We recently connected with Wanda Kelly and have shared our conversation below.
Wanda , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I feel like finding your purpose is a life long journey that requires a lot of self reflection and soul searching.
I have went through so much in my personal life that it took years of healing and overcoming a lot of obstacles to get to where I am today.
I have worked in so many different fields and industries but never felt happy or fulfilled. Once I started baking I knew it was something that I wanted go do long term.
I have always had a joy for cooking and baking and wanted to take it to another level. I tried working in other bakeries where I acquired a lot of knowledge and skills but wanted more freedom in my schedule and also felt the need to give back to my community.
I wanted to find a way to offer good quality baked goods and breads to my friends, family and community.
It makes me so happy to be able to work for myself and do what I love.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Wanda Kelly, I am a Jacksonville Native. I currently bake for a couple local markets including Murray Hill Farmer’s Market and the Atlantic Beach Farmers Market. I also have a large customer base that order directly from me .
My company is called WanDough, I got the nickname from a former co worker and thought it would be perfect for my brand. My logo is a sketch of me, with my iconic bandana that I always wear while baking. It’s like my signature look now.
My mission is to provide healthy breads and baked goods using locally sourced produce and goods as much as possible. I want all people to have access to healthy foods. I work closely with local farms and gardeners and use their products in my baked goods as often as possible.
I do special orders which allow people to order breads and baked goods using organic or ancient grains at a slighty higher price. My goal is to eventually switch over to ALL ORGANIC flours.
People have showed interest in purchasing merchandise with my logo on it so I will be launching a collection of shirts and bandanas soon.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back I think the most important qualities and skills I have acquired on my journey are
attention to detail, patience and determination.
In addition to those things you also have to have great organizational skills because baking is considered a precise science. If one thing is off, the bread or whatever baked goods you are working on will not come out right. I have thrown away my fair share of failed baked goods. Don’t give up!
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My number one challenge in my micro bakery is that I’m using a residential oven and a small Cuisinart mixer. It makes for very long mixing and bake days.
I’m in the process of trying to save up for a bigger mixer and also a bread oven which will allow me to bake more loaves and provide more quality baked goods to customers.
Like I mentioned earlier another one of my goals is to completely offer all organic flours as soon as I can. As I’m trying to make these changes in my personal life and in my family’s, I want to help others make the changes too.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandoughjax?igsh=Z3M2cWUzcG0xNjh2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089186177550&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
Rachel Butterfield
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