We’re excited to continue our unique series where our real estate agents have the chance to spotlight their favorite local business owners. In this edition, we’re delighted to feature Rustic Hearth Sourdough, LLC, nominated by Kristen Pell Realtor, Broker/Owner at Treeline Realty.
Meet Amanda Rourke: A Passion for Healthy, Homemade Bread
Behind Rustic Hearth Sourdough is Amanda Rourke, a woman of many talents. While she has been a registered nurse for 13 years, her flexible schedule has allowed her to pursue her passions—gardening, running (she completed three half-marathons in 2024!), and most importantly, baking sourdough.
Her journey into sourdough baking started at home, making fresh bread for her family each week. What began as a commitment to healthier, preservative-free food soon turned into a thriving business as friends and co-workers started requesting loaves. From bread to bagels, rolls, and sweet treats, Rustic Hearth Sourdough was born out of a love for homemade goodness.
Rooted in Tradition: The Influence of a Homestead Upbringing
Growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, in a small farming community, the homestead lifestyle was second nature. With a mother who preserved homegrown produce and made homemade meals, and a father who built his own construction company from the ground up, she learned the value of hard work, creativity, and self-sufficiency—values that continue to shape her business today.
Challenges & Triumphs: The Journey of a Small Business Owner
Starting and growing a small business is never easy, but the journey has been incredibly rewarding. As demand for her fresh-baked sourdough products grew, so did the challenges of time management and knowing personal limits.
Despite these challenges, Rustic Hearth Sourdough has thrived, forming meaningful partnerships with other small businesses, including:
✨ Wild at Heart Flower Bar and Mercantile
☕ Good Ground Coffee Shop (Downtown Fort Myers)
🏡 Wood and Twine handcrafted home goods
🚐 Forever Grounded Mobile Coffee Bar
These collaborations have not only strengthened the local business community but have also introduced more people to the joy of freshly baked sourdough.
Community Impact: Sharing the Love of Sourdough
Rustic Hearth Sourdough goes beyond selling bread—it’s about empowering others. From providing sourdough starter kits and instructions to hosting Beginner’s Sourdough Workshop classes at Wild at Heart Flower Bar, the mission is to educate and inspire.
The workshops, which started in December, have been so popular that they now run twice a month! Additionally, the business gives back by donating a full class to the annual fundraising Gala for the Crossover Youth Center—helping support important community initiatives.
Join an Upcoming Class!
📍 Location: Wild at Heart Flower Bar and Mercantile, 1516 Jackson St, Fort Myers
📅 Date: Saturday, March 22
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
💲 Cost: $70 per person
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What’s Included?
🍞 Hands-on sourdough bread workshop (with samples, starter, and instructions!)
💐 Fresh stem floral bouquet-making – take home your own unique bouquet!
🥂 BYOB – Sourdough and Sip!
🛍️ Browse Wild at Heart’s selection of handcrafted and curated items.
Limited space available! Message Rustic Hearth Sourdough, LLC directly to secure your spot.
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Education and Passion
Teaching has become the heart of this business. Expanding sourdough workshops and helping more families discover the joy of homemade bread is the ultimate goal. The dream is to inspire others to move away from store-bought options and embrace a tradition that can be passed down for generations.
Lessons Learned: Growth Beyond the Kitchen
Running a small business has led to unexpected personal growth. Public speaking, once outside her comfort zone, has now become one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey. Most importantly, this experience has reinforced the power of self-discipline, knowing one’s limits, and the fulfillment that comes from aligning passion with purpose.
Join the Sourdough Community!
📲 Follow along on social media: @RusticHearthSourdough
A huge thank you to Amanda Rourke and Rustic Hearth Sourdough for sharing her story with us! Stay tuned for our next local business spotlight!
✨ Support local. Eat fresh. Bake with love. ✨
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