Can You Really Have Your Cake and Eat It Too? Balancing Family Life and Baking Adventures

Baking invites you into a delightful world filled with sweet aromas, tempting textures, and the joyous satisfaction of creating something from scratch. For many, baking transcends mere pastime and transforms into a thriving business. Yet, for those balancing the demands of motherhood with entrepreneurship, the question remains: can you truly have your cake and eat it too?

In this blog post, i explore the balance between family life and running a baking business, while providing tips and even learning something myself on avoiding burnout and embracing the sweet moments that life offers.

The Sweet Allure of Baking

Baking is not just about mixing flour and sugar; it's about crafting experiences and memories. For example, think of the joy when you watch someone take their first bite of a moist chocolate cake topped with creamy frosting that you have spent hours making. This process can be incredibly fulfilling. According to a survey by the American Bakers Association, 61% of people say that baking from scratch makes them feel accomplished and relaxed. I am definitely part of the 61% but also there's days where it doesn't work and I just make a huge mess in the the kitchen this leaves me frustrated and then I stress clean.

However, turning a passion for baking into a small business presents its hurdles and a heap of stress. Orders must be filled, quality maintained, and schedules managed, leading to potential stress—especially for busy moms. But even if you aren't a mom running a small business can be joyful but also hell. if someone had told me it would have been like this 5 years ago I may have thought twice about opening a bakery. over the last 5 years I have cried I've screamed and laughed Then here is today were I sit here trying to figure out how to balance my life so I don't go absolutely crazy.

Finding the Right Balance

Striking a balance between family commitments and baking adventure is hard. As a chef a mom and an entrepreneur I find this the most difficult thing to do. As I write this I'm actually staying home due to the stress load and needing a mental health day. beginning with acknowledging that it is okay not to be ok is the best place to start. I decided today that I need to really work on this so I figured there may be others out there like me who are struggling and need help also. Here are some actionable tips to help you along the way:

1. Set Realistic Goals

While dreaming big might be tempting, it's vital to understand your limitations, Dont say yes to orders that make your brain explode. Breaking down your baking goals into manageable tasks can help, I keep a calendar (actually multiple of them) and I've started to write down tasks that I need to finish and tasks that can wait.

2. Create a Schedule

Effective time management is essential for success. Again using a calendar to outline when you'll focus on family, baking preparation, and order fulfillment. By having a clear view of your commitments, you'll find it easier to dedicate time to both family fun and baking. Also if Breaking down your baking goals into manageable tasks can help, I keep a calender ( actually multiple of them) and I've started to write down tasks that I need to finish and tasks that can wait. like me and are addicted to your phone turn it on focus mode this stops you from wasting time (endless scrolling of doom)

3. Involve the Family

Make baking a family affair. OK lets be honest the thought of Include your kids/Partner in the kitchen can cause you to freak out but so what if the kitchen gets messy, you are creating memories that you and your kids or partner will have for a life time. Then make them do the clean up lol.

4. Know When to Say No

As a business owner, it can be challenging to turn down opportunities and I'm the first to say that I have a hard time saying no. Actually Jenn (my bakery manager) tells me I need to learn to say no and to say it in the mirror every day! The fear of disappointing customers Is definitely hell but honestly they too are human and should understand if your booked out actually you don't even have to give them a reason just say No. say it with me now "NO". Nevertheless, safeguarding your mental health and family time is crucial.

Avoiding Burnout

Lol I am literally experiencing burnout. I push myself to the brink of absolute nothingness I am not someone who can tell you how to avoid it because I'm living it but here's somethings I found while googling how to prevent burn out! (yes I googled doctor myself)

To prevent it, prioritize self-care. Here's how to ensure you remain energized and engaged:

1. Schedule “Me Time”

Reserve time for yourself at least once a week. Whether it's sipping coffee in peace, reading a book, or enjoying a stroll in the park, these moments are essential for recharging your batteries.

2. Build a Support Network

Connecting with a strong support network can provide invaluable support. This could include other moms who run their own businesses or joining local baking groups. Sharing experiences can foster encouragement and lessen feelings of isolation. Or like me sending my best friend Ryan multiple voice messages a day.

3. Be Flexible

Embracing flexibility is vital. Life is unpredictable, and being able to adjust your plans is essential. If things don't go according to schedule, remind yourself to breathe and adjust without guilt.

Celebrating Small Wins

In our goal-driven world, it's easy to overlook minor achievements, Last week I sat down with a good friend and talked about this. you don't know how far you've actually come until you look at it on paper. Don't forget to recognize the little successes, such as completing an order or mastering a new recipe. Celebrate these moments, Because the small wins are amazing.

Embracing the Journey

The journey of balancing family life and baking ventures presents sweet challenges. Although it may sometimes just like me you feel like you are stretched thin, maintaining a focus on your passion for baking and the joy it brings to your family is crucial. its ok to step away from something you love if its not giving you joy.

As I sit here waiting for my therapist appointment I'm also realizing that typing this out and spilling my feelings to the world (I can delete it later) Im not only sharing with you but I'm sharing these thoughts with myself. sometimes we let the busy day take us over and it doesn't allow our brains to slow down and just think. so my advice to you if your struggling like me is to stop what your doing , no ifs buts or whens about it. just stop and take a big deep breath and just be still for a minute or even 5. bring yourself back to who you and remember its ok to have you time.

Sending sprinkles and Hugs to anyone who needs it

Hollie