Today we’d like to introduce you to Isley Andrews
Hi Isley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Vine & Co. Sourdough kinda happened as a happy accident! My sourdough journey began as a solution to help my husband with some gut health issues. Newlyweds, we moved from Houston, TX to the small town of Waxahachie, TX to serve at a local church in youth and young adult ministry. Coping with this transition, I realized that I needed a hobby. With a desire to connect and a lot of patience, I delved into perfecting the art of sourdough bread. As I baked beyond our needs, I shared my creations with friends and neighbors who, in turn, encouraged me to start selling them. What began as a personal hobby has flourished into Vine & Co. Sourdough, a cherished cottage bakery and small business!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been so worth it. There were weeks where we only made enough money to cover ingredients. There were markets in the sweltering Texas heat where we didn’t even come close to selling out. There continues to be lots of late nights. And I’ve definitely had a couple pity parties for burnt bakes along the way. We really bootstrapped this business, and it’s been a blessing to watch it grow into a community staple.
As you know, we’re big fans of Vine & Co. Sourdough . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Nestled in the heart of Waxahachie, TX, and serving the surrounding areas, Vine & Co. Sourdough brings the craft of naturally leavened, long-fermented sourdough to our community. We specialize in fresh sourdough bread, each loaf meticulously crafted to elevate both nutrition and flavor. We’re known for honoring the age-old art of bread making taking people back to enjoying grains as they were meant to be savored.
Our story began humbly with porch pickups and vendor markets in September 2023, and by January 2024, we were fortunate to take the leap into running Vine & Co. Sourdough full-time. The journey has been challenging, but each market day and workshop has been an opportunity to build connections. I’m proud that our brand has become a community staple, built on values of quality, authenticity, and neighborly love.
At Vine & Co. Sourdough, our work goes beyond just baking. We’re passionate about sharing the joy of sourdough with others, which is why we offer interactive Sourdough Workshops and Focaccia Parties. These gatherings invite our community to learn hands-on techniques and experience the satisfaction of creating beautiful, wholesome bakes. To reach even more people, we also teach on social media, where we’ve built a following of nearly 6,000 on TikTok and almost 2,000 on Instagram. There, we share tips, techniques, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our daily baking life. For those wanting to dive deeper, we created a digital guide, Knead to Know: A Sourdough Guide For Beginners, to help people near and far start their own sourdough journey from scratch.
Whether you’re grabbing a loaf for your family table or joining us at a workshop, know that each bake reflects our commitment to nourishing both the body and the community.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was the kid who was always into academics. You could usually find me in honors classes or buried in a stack of books. I also had a big love for fashion and DIY projects; I was always creating or experimenting with something new. Though I was on the shy side, I had no problem sharing a bold opinion if someone asked! I loved spending time with friends and was always up for trying new things around the city, whether it was a new spot to eat or exploring different neighborhoods. Those early days helped shape my love for learning, creativity, and community—qualities that still inspire me today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vineandcosourdough.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vineandcosourdough/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vineandcosourdough?_rdr
- Other: https://www.hotplate.com/vineandco
Image Credits
All images in this article are exclusively provided by Vine & Co. Sourdough and Abby Heron Photography. For permissions or licensing inquiries, please reach out to Vine & Co. Sourdough.
