I’ve tried writing this post a couple times now and I just don’t know how to start it. I can’t figure out how to convey to all of you, how much this means to me.
When I was 12 I got my first real job, working for a lady who made chocolates out of her house. I have no idea who she was, how I got hooked up with her, or even how long this whole arrangement lasted. What I do remember was sitting at her table while she taught me how to fill the molds and tap the air bubbles out, and I just thought it was so cool that she did this out of her house and was still earning money.
I remember vividly growing up and watching my mom make detailed character cakes for us with nothing but a toothpick and a butter knife. She didn’t have all of these fancy tips and bags like we have now, but they were wonderful and detailed and you knew exactly who the character was.
Then I grew up and suddenly it was time for my son’s first birthday party. I had waited and waited until the time I could decorate a theme cake and finally that time was now. Let’s just say it was a complete disaster and I made 3 cakes before one finally looked presentable. Since that day, I have been determined to figure out how to decorate a cake correctly.
I’ve shown all of you my cakes. The sweet comments you guys have left were more than just nice to read in the moment. They have stuck with me and I go back and read them often. See the thing is, I’ve had this dream for about 20 years now. Ever since I helped that lady make candy, and watched my mom work her magic in the kitchen.
I’ve always dreamed about owning my own bakery. I never thought it was much more than a dream. We aren’t the business-owning type. In fact, we aren’t risk-takers at all. We weigh small purchases carefully. We take a year to buy a TV. I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than $20 for a pair of jeans. On top of all that, I just never thought I could do it. I didn’t have enough confidence in my baking or cake decorating skills.
Today my dream is just a couple days away from becoming a reality!! I BOUGHT A BAKERY!!!
I can barely comprehend that that is me saying that!!
I’m not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that this wasn’t even on my radar 3 weeks ago. Then I got a random email one Monday morning that set this whole thing in motion and starting Aug. 15th, this will be mine!!
I’m scared to death right now. I’m scared this will disrupt the wonderful schedule we’ve got going in our little family. I’m scared I will crumble and fail. I’m scared people won’t like what I bake. I’m scared nobody will show up.
Behind those feelings of self-doubt, though is a feeling of excitement! I’m ready!! I AM READY FOR THIS!! I have been planning and preparing for this in my head for years. I know this is the time to go for it. The opportunity that is being presented to me, is not one that comes along often at all and this is my chance to prove to myself that I’ve got what it takes.
The day for me to bloom is now. Two weeks ago my husband and I had a serious talk about whether this was a good idea or not, and he said I didn’t have much of a choice. If I didn’t try it, I would always regret not taking this risk.
One of my favorite quotes has been playing constantly through my head for the last 2 weeks:
“But what happens if you can?”
|
So excited for you Natalie!
That is awesome! I’m si proud of you for following your dreams! I know how scary our is, I started my cupcake business as part of a dream, although I didn’t buy a bakery I had the exact same concerns. Good Luck!! You will do great! And people will love it!!
People WILL come. People WILL love what you bake. You WON’T crumble and fail. It WILL disrupt your schedule but in a really good way. Coming from a small business owner who had the same fears as you 8 years ago but who is convinced that it is the best thing that she ever did. It will be the best thing you ever do (besides creating your wonderful family)!
I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to visit!
Congrats!! It may seem so scary and overwhelming, but you are living the dream!! You will be GREAT!!
Congratulations & best wishes!
So exciting! I’m so so happy for you!
Congratulations on doing what most people won’t: Going for it wholeheartedly. I hope you are proud of yourself and no matter what happens, it’s a success.
My only advice is try to make time for yourself. Many small businesses don’t fail for lack of capital but because the owners are burned out.
Dude, that is so awesome! Congrats to you and have faith! You will do well and your dream is now a reality! Yay!! I have to admit, I’ve always wanted to bake cakes and have a bakery too. Maybe one day I’ll be as brave as you are
I wish for you that it is all the fun you dreamed it would be. By the way, I love the color scheme and decor. Blue and yellow, so pretty!
OH WOW!!! Congratulations! The bakery is adorable and I have no doubt the people will come! Good luck with this new venture!
WOW, that is big news!!! What an amazing opportunity to live your dream! The bakery looks absolutely darling. If I lived in your area, I would come in on your first day. :0)
That is wonderful. Wishing more business than you can handle!
Are you kidding me!!?? That is so AWESOME!!!! You will be amazing and I am so proud of you.
Congratulations! What an exciting time for you. Can’t wait to read about all of your success!
Yeah!!! Congratulations! I bet you’ll do awesome! I’m looking forward to hearing more of your adventures!
Holy crap Natalie! That’s so amazing!! I can’t wait to hear how everything goes. Oh my goodness I’m so excited for you! I want to come and be your first customer. Why do we live in different cities?
Natalie,
You need to update your “My Dream” blog above . . . you had an early experience with a baker, your mom was a devoted wizard, etc, AND you belong to a heritage of bakers. If Emma & Gracie & Andy, etc, are ever in a back room at Center Square Bakery doing homework or coloring until mom is finished, it will be a replay of Gram’s youth at ‘Wade’s Delicious Do-nuts’.
love,
dad
Congratulations!!! Your cakes are awesome and I’m sure that you will do a wonderful job. Now let’s talk about that decor because I’m loving the black and white floors and bright teal walls. Please tell me you’re going to wear ruffly aprons behind the counter because that would just be perfection!
Yay!!! I was just thinking that I needed to get in touch to see what was happening with this! Congratulations, I know everything will work out well, after all I’ve already eaten your baked goods and I know they are delicious! So excited to come check it out!
WOW! Congratulations! What an exciting time for you and the family. Wishing you much success!
So exciting! If I ever visit the east coast, I’ll be sure to stop by!
Congratulations Natalie! So happy to hear that a life long dream is being realized. Wishing you all the best on your new adventure
Congratulations! What a wonderful dream come true
WOW!! How amazing! Way to go! I’m wishing much success! ;D
Congratulations! What a big and exciting step. Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of your life. You are an inspiration to all of us who are working to realize our big dreams. Thank you!
Congratulations! What an amazing adventure you’re beginning. God’s best to you!
You got this!! I know you can do it
Think of all the interesting baked goods you can find on Pinterest to give you an un-ending wealth of new ideas!
Congratulations! What an adorable bakery. Good luck!
Kerry
mommakcrafts.blogspot.com
Jumping up and Down, wiping my flipping eyes- because THIS is what you DO TO ME!!! Girl, I can’t tell you how PUMPED I am for you. This is going to be such an amazing ride. You got this- oh boy do you HAVE this! Still jumping over here- I better hit the toilet..my bladder just isn’t the same after these dang kids! You know I love ya, and Am so so Excited for you! Go Get Them TURTLE! GO GO GO!
I’m so very excited for you! Just might need you to make my daughter’s cake
If you are ever in a bind for an ice cream dipper, my family had a dairy growing up, so I spent many, many years dipping ice cream
We will be there to see you open if we can…can’t imagine 3 girls not wanting to go to a bakery?
Congrats! You will do great! Just believe!
HOLY MOLY you bought a bakery?!?!?!? GThat sounds like a book title!
Where is it located? I’d love to come support you once you are up and running!!
Congratulations and best wishes for success!
You are amazing! I’m so proud! And I can’t wait to visit.
That is AWESOME!!!! Congrats!!!
Natalie! I am so excited for you I can barely stand it. And I can relate to you more than you know. Not bakery stuff, but big scary dreams. I will do my best to support you long distance, and hopefully in a few months you can return the favor.
xo
Hi Natalie,
You don’t know me, but we met at some point at BlogHer ’12, and I wanted to come by and say hello. So, hello!
Your cakes are absolutely GORGEOUS. I suck at decorating – I’m doing good to make a non-lopsided cake that is iced evenly.
So I happily shop at bakeries and keep them in business, because they give me the beautifully decorated cakes I need for birthdays and other special events.
Congratulations on buying a bakery! I believe you’re very talented, and you’ll definitely succeed. Just keep your head down and focus on one small goal at a time, one day at a time. Good luck!
Congrats and how exciting! Best wishes on this new adventure!
Go BIG or go home! You are gonna hit this one outta the park, Nat:-)
Go BIG or go home! You are gonna hit this one outta the park, Nat:-)
I am overjoyed for you….Kudos!! You are going to do SO great!!!
Natalie,
I’m so proud and pleased that you’re stepping forward in your life’s course in such a big way – but I’m even more proud and pleased that in your life’s course you’ve collected so many genuine friends and earnest well-wishers . . . if I baked the tastiest cupcake that anyone ever tasted, and if no matter how many bites were taken from it there was always more to eat, and if all who ate of it would be healed of any illness and would live forever, I wouldn’t have this many people encouraging and congratulating me.
You have to be special to have so many so happy for you.
I love you,
dad
I’m so happy for you! So excited!
Natalie this is so cool! You are a gal after my own heart! Prayers for your success.
Found your Blog through Pinterest, started reading, you are amazing!! What an awesome thing you are doing!! To follow your dreams and to encourage others to do the same. May God Bless your business, your family. Where is your new baby located??
Natalie, I am thrilled for you! I have gotten so many awesome recipes from you in the last year + that I know your bakery will offer delicious and maybe even unexpected treats! I can’t wait to follow your journey.
Blessings,
Shelly
Many, many congrats! How exciting.