My latest: Vegan lemon raspberry cake with marbled fondant and handmade sugar roses/leaves
I would never have thought when I was at home baking chocolate chip cookies as a little girl that I would one day have my own cake business. It's surreal to think back to where I began and where I am today in my baking - in the development of my skills, knowledge, passion and business, so much has changed! And it's in looking back at this progress that I can feel more hopeful and confident - and excited for what the future holds.
I used to feel stuck or that I hadn't progressed in my life in the past 5-10 years. I think that sometimes getting into the work world straight out of university and into a field that's not your passion can create that feeling (which is what happened to me). But I even felt it during my baking journey at times. Asking things like, where is this hobby leading me? Can I ever really be good at this? And then I read the book, "The Gap and The Gain" by Dan Sullivan, and it changed my whole perception of my journey - it opened my eyes to just how far I have actually come and how far we all have come in our lives, whether we know it or not. And it's in looking back and realising that progress that we pave the way for an even more bountiful, happy future for ourselves! It's almost counterintuitive - to look back in order to look forward, and then step forward with greater confidence.
When I first moved to the UK, I started out by selling brownies, cookies and cakes at farmer's markets - a great experience to get my feet wet for sure. But I didn't know how to sell, price my product, find my niche, etc. But I was proud of putting myself and my bakes out there anyway. In time, I officially started my business and had custom cake orders coming in. With each cake and cupcake order, I gained more skills and knowledge, I slowly built up a repertoire of baking tricks and supplies, I grew my passion and nailed down my style. When I compare the beginning of my baking journey to now, it's quite a difference!
It's similar to when baking a cake: while it's baking in the oven, it rises very slowly, you almost can't see it moving - until suddenly you realise it's risen! Sometimes it feels similar in life, where progress can feel so slow or even nonexistent - but with persistent effort and investment, the gains become clear, especially when you compare where you are now to where you've been.
I realised that it's only after looking back at all the facts and reality of what I've accomplished and how much I've grown that I feel great hope and motivation to continue to do the work - and to see how much more I will create and achieve in the coming years.
Looking forward to where this will take me!
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