Baking isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a deeply ingrained part of who I am. There’s a certain magic in watching flour, sugar, and eggs come together to create something extraordinary—a magic that has fueled my soul for as long as I can remember. I was able to make a decent little side hustle out of it and BakehausCo. was birthed in November of 2021. When the opportunity arose to become a cake decorator at a local store, I couldn’t resist the chance to share to grow my little business. In our small community it seemed like the perfect opportunity to build my brand and help drive traffic to a locally owned store. Little did I know, this decision would lead me down a path filled with unexpected twists and turns, testing my dedication to the craft in ways I never imagined.
The Initial Rush of Excitement: Stepping into the little deli for the first time, excitement coursed through my veins. The prospect of turning ordinary cakes into edible works of art filled me with a sense of purpose and excitement and I dreamed of every family intown having a one-of-a-kind masterpiece at the center of their birthday table. I eagerly embraced my new role, ready to unleash my creativity and leave my mark on every cake that crossed my path.
The Unforeseen Challenges: However, as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I encountered challenges I never anticipated. The demands of the job were relentless, leaving me with little time or energy to pursue my own baking projects; and while I initially relished the opportunity to flex my creative muscles, I soon found myself trapped in a cycle of monotony, churning out mass-produced cakes devoid of personal flair. What was once my greatest source of joy had become a source of frustration and disillusionment, leaving me questioning whether I had made the right decision.
Losing Myself in the Process: With each passing day, I felt myself losing touch with the passion that had once burned so brightly within me. The endless stream of customer requests and deadlines made me feel like a cog in a machine, rather than the artist I aspired to be. I missed the freedom to create on my own terms, to let my imagination run wild without the constraints of others’ expectations. I longed to reconnect with the joy and spontaneity that had drawn me to baking in the first place, but it seemed like an impossible dream in the face of the daily grind.
A Glimmer of Hope: Yet, amidst the chaos and disillusionment, a glimmer of hope emerged. In the quiet moments between batches of buttercream and piping bags, I found myself reconnecting with the essence of why I fell in love with baking in the first place. It wasn’t about meeting quotas or impressing others; it was about pouring my heart and soul into every cake I crafted, infusing each creation with a piece of myself. And while the road ahead seemed daunting, I knew that I couldn’t let go of my passion without a fight.
Reclaiming My Passion: And so, with renewed determination, I made a choice. I would continue to decorate cakes, but on my own terms. I would carve out space for my own creative projects, no matter how small or fleeting. I would reclaim my passion for baking, one cake at a time, refusing to let the demands of the world drown out the voice of my heart. It wouldn’t be easy, and there would undoubtedly be setbacks along the way. But as long as I stayed true to myself and remained faithful to the love that burned within me, I knew that I could overcome any obstacle that stood in my way. I had to quit working at the store. I had watched as customer after customer ordered from the store when they previously ordered from me and I was determined not be my own competition any longer.
In the tumultuous world of cake decorating, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But through the trials and tribulations, I’ve come to realize that my passion for baking is a flame that can never be extinguished. It may flicker and wane at times, but it will always burn bright within me, guiding me through even the darkest of days. And so, armed with the strength of my convictions and the love in my heart, I’m ready to embark on the next chapter of my baking journey, filled with hope, resilience, and a sprinkling of sugar-coated dreams.
xoxo
-S
Diet Coke and Hair-Spray 