When one door closes, another opens. For Jen Thomas, local resident, breast cancer survivor, and baker, this idea led her to founding her company Sprinkles and Sourdough — a local commercial grade kitchen producing freshly baked sourdough bread and goods — after her work computer screen went blank, and she suddenly lost her IT job. Thomas made some life-changing decisions. Although no stranger to hardships, overcoming a breast cancer diagnosis in 2020, surviving the pandemic and losing her job, Thomas was at an impasse in her career and lifestyle choices.
Despite the difficulties of her situation, she found opportunity within them. After starting to home-bake sourdough in her kitchen, Thomas soon discovered she had a knack for it… and also a lot of extra bread. Once giving loaves to family and friends still wasn’t enough she applied to be a vendor at the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market.
“I literally didn’t give it a second thought, and I applied… then I got accepted a few weeks later and the rest is history,” Thomas said.
For her, it was easy to take a chance on herself. In believing she could succeed, and showing up everyday, she was able to make her ideas and dreams come true.
After finding success at the farmers market and selling out consistently, Thomas decided it was time to expand again.
“My whole life, I’ve always known I wanted to have my own store. I just didn’t know what it was going to be. So, this kind of happened organically…,” Thomas explained. When 204 Alder Street opened as a space, Thomas didn’t hesitate in moving on it. “I just knew… this is it, this is the next step and this is what it’s going to be,” she said.
In trusting herself and saying “yes” to opportunity, Thomas found success in something she loves.
Despite the odd hours, like waking up around 5 a.m. to bake, or working late hours on renovations, Thomas has found her niche.
“...I do something that I love each and every day… I’m serving the community and I’m making people happy and I’m able to give them a really good and healthy product that they can share with their loved ones and friends…,” she said.
Sprinkles and Sourdough products are baked with locally sourced ingredients, and are packed with gut healthy nutrients. Although the store does not have an official opening, it is predicted to open sometime in August. The store will feature freshly baked products, with fan favorites provided daily, and other flavors and types on rotation. In addition to sourdough breads and treats, the store will also feature unique kitchen items and decor. Thomas will also feature a gift basket service, in which every customer will receive a hand-picked, wrapped basket within their budget for easy, locally sourced, and thoughtful gifting.
Sprinkles and Sourdough won’t keep anyone waiting, as Thomas will still be present at the Mountain Fresh Farmer’s Market. Local farmers markets feature all types of locally grown produce, or sourced products that are healthy, quality options for everyone.
The story of Sprinkles and Sourdough, and the woman behind it all is another example of perseverance and dedication. Something that local residents of Garrett County understand well. Working toward your goals starts with the belief that it can be done. Negative ideas and worries of failure didn’t stop Thomas from achieving her lifelong dreams, finding purpose in dark times, and continually believing in herself and what she could achieve. When finding a way forward, it is important to embrace the “yes” of opportunity, and believe it can be done.
Article courtesy of The Garrett County Republican. Staff writer Claudia Reynolds can be reached at creynolds@wvnews.com.
