Comic by Alizon Zai

I am well on my way, but I could use some support. I am already up and running and fulfilling orders, but there are quite a few things I need to help me become more efficient and to reach my goal of being able to grow my humble cottage bakery into my full-time job by the start of the fall Farmers Market season in October. The sooner I can direct all of my time and energy into my bakery, the better! I plan to expand into having more gluten-free options, candies, gourmet baking ingredients like infused sugar and baking extracts and spice blends, baking kits, and some of my art too!

You may be asking yourself, "Where is the money going?"

I'm so glad you asked. I am not solely relying on crowdfunding to purchase everything I need, however, there are a ton of little and large costs that quickly add up. I will be seeking out used items whenever possible while also looking for the best possible deals. To save on costs to add my own personal touch, I will also be creating, upcycling, and DIYing my own brand design elements (logo, banners, business cards, etc) as well as items used for my Farmers Market display. Since I am aiming to buy second hand as often as possible, getting exact numbers on costs is tricky. So, I will be giving price estimates according to what I have seen in my area.

Upgrading the power in my kitchen to handle used commercial restaurant equipment and installing new outlets: estimated ~$1,200
20 Quart Stand Mixer: $2,700
Under Counter Freezer: $1,200
Under Counter Refrigerator: $1,200
Electric Stacked Convection Oven: $2,200
Baking Speed Rack and Cover: $350
Bulk Ingredient Storage Containers and Storage Racks: $600
Packaging and labels that adheres to Arizona's Cottage Food Laws: $200
Farmers Market display items (counter top bakery case, tablecloths, bags, portable food storage containers, etc): $2200

The list continues on and on, but these are the most important items to cover. Any funds raised over my target goal will only help me get further faster!

Other ways you can support me:

Spread the word! Tell your friends, tell your neighbors. Do you own a business in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, or Scottsdale and need someone to stock your counter with delicious vegan treats? Or do you know someone else who may be interested? Let me know!
If you would rather purchase things to help me build my home bakery directly, here is my Amazon WishList.
I also have hand-made goods available for sale ! All money raised will go directly into my "wow, this whole starting your own business thing is pricey" fund. I will continue to add merchandise to my online store front over time!

I am so energized and excited to be making this huge step and entering back into the world of baking on my own terms. I'm bursting with ideas and plans for how I want to evolve and expand my business in a way that is sustainable as a one-woman show. From my time working for various local Farmers Market businesses, I already have a foundational knowledge of what it takes to run a cottage bakery as well as years of experience and established relationships within the Arizona Farmers Market scene. I have the talent, skill, and gusto required to pull all of this off.

I'm a pretty stubborn person and not the best at admitting when I could use some help. But I also know that I am surrounded by friends, family, and community who want to see me succeed and achieve my goals. I'll leave it up to my favorite movie, Everything Everywhere All At Once to sum it up for me:

A huge thanks to everyone who has shown me kindness, encouragement, and guidance over the years. I would not be who or where I am today without you. I appreciate your time and any means of support.

In the words of the great and wise Shania Twain,