Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Courville.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My husband and I welcomed our first baby to our family in 2023, and after returning to work, I felt a growing pull to be at home with my family. With money tight, I started baking as a way to save by cooking from scratch — and it quickly became a hobby I could justify within our grocery budget. After a few months, I realized others might also appreciate access to organic sourdough bread, especially those without the time to make it themselves. That’s when I opened a small farm stand in our front yard — and it quickly grew into something huge and amazing! There was clearly a need.
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?
I’d say there’s a definite learning curve when it comes to scaling any business — and baking is no exception. Methods, timing, and recipes all evolve as you start producing more and more. In the beginning, it was tough. There were times I didn’t make any money after having to throw out dough I had messed up, and I was easily working 15-hour days while figuring out how to scale production and become more efficient. Now, I have a solid system in place and have invested in equipment that allows me to produce enough to serve my community sustainably.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a cottage baker specializing in naturally leavened breads (sourdough) and sweets. I’m best known for my artisan breads, cinnamon rolls, and cookies. My cookie recipe is especially meaningful to me — I developed it while navigating life as a new stay-at-home mom, never realizing I’d one day be baking them by the hundreds! It’s been such a joy to see others fall in love with them, too.
I use organic flour and keep my ingredients as simple and wholesome as possible. Beyond the baked goods themselves, what really sets my business apart is my honor-system farm stand. It’s convenient and inviting, yet laid-back and full of charm — I think people really appreciate that unique experience.
How do you think about luck?
I’d say all of it! But honestly, I believe we experience everything we’re meant to in order to become who we are and end up where we are. I’m not sure “luck” is the right word — I tend to think of it more as a divine nudge that guides us toward small decisions that lead to great things. At the same time, I know I’ve worked extremely hard, and that part has very little to do with luck.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goneastraygoods.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goneastraygoods/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558376309739
