I’ll admit, I’m anything but “quiet as a church mouse.” Since my last attempt to write a blog post about Geekamuffins, I’ve been contemplating what I wanted to write. More often than not, I’ve talked about it rather than actually written anything worthwhile. I’ve considered titles ranging from “Peeling Back the Curtain” to “Back to Basics.”
Thinking meant nothing made it to paper. A pages document received a few dates, a blinking cursor and sitting at my desk meant another reason to avoid folding the daily laundry pile(s).
I’m still stalling.
Since my last post on June 7th, I’ve had three sold-out markets, a few Wednesdays off, house guests, a girls’ weekend away, and finally, some time to pull weeds in my neglected garden. Truthfully, the absence of blog posts also signifies my effort to be present at home, rather than spending every waking moment keeping Geekamuffins afloat. Apparently that’s called work-life balance, and I’m still figuring it out, especially since my kitchen doubles as my office and my living room holds my desk. But I’ll get there.
“Peeling Back the Curtain” was supposed to be an in-depth look at how I run a baking business in this market, where my prices come from, and how my product stands apart. Just a few words on transparency and perspective. We’re all grappling with rising prices in stores, and starting with higher quality ingredients means accounting for my time, expertise, utilities, boxes, cleaning supplies, and the six hours spent at the market (setup, cleanup…), and right on down to cupcake liners. It all adds up, as anyone who’s managed spreadsheets knows. Through market research and stealing countless bites of my own product, I know my worth, and the returning faces each Wednesday and empty cooler at the end of the night reassure me I’m doing alright.
Maybe you don’t see the small business owners who agonize over their prices (changing them three times before sending out an invoice), who endlessly discuss their decisions with friends, spouses, and themselves, who talk to other SBOs and anyone who will listen about their daily challenges. These businesses are our passion, the result of countless hours of professional development, the reason we don’t spend long vacations with our families. Yikes, the likelihood of this paragraph making it into the blog post is slim. Putting yourself out there is tough, and maybe this explanation isn’t necessary. But this conversation resonates with other business owners, because most people just don’t grasp the daily struggle (based on comments at my table, online, or on others’ social posts). All that to say, maybe it is time to see what the wizard behind the curtain is up to.
Sometime between Thursday and Tuesday, I often ask myself, “Why did I think this was a good idea?!” Then Wednesday arrives, and at least one of you reminds me why I do this. When someone rushes back to my tent after going home to buy more, I know I’m doing something right. I come home exhausted, but I’ve usually made a new friend and seen the delight on someone’s face as they taste my baked goods for the first time. Before setting the price, printing the sticker, and dressing head-to-toe in pink, I give myself numerous pep talks and seek out others who bolster my confidence that this will work. My spreadsheets advise me, receipts remind me to factor in my time, and off I go sometimes still with that familiar pit in my stomach. The cycle between confident boss and church mouse is enough to make my head spin. I’m happy to report that in my 6 years navigating these waters, the confident boss wins out most of the time. Take time to know who you’re buying from, pay attention to the person behind the curtain, and you’ll see we’re not out to get you. We’re just trying to make a living doing what we love. Just be kind. It’s so easy to be kind.
Now, did you make it? “Back to Basics” was about my plan to offer less labor-intensive items at the Wednesday markets, starting with giant Rice Krispie Squares. It’s well-timed because my sister will be helping me, and we used to make these together, often leading to hilarity. She’s not shy about sharing embarrassing stories about her little sister, and I’m a good sport about it. It comes with the territory of never being as “quiet as a church mouse” and usually being the first to trip or drop THE thing. She’s an artist too and will likely be dressed in one of her creations or crocheting during any breaks. Come say hello and check out her art at: celticknotcrochet.com
I’ll stop here because I can hardly believe I’ve written all this in one blog post. Maybe if I followed my calendar’s reminders to “Write blog post” and “Post blog post” on consecutive days, I could manage one thought per week. It’s not like I’m folding the laundry anyway. See you Wednesday!
Stay sweet, Alice
A Few Highlights:
My dinner at the 7/3 Dover Farmer’s Market was from Mana Kitchen and I was absolutely blown away. So delicious and so excited to have a hot meal at the market.
My girls’ weekend away was in Cold Spring, NY and I was in antique heaven! Came home with a lot of memories, a new mumu, and an antique suitcase for my collection.
I always love to find other talented bakers and my visit to the Portsmouth Farmer’s Market had me in love with Fig Tree Kitchen’s baked goods! Their Chocolate croissant is an absolute must.
Geekamuffins 