"Simply Sweet" Has Been Launched!

I have dreamed of starting my own business ever since I decided to pursue a business degree in college, but have wavered over the direction I should head. My infatuation with decorative cakes began when I saw what beautiful creations my SIL in Florida would make and I had an increasing desire to learn. So, I took a class at the local craft store and almost quit by the time I was done. I loved learning the new techniques I was shown, but the perfectionist personality in me would not let me enjoy my work. I always found fault in the flowers, borders, and smoothness of my buttercream frosting whenever I attempted to make a cake. The attitude change came when I realize I would never be happy if I kept up this mindset and I vowed to change. Now, I still see little imperfections in my cakes, but I can be assured that no one else notices them!

Back to the business side of things......

Do you realize how difficult it is to start a food business in New York state? It is just about as complicated as its taxes. I would need to have a completely separate kitchen (including separate plumbing) in my home that would only be used for my cake business. I would also need all commercial equipment and don't even get me started on all the rules and regulations I would have to follow concerning sanitation and cleanliness. Obama wants to encourage small business owners? Yeah, I don't think so.

So, what's a NY girl to do who wants to go into the cake business for herself (besides move over the border to PA)? Let me introduce to you the Article 20-C exemption. I can bake items to sell, but I can only sell them at local Farmer's Markets and no where else. I still needed an inspection, a permit to be a home processor, and a $1M product liability insurance policy (in case someone dies from my cakes), but I am totally in! And what better way to ease myself into the process than by seeing how my products sell at market? I think I have a pretty good chance at developing a business this way (at least to start).

The market starts on Saturday, May 1st at Ostiningo Park in Binghamton and I will be selling cakes, cupcakes, and assorted cookies, approximately every other Saturday at that location. I will hopefully have the time to put together a "Simply Sweet" Facebook page that will show what I will be offering every week I am at market. You will also be able to put in special orders if you would like something particular or an abundance of one item. I will still be accepting orders for special occasion cakes and wedding cakes on the side, but as of right now, that is still a "hobby". ;)

Pursuing the cake direction more passionately has resulted in the decision for me to go back to part-time work. I used to think I always wanted a 9-5 full-time but job, but it is totally overrated. :) I have discovered within myself that I am not the "career woman" I thought I would become. Instead, I am a homebody who spends way too much time in the kitchen. With less hours devoted to my job, I will have more time to spend learning new techniques, experimenting with new recipes, and taking more classes, but I still need to do well enough at market to make this switch successful. God will provide (He has already given us a tenant to help pay the bills) and I am sincerely hoping and praying that my business will work out according to His will.