My journey as a bakery owner
Finding the Sweet Spot: Balancing Creativity and Business as a Bakery Owner
Owning a bakery is more than just crafting delicious pastries and desserts; it’s an intricate dance between creativity and business strategy. When I first started my journey as a bakery owner, I envisioned days filled with flour-dusted counters, the scent of freshly baked goods wafting through the air, and endless opportunities to create. And while those moments exist—and they’re magical—there’s a whole world of logistics, planning, and problem-solving that keeps the oven running.
The Art of Baking
For me, baking is an expression of love, creativity, and heritage. My recipes often draw inspiration from my family, like the pumpkin spice bars I bake every fall in honor of my grandmother, whose pumpkin pies were legendary. Moments like these allow me to connect with my roots and infuse my products with stories and heart.
Creativity also comes into play when developing new recipes or perfecting the classics. Every pistachio cake, coconut cake, and lemon bar I make is a chance to deliver a luxurious experience to my customers, showing them that dessert can be an indulgence as much as an art form.
The Business of Baking
But behind the scenes, there’s a different kind of creativity required. Balancing inventory, managing a team, and making tough financial decisions often take center stage. One day, I might be designing a new flavor; the next, I’m troubleshooting an oven repair or planning a marketing strategy to increase engagement on TikTok.
There’s also the challenge of scaling and growth. Whether it’s shipping my danishes nationwide, preparing for a Galentine's cake-decorating class, or launching a crowdfunding campaign for much-needed upgrades, I’ve learned that running a business demands vision and strategy.
Lessons in Balance
Over time, I’ve discovered a few ways to keep my creativity alive while maintaining the business side:
- Build a Routine: While creativity thrives on spontaneity, having a set schedule for tasks like inventory, marketing, and admin work creates space for uninterrupted baking time.
- Get Inspired: I stay inspired by the mental stamina of athletes, channeling that energy into my own entrepreneurial mindset.
- Involve the Community: From hosting classes to collaborating with coffee shops and restaurants, I’ve found that sharing my passion with others keeps the work fresh and exciting.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s a successful Nordstrom partnership or a single Instagram comment about how much someone loved their cake, those moments fuel my passion.
A Sweet Future
Owning a bakery is the perfect blend of art and ambition, and while the challenges are real, the rewards are immeasurable. Whether I’m creating recipes for my cookbook, planning YouTube content, or dreaming up new ways to connect with customers, I’m grateful for this journey.
Every sweet treat that leaves my kitchen is a reflection of my love for this craft—and the hustle it takes to bring it to life.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to balance creativity and business, I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions. Let’s keep the conversation going!
