The Searcy area has much to offer its residents; from local stores to outdoor facilities, the town certainly holds its charm within the community. Locals enjoy building relationships, and most students try to integrate into the community. However, there are hidden gems that many have yet to discover, one of which is Sweet and Sourdough Bakery.
This in-house micro-bakery, run by Rachel Jenkins of Pangburn, blends the elements of small businesses with community outreach to create a unique local experience. Sweet and Sourdough itself has no storefront; instead, Jenkins bakes goods in her house and sells them using different methods, one of which is a mobile cart placed in her front yard. The cart, built by her stepdad out of scrap wood, features drawers filled with intricately crafted pastries and a mini coffee bar. It attracts customers of all ages with its creative setup. For many, visiting the cart becomes a fun activity to do with friends.
“I still laugh about it to this day because it is so crazy how it all came to be,” Jenkins said. “I literally just set a sign out in my yard and prayed about it every day, and God did the rest.”
Jenkins had always loved baking and decided she wanted to pursue it. As a stay-at-home mom, Jenkins was looking for a way to help her family while doing something she loved.
Soon, the small outpost grew to involve partnerships with other businesses. Allison Dennison, co-owner of Perk and Post (sister shop to Mr. Postman Expresso), places a weekly order with Jenkins.
“She just approached us with a box of pastries, and we were looking for something kind of like that,” Dennison said. ”We started small and ordered a few things from her, cardamom buns and some scones. We had talked about tapping into somebody local, but we didn’t really know who.”
Dennison said that Jenkins’ pastries help draw attraction to Perk and Post, and vice-versa; the pastries continually sell out each week, and the customers love the option for baked goods. In addition to working with Perk and Post, Jenkins also sells pastries to Mercantile on Main Street in Pangburn, and Hard Brew Coffee Co. in Bald Knob.
The support that small businesses like Jenkins’ offer has inspired Harding’s students, like Perk and Post barista Tristin Carpenter.
“The people running small businesses love to make friends with community members and overall make visiting them a very enjoyable experience,” Carpenter said.
So, what can be expected of Sweet and Sourdough in the future? Jenkins is taking it one step at a time, and enjoying her current community.
“I could see myself long-term continuing to do exactly what I’m doing now, or I could also see expanding eventually,” Jenkins said. “I’m trying my best to just take it one day at a time, and let God continue to steer me in what he has planned. He’s gotten me this far, and I trust that he will continue to provide and lead me where he wants me!”
