From her first year at the Portland Farmers Market, Julie’s business grew steadily. She recalls that, in her first two years at the market, she had to borrow money to pay for the ingredients needed for her goods. Soon however, the business did so well that borrowing money was no longer necessary. With the help of her parents and husband, Julie gradually acquired fiercely loyal customers and developed satisfying relationships with her farmer suppliers.

Baker & Spice grew and diversified to meet the needs of its market customers. For example, when Julie started at the Wednesday market, she realized that the downtown mid-day shoppers were looking for lunch food as well as produce for their families. In response, she developed a line of savory tarts that featured fresh vegetables and cheeses suitable for lunch. Similarly, as the Saturday Farmers Market expanded its season into the holiday months, the bakery was able to begin offering the holiday pies and other goodies that her customers regularly requested. All of these new products allowed the business to continue growing.

Julie’s relationship with her customers at the Farmers Market is not only personally satisfying but a boon to Baker & Spice. As the business grew, customers at the Market offered to help with expanding the display and developing a logo. Over time, Julie and her family decided to open a store. Again, loyal customers stepped in to help her secure the bakery’s current location in the Hillsdale neighborhood. The Hillsdale community has been “fabulous,” according to Julie. Many neighbors were Farmers Market customers before the store opened. As business has continued to grow, Baker & Spice has gone from employing only family members to a staff of 15.

One of the things that Julie has most appreciated about selling at the Portland Farmers Market is how it supports the values of her business – high quality, fresh local food, excellent service and environmental awareness. She is amazed at how quickly customers have caught on to eating local. Years ago, Julie had to explain to disappointed customers that the blueberry tarts would not be available in November since blueberries were no longer growing here by then. Now her customers understand how her fruit choices change with the rhythm of the seasons. They appreciate getting back to apple tarts when fall comes around.

But there is one phone call that Julie looks forward to after months of baking apple products. It’s the call that comes in from her favorite local farmer to tell her what’s growing. As soon as she hears his voice, she says “Jeff, don’t tell me. The rhubarb is ready.” With excitement, she runs through the kitchen telling the bakers that rhubarb will soon be here, to loud applause. Soon customers will feast on fresh rhubarb pie and other goodies. And that’s only the beginning…

Update:
Baker and Spice has “graduated” from the Portland Farmers Market -- due in part to its great success. Baker and owner Julie Richardson is turning her focus back to her Hillsdale bakery location so she can keep up with the crowds that flock there daily.