Sweet Risings Farmstand: A Community-Baked Success
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — When Chloe Heer became a mother, she envisioned a way to contribute financially to her family while staying home with her children. Thus, the idea of starting a farmstand bakery sprouted.
“I was like, you know, I can do that. I’ve got family in town. I have a place that I can do it. Let me see if I can try,” Heer recalled.
With her family’s support, Heer launched Sweet Risings Farmstand in February, and demand skyrocketed.
“I took a chance and it’s been just exploding ever since I started,” she added.
A Week of Preparation
Operating her bakery involves extensive planning. Heer dedicates Mondays to grocery shopping, followed by day-specific preparations leading up to baking on Fridays.
“Tuesdays is cookie day. We do all of our cookie doughs. Wednesday is our cinnamon roll day. Thursdays, that’s dough day for me. I do all my prepping of sourdough. And then Friday is bake day,” she explained.
Open on weekends, the farmstand sells over 100 baked items each week.
Building a Loyal Customer Base
One of the most gratifying aspects of her venture has been witnessing community members return weekly.
“It’s very hard to build a community of people. But out here, random people, they’ve been coming every week, and they’re like, we love this. It’s part of our routine now,” Heer noted.
Support from the Farmstand Community
Fruita, noted for its agricultural roots, is home to many farmstands. Heer appreciates the camaraderie among local stand owners, who encourage each other in their entrepreneurial ventures.
“I think the farm stand community is really supportive of each other, and it just encourages other people to put more out,” she said. “So, if I can do it, anyone else can do it.”
Looking Toward the Future
Heer aspires to open a second stand to serve more customers, ultimately aiming to grow Sweet Risings Farmstand into a full-time endeavor. She attributes much of her potential success to the supportive communities of Grand Junction and Fruita.
“I’m so grateful for our community, for Grand Junction, for Fruita and every single person that comes out here,” she expressed.
For those interested in visiting the farmstand, search for Sweet Risings Baking Co. on social media.
