How to Weather a Downturn in Business | Ep148

WĀ-HINE

In this episode, we delve into Lynda’s hard-learned lessons on how you can weather a downturn in business and come out stronger and better.

When the economy dipped and customers disappeared, Lynda McGregor from the Little Bread Loaf bakery https://littlebreadloaf.co.nz found strength in her roots, and baked her way forward. 🍞

From Chutney to Bakery: Lynda’s Story

It all started with a jar of chutney.

Several years ago, Lynda McGregor started foraging and preserving to get her through some personal tough times. Little did she know this simple idea would sparked something bigger for her. Her homemade preserves gained a loyal following, and before long, the Little Bread Loaf bakery was born. 🥖

Today, Little Bread Loaf is one of Wellington’s hidden gems. With a shopfront in Alicetown, a cosy cafe near the airport, stalls at local markets, and a growing wholesale arm, it’s become a staple for locals and a reflection of the woman behind it. ☕🧺

But it’s not your average croissant and cupcake bakery.

A proud wahine Māori, she weaves manaakitanga (support), whanaungatanga (community), and tikanga (customs) into every part of the experience. 🌿

From her famous rewena bread (the only traditionally made commercial version in Wellington!) to her cinnamon buns and hangi pies, Lynda’s menu blends classic European bakery vibes with Indigenous flavour.

The most important ingredient: authenticity.

How to Weather a Downturn in Business: One Baker’s Reality Check

But, you would be deceived if you thought Lynda’s story is a fairy tale. The last 12 months have been pretty rough on most New Zealand business. Lynda’s bakery was no exception. Like most, she has faced some serious challenges that took her all the way to the edge of the abyss.

“I’m an add-on business. At the moment, people don’t need a cinnamon bun. They need carrots and onions.”

With her customer base largely made up of Wellington public servants, many of whom are now facing redundancy, spending habits have shifted. Essentials come first. Indulgences, like baked treats, are the first to go.

But, here’s the good news, Lynda turned it around.

So, if you too are going through some scary times, you’re not alone.

Continued at: https://www.sandrajulian.co/podcast148

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Music is Te Kawa o Rongo by Ngāneko Eriwata

Episode edited by LJS Creative Services #PodcastManager

Show notes & blog by Mattie Belsack from Bellbird Writing