The Business of Baking, Part Two: Reaching a Balance

Its so easy...
                   ...easy to have an idea. The difficulty is turning that idea into a success.

Once quoted by Oprah, "Quality is never an accident- rather it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution". It is with these four attributes that a company can go from good to great. In fact, these are what we want for the building blocks of BAKE, with the addition of yet one more all-important attribute: balance.

We began BAKE with unbelievably high intentions and when we first sat down and outlined what we wanted to accomplish in this past month we had pages full of checklists. 28 days later, we realize that while high intentions are necessary for a successful start-up, so too is realistic execution and maintaining balance within your life. We started this company whole holding down full time jobs as well as family obligations, and what we have learned thus far is that we cannot achieve the quality that BAKE deserves if we are constantly running at full speed in all directions. Passion is a necessity for any business but there is wisdom in knowing when to take a break. Without rest, you become vulnerable to emotional melt downs, stress attacks, and insomnia; all of which we have encountered in the past month.

Our goal for the month of March, and what we encourage all of you to strive for as well, is to reach a sustainable balance of high intentions and self care. We sat down Wednesday and scheduled out all of March. Which recipes we wanted to do, which days we wanted to post, and which tasks we needed to accomplish. This way we can work when we need to and enjoy our rest when we don't.

We have now learned that BAKE will not be the best if we personally are not at our bests. As Oprah has said, "Quality breeds quality" and it is impossible to create a quality company without first creating a quality life. Yes there will still be some stressful, sleepless nights (that is what owning a business means) but we will be sure to balance those nights with days full of laughter, fun, and love.

Catch you on the sweet side,
Marcie and Katelyn