Baking, like anything practiced in excess feels like breathing. As a kid, we baked because it brought us into the kitchen as a family. Everyone got to stir, measure and add ingredients, enjoying the final product when the confection was fully baked. There were no rules limiting how much dough we consumed, as long as nothing went to waste. Now as a parent, my kids live in the kitchen with me. What started as simply stirring and decorating cookies has turned into a baking business, started in 2019 where my now 15 year old daughter is head chef.
Bringing confectionary joy to others goes beyond simply fulfilling orders. Suki’s favorite part of the process, after boxing and labeling treats like presents is delivering packages to the customer’s front door.
Completing orders on time is a lesson in itself, requiring determination to deliver without fail, although of course there has been a bit of learning curve for both of us. As someone who doesn’t like to be told “no” myself, I also have difficulty in turning down sales when we are over-booked or obligated to other endeavors that week. Finding balance in our sharing of baked goods has seemed to be the biggest challenge. Besides, how can any business remain successful if we aren’t able to pull through when orders are placed?
My personal need to converse socially has also needed to be addressed as I am not someone who can deliver a cake and run. Seeing friends and taking time to express appreciation for their trust in us providing confection often leaves me overwhelmed with gratitude. Of course, the easiest way to keep a proud mother in the car is to leave her in the car, sending the head baker into the battlefield to gratefully transport treats.
Encouraging our kids to recognize their own talents in order to pursue possible dreams by simply operating as a motivational order-taker and sous-chef has its perks. There is nothing better than inspiring confidence by witnessing growth through hardwork and perseverance.
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