Free Seminar: How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Tennessee
People are becoming creative in the kitchen and turning their homemade foods into income. That is what Rachael Creekmore, a homeschool mom, did under the Tennessee Food Freedom Act (TFFA) when she launched her cottage food business Spyridons Bread Company. Rachael will share her experience from the early beginning to successfully running a cottage business in a free seminar sponsored by Spyridons Bread Company. Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) Food Safety Director Danny Withers will provide a general overview of the TFFA and answer questions.
Rachael has four children, ages eight, six, two, and six months. Spyridons Bread Company has allowed Rachael to help support her home without sacrificing time with her children. Knowing there are other people like her, whether a homeschool parent or an individual, who are already selling homemade foods or would like to learn about earning potential, Rachal saw a need for the seminar.
“The seminar is for those who are already selling their products and for those who want to. The laws can be difficult to navigate, so I invite those already selling to come to learn what applies to them and maybe even discover products they could add to their business,” said Rachael, who hopes the seminar also provides a good foundation those interested in starting a cottage business. “If you’ve ever wanted to sell but didn’t know where to start, this is where to start. You will get all the basic information you need to make a strong beginning in the cottage industry.”
Most people have the skill to create their product and sell in small quantities but lack the knowledge as to how to sell to the general public in a profitable manner. Rachael shared some tips she has learned along the way, which will be further discussed during the seminar.
“Your recipe needs to be expandable, marketable, and legal. It must be something that you can easily make in large quantities at a low cost. It must have something unique that will attract customers-flavor, novelty, health benefits, etc. And last, it must adhere to cottage law standards,” said Rachael, who shared some of mistakes new business owners often make. “I would say underpricing their goods, having too many products, and not having an identifying product. Price your goods to include your hard work. Don’t go by grocery store prices. Instead of trying to make everyone happy by selling lots of different products, instead sell those items that you have mastered. Have at least one product that is unique to you-something that stands out and people will remember you by. Mine is my milopita (Greek apple bread).”
Along with providing a general overview of the TFFA, TDA Food Safety Director Withers will share other helpful information and discuss best practices for home food business and food safety guidelines, which will give all the information needed to get a firm start in the cottage industry.
The free seminar will be held at A New Life Herbs and Café in Somerville, Tennessee on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. Although the event is free, registration is required. Register by e-mailing [email protected].
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