Meet Tami Bryan

We recently connected with Tami Bryan and have shared our conversation below.

Tami, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Purpose is a word that carries so much weight. For me, it wasn’t a single moment or event that defined it—it was a journey of faith, love, loss, and rediscovery.

Growing up as the oldest of four in a military family, responsibility was ingrained in me from a young age. My birth father’s military career meant frequent moves and constant adjustments. As the oldest, it was my job to care for my siblings and help maintain some sense of stability during the ever-changing circumstances.

Baking became my escape, my way of finding calm amid the chaos. While the world around me shifted, the kitchen was a constant—a space where I could create, dream, and express myself. Whether it was experimenting with new recipes or simply mixing ingredients to unwind, baking gave me a sense of purpose and joy.

Later in life, I pursued a career in the entertainment industry, working as a model, actor, and eventually opening Bryan International Casting. I collaborated with incredible talents, in all aspects of the Entertainment and Publishing Industries, but the demands of travel and work left little time for family, and even less for the comforting rhythm of baking.

In 2019, my world changed forever. The sudden loss of my husband shook me to my core. I found myself at a crossroads, searching for meaning and stability not only for myself but for my five children, who, like me, are all celiacs.

During this time of grief, my faith became my anchor, grounding me through the storm. It gave me the strength to refocus on what truly mattered: my family, my community, and the simple yet profound joys of life. Through prayer and reflection, I realized my purpose lay in the kitchen, where I could heal, create, and serve.

In 2020, I opened Lilacs and Lemons Farmhouse Bakery, named for two things that symbolize my husband Mike’s love for our Lilacs Bushes and Lemon Yellow as my favorite color. Both bring strength, graciousness and daily renewal. I poured my heart into creating a space where everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, could enjoy delicious, high-quality baked goods.

Outside the kitchen, my purpose continues to grow. I’ve made it a mission to share self-sufficiency and resourcefulness with others through homesteading, foraging, and prepping classes. For many years, I was known as the “Shop4Free Mom,” teaching families how to live frugally, budget, and shop with coupons. My passion for empowering others led me to being featured on Chanel 9 News, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wrGJvblB_k&t=3s&pp=ygUUdGFtaSBicnlhbiBjb3Vwb25pbmc%3D) where my journey began to help people transform their finances with simple, effective strategies.

Recognizing the changing economy and the evolving needs of entrepreneurs, I drew upon my extensive experience in the Entertainment and Indy Publishing industries and spent a year immersing myself in advanced skills. From Social Media Marketing to Website Design, Social Media Sales, ROI strategies, SEO, and AI applications, I earned certifications to master these essential tools. This dedication has allowed me to branch out as a Small Business Start-Up Consultant. With my agency, Pinnacle Start-Up Solutions, I work with helping others build strong foundations for success by leveraging modern technology and proven marketing strategies. My goal is to empower small businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic online marketplace.

Today, Lilacs and Lemons is more than a bakery—it’s a legacy. My faith keeps me grounded, and my focus on my family and community remains at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s creating wedding cakes for couples on their most special day, teaching someone how to forage for their next meal, guiding other on starting their own successful business, or sharing tips to help families stretch their budgets, my mission is to leave a positive and lasting impact.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Lilacs and Lemons Farmhouse Bakery
At the heart of my work is Lilacs and Lemons Farmhouse Bakery, a celiac-safe haven offering a range of baked goods crafted with organic ingredients. As a lifelong celiac, my mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy high-quality, delicious treats.

The bakery’s offerings include handcrafted chocolate truffles, classic bake gluten-free breads, fudge, and award winning wedding cakes, which have made it a favorite on platforms like The Knot and Wedding Wire. Customers worldwide can now indulge in my creations through TikTok Shop and Amazon, where Lilacs and Lemons has become a trusted name for quality and care. We are unique in the fact that we have over 40 years of experience in modifying any recipe to meet any allergen or dietary need.

Book Nook: Supporting Readers and Authors
As an avid reader, and working closely in all aspects of the Independent Publishing Industry since 2010, I recently relaunched the Book Nook Bookstore, a platform that not only sells new and used books but also champions independent authors. Beyond offering rare finds and signed editions, Book Nook provides services like website creation, social media marketing, author interviews, and book tours. This revival reflects my dedication to creating opportunities for indie authors to shine.

Shop4Free Mom Classes
Tami’s commitment to education and empowerment shines through her Shop4Free Mom Classes. Drawing from her years as the “Shop4Free Mom,” a title earned for teaching frugal living and couponing strategies featured on Kansas City’s Channel 9 News. I help families and individuals master budgeting, couponing, and smart shopping techniques. These classes are perfect for anyone looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing quality.

Pinnacle Startup Solutions
I also offer Pinnacle Startup Solutions, where I leverages my years of experience in business, marketing, and the entertainment industry to help entrepreneurs build strong foundations for their startups. From branding and marketing strategies to operational efficiency, her consulting services are tailored to guide startups toward success.

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 on my journey, three qualities and skills stand out as the most impactful: adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to build meaningful connections. Each of these shaped my path, from navigating a military childhood to running successful businesses and eventually founding Lilacs and Lemons Farmhouse Bakery. Here’s why these mattered and my advice for cultivating them:

1. Adaptability
Impact: Growing up as a military brat taught me to embrace change. Frequent moves and new environments meant I had to quickly adjust, learn, and thrive in different circumstances. Later, this skill helped me pivot from the entertainment industry to baking and consulting when life required a fresh start.

Advice: Embrace uncertainty and see change as an opportunity to grow. Read widely, learn new skills, and stay curious about emerging trends in your field. When faced with challenges, focus on solutions instead of obstacles.

2. Resourcefulness
Impact: From being the “Shop4Free Mom” and mastering frugal living to launching multiple businesses, resourcefulness has been my superpower. Knowing how to make the most of limited resources helped me start and sustain ventures even in tough times.

Advice: Develop a problem-solving mindset. Practice asking yourself, What can I do with what I already have? Learn budgeting, time management, and negotiation skills. These will serve you well no matter your industry or goals.

3. Building Meaningful Connections
Impact: My career in casting and publishing depended on strong relationships. Partnering with talented individuals and businesses made it possible to achieve big goals, and those connections remain invaluable today.

Advice: Network intentionally. Focus on quality over quantity by building genuine relationships based on mutual support and shared values. Join industry groups, attend events, and don’t hesitate to ask for help—or offer it.

For Those Early in Their Journey:

Adaptability: Start small by stepping out of your comfort zone. Try something new each month—whether it’s a class, a networking event, or learning a tech tool.
Resourcefulness: Keep a journal of challenges you face and the creative ways you overcome them. This builds confidence in your ability to think on your feet.
Connections: Volunteer, mentor, or collaborate on projects. Relationships grow stronger when they’re rooted in shared experiences.
Most importantly, stay patient and persistent. Building a successful life or business isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Keep your faith, focus on your goals, and remember that every step, no matter how small, moves you forward.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe the answer depends on your goals and the context, but generally, doubling down on your strengths while strategically addressing your weaknesses creates the best path to success. Focusing on strengths allows you to excel and stand out, while improving critical weaknesses ensures they don’t hold you back. Here’s why I feel this way and how it has played out in my own journey.

Why Focus on Strengths?
Strengths are where your natural abilities and passions align. When you focus on them, you work with momentum, build confidence, and create opportunities that highlight what you do best. For me, creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability were strengths that I honed over time. Leaning into these allowed me to transition from one industry to another seamlessly and build a bakery and consulting business that reflect my unique skills.

For example, when I transitioned from the entertainment industry to baking, I relied on my creative vision and ability to connect with people. Those strengths helped me craft products that stood out and foster relationships with customers and collaborators. I didn’t try to become a financial expert—I hired someone to help with that—but I worked tirelessly to refine my baking and branding to make Lilacs and Lemons exceptional.

Why Address Weaknesses?
Ignoring weaknesses altogether can sometimes be detrimental, especially if they’re foundational to your goals. Instead, I believe in focusing on critical weaknesses—the ones that might hold you back in achieving your dreams.

When I started consulting for small businesses, I realized that my knowledge of digital marketing tools like SEO and AI was limited. While these weren’t areas I naturally excelled in, I knew they were vital for scaling my business and helping clients. I invested time and effort into earning certifications and learning these tools. I didn’t aim to become the best in these areas, but I became proficient enough to integrate them effectively into my work.

Don’t Be Afraid to Learn Something New
The world of business is always changing, and to be successful, you must develop the skills to grow and adapt. For example, when I saw the growing importance of digital tools and AI, I stepped out of my comfort zone to learn them, even though they felt intimidating at first. That willingness to evolve gave me a competitive edge and opened doors to new opportunities.

It’s easy to stick to what we know, but real growth happens when we challenge ourselves to embrace the unfamiliar. Every new skill you learn adds value to your toolkit, making you more adaptable and resilient in an ever-changing market.

My Approach: Play to Your Strengths, Outsource Your Weaknesses
It’s not always necessary to master everything. Recognizing where you need help and partnering with others who excel in your weaker areas can be just as impactful. For example, I collaborate with experts for tasks like financial planning or technical website development. This allows me to focus on my core strengths while ensuring the overall business is well-rounded.

A Balanced Perspective
Early in life, I tried to be everything for everyone, but that approach left me drained and ineffective. I learned that success comes from clarity of focus and self-awareness. Know what you bring to the table, sharpen those skills relentlessly, and don’t shy away from asking for help or delegating when needed.

Advice for Others
Go all in on your strengths: This is where you’ll find passion, energy, and the potential to do work that stands out.
Be selective about weaknesses: Address only the ones that directly impact your goals, and don’t hesitate to seek support in areas where you struggle.
Don’t stop learning: Keep your mind open to new skills and tools that help you adapt to changes in your industry. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.
Reflect and adjust: Periodically assess where your time and energy are going. Make sure you’re investing in the right areas for your growth.
By playing to your strengths, strategically addressing your weaknesses, and embracing lifelong learning, you can build a fulfilling career or business that thrives on authenticity and balance. Focus on what makes you unique, and let your strengths take center stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lilacsandlemonskc.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilacsandlemonsfarmhousebakery/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilacsandLemonsBakery