Member To Meet - Anne Andrus
As we look toward the second half of the year and a Summer season that has flown by, we’re eager to hear from BWC member Anne Andrus, Founder of local Honey and Rye Bakehouse. With a recent reopen to the public, Anne knows resilience, change and survival during unprecedented times. Today, we’re eager to learn more about Honey and Rye and share Anne’s journey.
Anne Andrus, image by Chelsie Lopez Production
How long have you been in business and please explain to our audience what you do. We are a retail, scratch-bakery, specializing in artisan breads, pastries, and coffee. We have been baking for 7+ years now in St. Louis Park.
How long have you been a member of the BWC and how has this helped you with your business growth and development? I joined BWC at the tail end of 2020 and it has already helped me get clarity on what my business priorities and goals are for 2021.
What are 1-2 goals you have for 2021?:
Re-opening our retail cafe space for customers again!
How will your Circle help you achieve your goals this year? My circle will help me troubleshoot when I get stuck and will be a sounding board for all my wild and crazy ideas!
This year The BWC is focusing on community what does community mean to you how does this apply to your business: Community is at the heart of what we do. We provide an inviting space where all are welcome, where our neighborhood and beyond can gather and connect with one another over a cup of coffee and croissant. We happily contribute to local organizations with in-kind donations, fundraise for causes we believe in, and support other independent businesses through our buying practices.
Do you have any best practices to share around finding your community and the importance of this? We operate with a focus on service mentality. Taking care of each other has always been essential, including staff, vendors, customers, and those that reach out asking for help. We know that we would not exist without the tremendous support of our community over the past year. It doesn't happen overnight and it involves lots of trust, which is why we started building our community since before we opened our doors; reaching out to farmers, local vendors, neighbors, to start fostering relationships that we knew would be key in sustaining a thriving business.
Within your community who is a role model for you and why?: Lucia Watson (Chef / Owner of the former Lucia's restaurant) is a role model for me. She made a commitment to both quality and sustainability in her business. Putting local food systems at the heart of your restaurant is no easy feat, and she executed it beautifully, deliciously, and always with such grace.
Just for fun what are 2-3 things you always take with you when you leave the house?: Omg, it feels like my entire life! But I typically can't be caught without sunglasses and a snack.
Favorite lesson from 2020: A *pause* isn't a bad thing.
Anything else you would like to share?: I love being a part of this group and am eager to see what 2021 has to unfold for all BWC members!
Best Way to Find You:
Email: anne@honey-and-rye.com,
IG: @honeyandrye
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BusStopMamas
Website: https://www.honey-and-rye.com
Anne, we are so glad you’ve met your big goal for the year to reopen your doors - I happen to know business is booming as well. We are thrilled and your circle is lucky to have you, beyond the tasty treats you always seem to bring on just the right days
Katie + The BWC Team
