Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Lewis.
Autumn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I had my first son, I had started to make my own bread with commercial yeast. I wanted to simply know what was in my food, and to have a hand in the whole process. However, I would not make bread all that often because it would cause some extreme discomfort, bloating, and embarrassingly gasey. Which made me pay attention to what I was eating on an even bigger scale. I noticed that anything I ate that was made with commercial yeast, made me feel that same way.
When I was as pregnant with my second son, I was talking with a friend about making our own foods at home, and we started to talk about bread. I told her my dilemma with homemade bread (as I had a loaf cooling right next me in the kitchen), and she had asked me if I have tried sourdough. As someone who had heard of sourdough, and only thought it was a different type of flour used, I was confused why that would solve my issue. Then started the research. I decided that I would give it a shot, and see what results I would get. I started my very first starter from scratch, and completely ruined it. Then started again, and did more research. That starter I named Doughra (Dora), and she is what started my journey with sourdough.
I found that I could consume yeast like products again without the discomfort, or having to plan when I could be home the longest for the after effects. I felt more free with my food. From there I branched out into adding sourdough into so many things that you wouldn’t think adding it into: cookies, muffins, brownies, granola, pancakes, and so on. My motto became: if it has flour in it, I’ll try to make a sourdough version.
After I had made sourdough for about a year, I decided to finally listen to my friends and family, and start selling my baked goods. I talked to others that were cottage food bakers and filled out my application, got approved, and decided to get my business name out there.
One thing I really wanted to focus on as a business is the people. Feeding others is a love language of mine, and I want my products to give off a feeling of comfort to those who consume my products, that’s where Cozy Cravings came from. I wanted to offer an option for people to enjoy baked goods that were a healthier option for the whole family to enjoy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning it was a struggle. I am not joking when I tell people that a sourdough starter is like another child, who doesn’t cry. When I had first started making sourdough bread, I literally sat and cried because I felt like I was getting it wrong, and I couldn’t figure out why my bread was not turning out the way I thought it should. Only to discover that I had been making it correctly the whole time! My expectations were that of a commercial yeast bread and not what sourdough is. After that, I had times where it was weak and very acidic smelling, and I had learned about feeding ratios for starters and what it means. Your starter talks and lets you know more than most would think.
After starting to sell my products, there was some push back. People had been burnt out from sourdough. They ate a loaf that was too tangy before and swear off of it (those people actually became my repeated customers), they don’t believe my bread is sourdough (until we have a discussion and they find out it really is), or just in general I joined in the pod of an oversaturated market. But as time has gone on, samples have been given, word of mouth has been spreading, I have built a cliental that I am happy with that is continuously growing.
We’ve been impressed with Cozy Cravings , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I make sourdough baked goods, and open up the possibilities for healthier comfort foods, without sacrificing amazing taste. Baking for others is a love language to me, and I want it to represent me. My cinnamon rolls are my top seller. People will seek me out at events, and wait in line to get theirs. Many will buy a single roll to try out, and will return to buy a bigger pack. My pride in my business truly comes from those that welcome my products into their life. I love hearing stories that include my products. One customer bought cinnamon rolls to take to the cabin for the weekend, and they were gone by next morning. Another customer swears that the sandwich bread makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches. One customer even uses the cinnamon rolls to make a French toast bake for their family. The stories are endless, and I love to hear them.
I am always willing to talk to others about their own sourdough journey as well. Due to the amount of questions I get about sourdough, and guidance others have asked for, I am currently in the process of figuring out setting up classes to teach others. There will be two separate stand alone classes, one to talk about starters and their maintenance, and another class to go over making bread with the starters.
If you see me at an event, feel free to stop by and say hi!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was an “odd ball” and didn’t always fit in the greatest. I could be really chatty, and hyperactive (which later on made sense when I got diagnosed with ADHD as an adult). I was raised to cheer for others and lift them up in whatever way we know how to. When I was playing sports, I would include those who were left out in different ways. If I knew someone liked a candy or drink, and seemed like they needed a pick me up, I would get one for them in hopes that it brought even just a little bit of joy to them. I could sit and listen to the older generation tell the stories of their life for hours, and still want to hear more. I have always observed people to see how I can help add to their cup. I have enjoyed letting people know and feel that they truely matter.
I have also been very stubborn in my life, and always have a dream on what I want to do (with a mentality that no one can stop me).
Contact Info:
