Do you like to bake? I do, but that doesn't mean I'm a good baker. But I do know a good peach cobbler when I see (and eat) one, and it's very exciting to me that states are creating ways for small scale producers of home baked goods to legally sell their delicious creations. Here's a video about Kathy Baker, who, thanks to the California Homemade Food Act, makes and sells cakes and pies from her Fresno, California, home.
According to a news report from KFSN-Fresno (California), dozens of states, including Texas, Michigan, Oregon, and Texas have legislation permitting licensed companies to sell small scale manufactured food items from their homes. Isn't that inspiring? It's exciting to know that some state legislatures understand that small scale producers can safely manufacture certain food items in the home. You can read the original KFSN news story here.
I hope lawmakers will consider similar legislation when it comes to cosmetics made on a small scale in homes. I know it's possible because I have done it myself, and here at the Indie Business Network, we serve hundreds of entrepreneurs who safely manufacture soaps and cosmetics in their homes. They sell them at farmer's markets, local retails stores, and sometimes, in nationwide chain retailers in some cases. Many of our members started on a small scale and now have million dollar businesses, providing jobs for people in cities and towns across the nation.
Some stay home-based, and some eventually set up shop outside elsewhere, but like Mary Kay and Lisa Price (of Carol's Daughter) before them, they all started in a home.
The home-based producer is here to stay, and it's time for state legislatures around the nation to work with us to pass laws that allow these businesses to serve the community and pave the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
You can learn more about the California Homemade Food Act here.
QUESTIONS
1. Do you or anyone you know own a home-based food business? What state?
2. What do you think about states passing laws specifically to recognize and encourage home-based consumer product manufacturing?
3. What do you like about buying products made by your neighbors and friends in home in your neighborhood?
Please share your thoughts and ideas below. We love hearing from you. Thanks for being here!
Best and success,
