By my estimate I baked approximately 1000 cupcakes in 2008--and what fun it was! If I wasn't baking, decorating, or eating cupcakes, I was dreaming up the next new flavor.
Shower Cupcakes and Sweet Pumpkin Bliss
When I started For Goodness Sake Bakery last year, my dream was to eventually open a cupcake bakery. I envisioned people lined up outside my shop, waiting to buy one of my cupcakes, à la Magnolia Bakery, and Martha Stewart calling me to appear on her show, just like Sprinkles owner Candace Nelson.
Scarlet Velveteen and Lemon Cream
The reality is that I am no closer to a cupcake bakery in 2009 than I was in 2008.
The reality is that I was privileged to bake approximately 140 dozen jumbo muffins, 115 dozen jumbo cinnamon rolls, as well as dozens of scones, cobblers, and pies, for a local Java Dave's.
The reality is that For Goodness Sake Bakery became For Goodness Sake Bakery and Catering as I expanded my menu to cater 12 events ranging from sack lunches to brunches to wedding cakes to full menu dinners.
Mississippi Mud and Vanilla Bean Cream
Hot Fudge Sundae and White Velvet
What have I learned from my first year in business? To listen to my family and to my gut. That I am way too hard on myself. That giving 110% is a good thing. That I need better work shoes. That too much sampling leads to weight gain. That discouragement is OK because tomorrow is another day. That creativity with new recipes takes a back seat to customer favorites. And that catering, which initially held little interest for me, is surprisingly satisfying.
Chocolate Dip Bliss and Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sweet Bites
A slightly different direction for my baking passion is anticipated for 2009, as I focus on the catering side of For Goodness Sake and experiment with gluten-free baking. My enthusiasm is building as I research recipes and prepare menus.
Sweet Bites Cupcakes and Pink Blackberry Pearl Sweet Bites
Is the cupcake bakery an unrealistic dream? Perhaps. But as long as the excitement remains, the dream is alive!
40 comments:
Linda, I'm glad to see you respond to the demands in your area. I really enjoyed catering more for the challenges it presented as well. Hold fast to your dream, friend. Kathye
Kathye, thank you so much for your encouragement, which has meant so much to me this past year!
Granny, what a lovely post and such beautiful, beautiful photos of your 2008 portfolio. Wouldn't I love a few of those delicious-looking cupcakes! All the best in your endeavors. And really, every step of the journey may be bringing you closer to the bakery, IF that's what you want!
Thank you LadyJP!
When I allow myself to think realistically about maintaining an actual bakery, I know it would be a 24/7 job, and I'm pretty lazy. ;)
Granny, all those cupcakes are absolutely gorgeous! I think a bakery ran by you would be the absolute best! AND I'm not just saying that because I like you and your my friend! I'm saying that because I totally believe it! You do a beautiful job and I would be a regular customer if I lived nearby!!
Thank you HoneyB! And good luck with your new Kitchen--you'll enjoy it!
You are so creative. Your cupcakes are gorgeous and I just know they taste as good as they look. YUMMY!! 2009 is in its infancy; who knows where you'll be 360 days from now. Opportunities will abound I am sure!
Thanks for your encouragement, Katypi!
Yay Granny- look at all you've accomplished this past year! Wow! You do so much it truly amazes me. Good luck in 2009!
PS: I'm going to have to steal your design for the vanilla bean cupcakes some time- those are my fave!
PSS: I love the way the frosting looks on those fudge cupcakes on the bottom!
Dishy, thank you for the comps! Sadly, I can't even remember what tips I used on any of those cupcakes, but steal away!
I was wondering if you would ever be interested in becoming a featured publisher with Foodbuzz.com? If so please conctact me at lizstambaugh@yahoo.com
Those are all so beautiful! Your an awesome baker!
I had to come back and look at your site again! I was so intrigued. Keep your dream alive, all things are possible. Your baked goods are gorgeous to look at and I'm sure even better to bite into.
I want to take a BIG bite out of the strawberry bliss! Wow.. beautiful!
Liz, thank you for your contact information.
Reeni, thank you for stopping by, twice :)) and for your compliments.
bcgw, I'm glad you like the looks of the cupcake--thank you!
Gosh Linda, I can't believe that I am just now looking at these delightful photos and reading about the direction you wish to go in 2009. I am so amazed and happy for you!
(I like the little blackberry goodies toward the end;)
Karen
Thanks Karen!
I like those little goodies too.
Omigoodness, all of these cupcakes look divine!
Gorgeous cupcakes! Good luck with the business.
Sweet Freak, thank you!
Maggie, I'm glad you visited and thanks for your comments!
You have 2 blogs! You are so ambitious! I'm so glad you found me on Foodbuzz. You have a great blog! I can't wait to read future posts.
Thank you Joie de vevre!
Yes I have 2 blogs, can't keep up with either of them, and am contemplating a third. What is wrong with me???
Hi Linda! Don't give up on the dream of having your own cupcake bakery. Goodness, we need more good places in Oklahoma, I've noticed a scarcity of quality and commitment to customers which you appear to have an abundance of. Best of luck to you and I will be checking back often. Cheers for now, Colleen aka AussiePastryChef at Foodbuzz. :-)
Thank you Colleen! It's nice to have a fellow Okie visit my site.
I am anxious to go visit the Sara Sara Cupcake Bakery in OKC--I'm so envious of them! :-)
Your cupcakes are beautiful (look delicious, too!) Good luck with everything...you're way closer to realizing your dream than many of us are!
Sounds like 2008 was a fantastic year for you! I am hoping for a wonderfully sweet 2009 for you.
Best,
Emily
www.justeatfood.com
Hayley, glad you like the looks of the cupcakes! You are closer to your dream than you realize!
Emily, thank you for the well wishes!
Linda, thanks for visiting my blog. I have to say your photo of the lemon cream cupcake is beautiful. In Mexico we have alot of limes but no lemons. (not certain why..) Anything like that yummy cupcake really appeals to this south of the border sweet tooth. Beautiful dessert photos, very nice work!
Thank you, Dee. I think that cupcake would be very good with lime instead of lemon!
Very thrilled to see your dreams come true in 2008!
Hugs,
Vanessa
Oh Granny, what a fantastic post! I soo enjoyed all your cupcakes!
Sometimes, our dreams aren't what we thought they were in the first place. ;o) Good luck w/ whatever your dreams are for '09!
Thank you ~Vanessa~ and Cami!
Oh my, those look awfully good!
Thank you, Comestiblog!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I hope you do try that minestrone soup recipe. It's perfect for a cold day.
I love your site and all the lovely photos.
Tina
Thanks for visiting, Tina!
Hi Linda, Thank you for your comment on my blog. I love your cupcakes and your blog... Meg
Your cupcakes look gorgeous! 1000 cupcakes is very impressive :).
Sophie, thank you for visiting--I actually made more than 1000, but some had to be eaten instead of sold :-o
These are all so lovely! Best of luck to you!
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