Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to James Priest. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
James, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from knowing what its like to go without, what it’s like to be on my own with nobody around to help, and how good it feels when someone cares.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I bake smiles and warm hugs in the form of delicious breads and cookies. At Terran Baked Goods, we do more than bake bread, we nourish connection. I’m James Priest, and I run this little cottage bakery out of my home near Route 66’s Ribbon Road in Miami, Oklahoma. What started as a weekend bake sale to make the power bill has grown into a community-rooted bakery. One known for its artisanal breads, cookies, and seasonal treats, all made with care, creativity, and a deep respect for natural ingredients.
One of the things that excites me most is the alchemy of it all, how flour, water, and time can become something that brings people together. There’s something sacred in the rhythm of baking: the patience, the transformation, the sharing. I love that my work feeds both body and spirit. Whether it’s a sourdough boule for a neighbor’s table or a tray of cookies for a local fundraiser, every bake carries a story.
Terran Baked Goods is built on authenticity, warmth, and community. I don’t just sell baked goods, I show up for local events, collaborate with local businesses, and celebrate the heritage of our town in every cookie and loaf of bread I put out. I’m especially proud to be part of the Miami Reginal Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma Route 66 Business Association. Beyond the storefront that’s open two day a week, TBG delivers twice weekly to five local locations spanning twenty miles from our home store. All this has happened in one year.
Looking ahead, I’m always exploring new seasonal offerings and dreaming up ways to grow and make Terran Baked Goods even more welcoming.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resourcefulness, realness, and craftsmanship.
• Resourcefulness was born out of necessity. Terran Baked Goods started as a weekend bake sale to cover the power bill, so I had to learn how to stretch ingredients, use what I had, and adapt quickly. For folks just starting out, I’d say: don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start with what you have, and let your constraints fuel your creativity. Every challenge is a chance to invent.
• Realness shaped how I connect with customers, collaborators, and the community. Baking is intimate work, it’s about listening, noticing, and responding with care. No matter where you are in your journey, be present. Ask questions, observe reactions, and build relationships with sincerity. Your brand will grow stronger when people are seen and valued.
• Craftsmanship is the heartbeat of what I do. It’s not just about baking well, it’s about honoring the process, refining the details, and staying curious. For newcomers, I recommend diving into it. read, watch videos, and most importantly, experiment. If you fail, try again. Chances are, you’ll bake some magic in this process.
Above all, trust your story. The quirks, the detours, the homemade signs are all part of what makes your journey meaningful. Don’t be afraid to share it.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I go back to the basics. Sometimes that means kneading dough by hand, letting the rhythm of it slow my thoughts. Other times, it means stopping everything and cleaning or stepping outside, breathing in some fresh air and remembering that I’m part of something bigger than my to-do list.
One strategy that helps is preparation. When the prep is done in a timely manner, everything seems to run much smoother. Momentum builds from there. For anyone early in their journey, give yourself grace. You don’t have to do it all at once. Build rhythms that restore you. Find the music that moves you and let it take control Listen to your favorite podcast, book, or songs and remember to keep it fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://terranbakedgoods.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerranBakedGoods/
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