05/31/2026
I'm going to be a little vulnerable for a moment. 🥹
Over the last several months, there have been multiple times when I've wondered if I needed to close the baking side of Denno Backyard Homestead and return to working outside the home solely for the purpose of having consistent income. I actually applied to go back to work at my last employer, Starbucks, over the winter but my application expired before they started hiring again.
When we bought our little piece of land 2.5 years ago, I was just heading on maternity leave and preparing to unpack and make our house a home while transitioning to life with three young children ( 2 of which were under 2 🥲 ) I couldn't imagine leaving them to return to back to work a traditional job outside the home, so I made the decision to take Denno Backyard Homestead seriously and work hard toward replacing my income while staying home to raise my family.
Since 2023, I haven't taken a single week off. I've shown up consistently, baked through late nights and early mornings, and stayed active here on social media even outside of market season because I want this business to be seen as more than a hobby. I want it to be something dependable, professional, and sustainable for my family.
Several months ago, we scheduled a family trip out of state to spend time with family we don't get to see often. It was actually a very difficult decision to step away for a weekend because it lined up with the opening day of farmers' market season. Since I started vending at the Pulaski County Farmers' Market in 2022, I've missed family events and made sacrifices to be present each week at the market because I wanted to be someone customers could count on.
Unfortunately, life has a way of changing plans. Between unexpected bills, and the realities of running a small business, I've come to the difficult decision that I need to cancel our family trip and attend both Argos Farmers Market and Pulaski County Farmers' Market this weekend to help bridge the gap financially and take some of the stress off of Mr. DBH 's plate.
I'm genuinely heartbroken about it and have yet to tell the kids.
That means I'll be putting together a pre-order menu tonight to post tomorrow morning, and I'd love your input. What would you like to see on this week's menu? I want to be intentional with what I bake so I can minimize waste and make the most of every batch. Pickup will be available at the Argos Farmers' Market Friday in Argos, Saturday at the Pulaski County Farmers' Market in Winamac or at the FarmStand in Logansport on Friday or Saturday.
Thank you for allowing me a moment of vulnerability and honesty. I know times are tough for so many people right now, and I never take your support for granted. Every cinnamon roll, loaf of bread, cookie, and jar of jam purchased from Denno Backyard Homestead helps me continue doing what I love while staying home with my children.
For that, I am incredibly grateful. 🥹🫶🏼
