Dream Come True

Ever since I was 16 and applied for my first job at a coffee shop (it was one that was about to open at the time, the Daily Grind on Grandin Road), I have loved being in a kitchen. I was often the one making dinner for my family and by the time I was working at Mill Mtn. Coffee and Tea in Salem (while I attended Roanoke College), I was in love with baking. At Mill Mtn., I was the morning baker, which meant I had to go into work at 5:00am. I am not a morning person, but I rarely minded those early times, when I would go in, turn on some music, pull my hair back and put on an apron. Most of the stuff was pre-made-- I would just scoop out muffin batter or bake the already proofed cinnamon rolls. But on occasion, I was able to experiment with coffee cakes, cookies and other simple baked goods to add to out menu. After college, I continued baking for myself and friends. I usually used boxed cake mixes because I was so intimidated by making something from scratch. I came to love cupcakes because I was horrible at frosting a cake and cupcakes were so easy and cute. I also have this strange affection for anything little and mini, so cupcakes were the obvious choice.
As I got older and more interested in healthy eating and living, I began to explore the art of baking from scratch and realized that it truly is the only way to go. It is just as easy and much tastier to use flour and sugar and butter and whatnot, rather than just adding eggs and oil.
In the back of my mind, I've always held onto this dream of one day owning a little cafe, a dream that has taken on various formats. Some days, I want a combo coffee shop/bookstore. Other days, it's a kid-friendly cafe where parents and caregivers can relax, enjoy some good food and let their kids play. And still other times, I dreamt of a cupcakery, a bakery filled with all sorts of cupcakes. I realize how hard it is to start up a business, how time and money consuming it can be, which is why I've never really thought about doing anything like this until our kids are up and grown. But week before last, I went to visit our town's newest bakery-- a cupcake specialty shop. I admire their courage to open up a shop, but could see the weariness in their eyes that comes from putting your heart and soul and everything you have into a business venture. And then the next day, my husband came home from the farmer's market and told me that we needed to try. See, at our local farmer's market, it is cheap to rent a table for the day. And they let you set up and sell 3 times before you have to get your tax permit. Sounded too easy to me, so I never really gave it much thought. Until last Saturday. And I made some phone calls, and it really is that easy. So this Saturday, we'll be there as half*caked, selling our wares (cupcakes and muffins!) and crossing our fingers. We could use the extra money for sure, but it's also really cool to finally be pursuing this dream. Wish us luck! (and come out and buy some cupcakes!)
Oh! There's a new blog for this venture, too. It's www.halfcakedinsalem.blogspot.com Check it out!