Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Warren.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Plano, Texas where I fell in love with Texas-style kolaches, and where you can find savory kolaches on nearly every street corner. Kolaches in Texas are a breakfast staple! After moving to Nashville in 2007 to go to college at Belmont University, I was so sad when I was unable to find any kolaches that reminded me of home. I began baking my own kolaches and shared them with family and friends. After finishing my nursing degree, I started working as a nurse, but always told my friends and family about my dream to start a kolache bakery or food truck one day.
In 2022, after having had two babies (my second during COVID), I found myself at home more and with the isolation of COVID and motherhood, I had an urge to start something new and exciting. So, after years of perfecting my light, fluffy dough recipe, I decided to go for it!
I continue to work as a nurse practitioner part time while raising my kids, but am passionate about growing my kolache business and bringing more delicious kolaches to my fellow Nashvillians! It has been such a joy to connect with so many fellow former Texans living in Nashville, as well as fellow foodies who are new to kolaches. The more I dive into the food business in Nashville, the more I have realized what an amazing community we have and have truly enjoyed watching how food brings us together.
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 has definitely not been a smooth road, as I have had to teach myself the ins and outs of running a business while also dealing with everyday struggles as a baker. The main obstacle that I have faced is marketing my small kolache business in an area where Kolaches are unfamiliar to most. When working a farmer’s market or other popup sale, I am constantly trying to tell people what Texas-Style kolaches are and what makes them so delicious (which isn’t always so hard because they truly are SO delicious).
It has also been challenging to learn everything including how to obtain a business license and resale certificate, paying sales taxes, learning how to work in a shared commercial kitchen space, designing and running an ordering system, and learning and operating a point of sale system – to name just a few.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Nashville Kolache Company?
Nashville Kolache Company specializes in Texas-Style kolaches. For those of you that are not familiar, Texas-Style Kolaches consist of a light, fluffy slightly sweet yeast dough baked around a savory filling (typically sausage and Cheese). I make my kolaches in a Commercial Kitchen in West Nashville and have sold my kolaches at various farmer’s markets and popup sales around the Nashville area. I am currently transitioning to a porch-pickup model, where you can pickup Kolache orders from my porch in Brentwood. Order using my Hotplate link to place an order for porch pickup! Pickup is offered most days of the week between 8 am- 11am.
While I also make Cinnamon Rolls and Sweet Kolaches seasonally, I am most known for my Sausage and Cheese Kolaches – with or without Jalapenos. What sets my kolaches apart is my special dough recipe that I have perfected over the years. They are light, fluffy, slightly sweet, and flavorful. They freeze really well and the dough maintains moisture and a soft texture when reheated.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has a played a fairly small role in my business, as I have had to hustle and make most of my own success for NKC. When I was just starting out, I reached out to other local bakers and business owners to ask if we could meet up and give me a chance to pick their brain/ask for advice. Shout out to Brooke Odell (Sugar Drop), Chad Collier (Papa C Pies), Ben Cornfield (Crieve Hall Bagel Company), and Michaella Zetts (Sourdough of Somersets) for all taking the time to meet with me and offer invaluable advice early on in my journey. I do feel very fortunate, however, to have such a very supportive family and especially spouse who patiently helps with the kids and household finances, so that I can pursue my bakery dreams.
Pricing:
- $22 – Half Dozen Texas-Style Kolaches
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hotplate.com/nashvillekolachecompany
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillekolachecompany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleKolacheCompany
- Other: https://nashvillekolachecompany.square.site/
