Hello Friends, Family, and Community Members,

I am sure some of you have heard, and maybe others have not heard, but I am opening a bakery in Bristol, VT.

I have spent the last 23 years in education and the universe has spoken loud and clear that it is time to move forward into a new path.

Now, what some of you may not know is that my brother, Cullen, unexpectedly passed away in April of 2024. Throughout his illness, and since his passing, I immersed myself into baking. I found the process of, and emotional attachment to, baking to be one of the most cathartic activities for me and my journey through grief. I enrolled in classes, studied different techniques, and became a fairly decent baker.

Here's where you all come in.

I am ready to open my own space, however the equipment is a daunting price tag. As I was on my way home today (12.10.2025) from the used restaurant supply store today, my Great Grandmother's (Lottie O'Bryan Follansbee) voice came to be as a clear as if she was sitting next to me in the car and said, "Remember what I always told you, 'It is better to have a million friends that you treat with kindness and care, than to have a million dollars. You can always ask those friends for a dollar when you are in need of help. Justin, ask your friends for help, you've done well my love."

Well friends, this is where I am leaning in to ask you to help support my bakery.

If you can spare any additional money help offset the cost of the equipment (prices listed below), I would be forever grateful. There is truly no donation that is too small. As Lottie used to tell us all the time, "all you have to do is ask for a dollar."

List of Equipment with Prices:

Double Stack Gas Convection Oven ~$12,000

Dishwasher ~ $3,100

Range with Griddle ~ $5,600

Industrial Grade Mixer ~ $4,600

Coffee System ~ $1,000

Commercial Refrigerator ~ $3,200

Pictures of similar equipment is pasted below.