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Today marks 1 whole year of Blundell Bakes! What a year it has been. This year will be a memorable year for everyone due to the Corona virus all affecting our lives significantly. And although I will always remember 2020 for covid, I will too always remember it as the year I birthed a little baking business! I have learnt a great deal in a very short space of time and I would like to share 5 things that I have learnt along the way.
1) Think of your business like a baby
A great piece of advice someone told me once was to think of your business like having a child. In your first year, the business is as demanding and needy as a newborn baby. The way you feel (I can only imagine) from having a newborn baby is exhausted, frazzled and constantly occupying your thoughts. Just like having a baby you never get a day off and so on, you get the picture. But as time goes on, it will get easier and like having a baby it will be incredibly rewarding to see it grow under your care.
2) Take the sour with the sweet
When I look back over the year, there have been so many highs and lows. Times where I have felt like I am smashing it and times where I feel like an utter failure. Well, just like every baker knows, you always need a tiny bit of salt to offset the sweet and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to running a business! Try your best to embrace the lows as much as the highs, as the sweet will never be as sweet without the sour.
3) Don’t be afraid to lean on your friends and supporters.
I think we all struggle to ask for help. I hate the idea of burdening others with my problems. But over the past year I really wouldn’t be where I am without the support and advise I have received in times of need. It can be hard to ask for help, but you will be amazed how many people are out there willing to help you. It can be incredibly useful to gain other peoples perspective on things and it will help you grow.
4) Keep a close eye on your finances
This is something I am still learning to get better at. I have been totally guilty in the past of overspending on things I do not actually need but want to have. For instance, 3 different varieties of the same sprinkles! I want them, but I don’t necessarily need them! It can be so easy to get carried away. I have learnt that it pays off to adopt a bit of patience and not buy everything in one month!
5) Don’t feel bad about giving yourself time off
Rest and relaxation should be valued more. Some of us can be guilty of feeling like we need to be busy all the time to be successful. It’s almost worn with a badge of honour at times. Someone saying ‘I’m just SO busy etc’ can make others feel guilty and question how busy they should be. But being busy doesn’t necessarily mean successful. If anything it can be mean a one way ticket to burnout town! Take my advice and schedule in time to just unwind and don’t overbook yourself.
Thank you for taking the time to read. I hope you enjoyed this article!