Community Highlights: Meet Shawna Keeney of Journey Farm Bakery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Keeney. 

Hi Shawna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I learned to bake from my grandmother who is a farmer’s wife and mother of 6. I made and decorated my first cake on my own for my daughter’s first birthday. It started as a creative outlet and a way to connect to my grandmother and learn more about my family history through her recipes and the stories that went along with them. I never imagined myself being a stay-at-home mom but made the decision to do so within the first year. Over the years, I made my kids’ birthday cakes and special cakes for my friends and family and even ran a smaller scale baking business from the house for extra money. In 2017, I began selling my baked goods from the Lascassas Farmers Market. The market is a “producer-only” market that is passionate about agriculture and the importance of eating and shopping local. At my bakery, I strive to use as many fresh and local ingredients as possible. My business grew exponentially each summer until it was taking over our household kitchen. In 2019, we made the family decision to take the next step with the bakery and convert a dairy barn on our farm into a commercial kitchen and storefront. November 6, 2020, we had our grand opening and have had a tremendous response! Even though we are not conveniently located within the city limits, customers love the experience that the short drive to the farm provides. We continually add new products and will be soon offering fun events for the whole family and space to hold your own events. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been easy. While initially running the business from our home, I had 2 small children. I had great friends and family who were always pitching in to help when I got overwhelmed and an understanding husband who was patient with having to share our kitchen over half the week with a growing business. I now have teenagers with a lot going on, but they always jump in when they can. 

During the construction of the storefront, Covid hit, which made us question whether we were doing the right thing. So many businesses were struggling with shutdowns and limited resources, we didn’t know if our tiny bakery would end up being a very expensive casualty for our family. We decided to push through and pray, and we are thankful that we did. We made adjustments to the construction to allow for low contact purchasing and helped our customers make the most of their holidays despite our uncertain times. We are looking forward to adding event space and fun community activities in the future to continue growing the business and giving our customers an old-fashioned farm bakery experience. 

We’ve been impressed with Journey Farm Bakery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a family-owned business located on our farm. We source as many ingredients for our baked goods from our farm or from local farms that we network with at the Lascassas Farmers Market. I specialize in cinnamon rolls (several varieties) and gourmet cupcakes. We also offer several other baked goods and our homemade jams. I love being creative with flavors to highlight seasonal ingredients. It makes my soul smile to know that our cinnamon rolls are part of Christmas morning breakfasts and our cakes and cupcakes help people celebrate special occasions in their lives. My favorite part of this business is truly our customers…that have become friends and virtually family. 

I also feel strongly about how this business has allowed me to become a bigger part of my community, especially the local agricultural community. Our family is very passionate about that and preserving that way of life. I am so grateful that I have been able to bring an awareness to and support local family farms while running my small business. 

What makes you happy?
Baking is my love language. Good food and family have always been at the center of major events in my life. Our family recipes are true treasures that carry memories just as music does. It truly makes me happy to create a special dessert or food that makes someone smile, brightens their day, or makes their day even more memorable. 

Some of my favorite experiences since opening the bakery have been our “Random Acts of Sweetness” days. On these days, we deliver baked goods to members of our community to surprise them! (Teachers, Fire Department, Sheriff’s office, etc.) 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.journeyfarm.life
• Instagram: @journeyfarmlife
• Facebook: @journeyfarm
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@journeyfarmbakery

Image Credits
Jenny Yearwood with Yearwood photography