From Sourdough to Soul: How Mercedes Reitsma Kneads Community in West Michigan
Aug 12, 2025
A Heartwarming Tale of Entrepreneurship, Motherhood, and Artisan Bread
West Michigan isn't just a location—it's a lifestyle, and Mercedes Reitsma is living proof. At Mer's Cottage Kitchen, this Alto, Michigan homesteader is redefining what it means to be a mompreneur, one sourdough loaf at a time.
Imagine turning your passion into a flexible business that allows you to prioritize family while creating something deliciously meaningful. Mercedes does exactly that, crafting small-batch sourdough breads with flavors that'll make your taste buds dance—think roasted garlic and rosemary, cranberry walnut, and cheddar jalapeño.
But here's what makes West Michigan truly special: it's not just about the food. It's about the people. As Mercedes beautifully articulates, in West Michigan, you can walk up to a stranger and start a conversation, and they'll genuinely engage. This warmth, this unexpected connection, is the secret sauce of our region.
Her business model is revolutionary. Mercedes doesn't just sell bread; she teaches others how to make it. From in-home classes to subscription plans, she's building community one loaf at a time. Her mission? Healing families through gut-healthy, long-fermented sourdough while being a present mom to her young son, Kent, AKA Cowboy Kent.
West Michigan isn't just a place—it's an ecosystem of passionate, innovative individuals like Mercedes who prove that dreams can be kneaded into reality.
Keywords: West Michigan, Sourdough, Artisan Bread, Mompreneur, Alto Michigan, Cottage Kitchen, Entrepreneurship