Reason

Is there a reason not to?

This question was posed to me by a fellow vendor at market.  The question was a response to my interest in resigning from my job and baking independently again. 

Of course there is!  I thought.  There is always a reason not to do this or do that.  I can easily find a reason not to if I reach deep enough into the magical hat of excuses.  But when my friend asked me that question so bluntly, all of the reasons not to take a risk seemed to exit stage right and I was left with nothing but myself to contend with. 

I am not a stranger to the entrepreneurial realm, which was no doubt the cause of my initial hesitation.  When you are your own boss, you never clock out.  There is no predictable paycheck.  There is a lot of risk.  But sometimes the risk of not taking a risk is much more risky than the risk itself. 

Does that make any sense?

When I look back on my time at the bakery, I feel as though I scaled the alps.  Being the only woman in a pirate ship kitchen full of testosterone was very challenging and often disheartening.  But I learned some invaluable lessons that made me a better baker.  More importantly, I now have an abundance of experiences that will serve as a foundation for me to build on and to move forward as a self-employed individual once again.

I have never felt so grateful for the people I am closest to in my life.  Without the support of my parents, my farmer and his family, I honestly don't believe I would have had the courage to take a leap like this again on my own.  Not to mention the overflow of support from the farmers in my community and my friends. 

My heart is so very full.

You may have noticed there is a new tab above labeled SHOP.  If you click that tab, you will be able to find some more information about where to buy baked goods from me this coming market season!  Updated information will be posted soon and I will be sure to notify you via social media and such. 

I will be starting out small, selling alongside my man and his brothers at markets.  Be looking for lovely things like brioche rolls, buttermilk and honey buns and probably some cookies, too (Chocolate Crackle and Lavender Sugar are on the list!)  I'm going to be experimenting and figuring out what sells the best, so thank you in advance for your support.  I am also open to doing some special orders for events and such, so feel free to message me with inquiries.

I'm not looking to get rich or to work so hard that I feel guilty when I'm not working.  I simply want to make a little money doing what I love.  And I think that's within reason.