I remember when Kael was a baby (or it may have been just before he was born) I mentioned to Jamie that I wanted to open a Gourmet Cupcake shop. I could experiment with flavors, offer seasonal specialties, and be creative while also being happy with my job and making other people happy. Because, honestly, that's what a sweet treat does! It makes people happy! That's why I bake!
But he told me that a cupcake specialty shop would never take off. No one would go to a shop for JUST a cupcake. A full bakery with breads and cakes and cookies, etc., sure. But not just cupcakes.
At the time, I had never made homemade bread and I knew I wasn't a well rounded baker. So I ignored the idea and went to work for the Air Force in Communications. Am I good at my job? Hell, yes. I am awesome at it. I manage a vital mission for the entire base and I rock it daily. But I don't enjoy it. There is no creativity allowed. And now I spend my free time baking and watching baking shows and learning more and more about all aspects of baking. One of the most common shows on TV? Gourmet cupcakes. And specialty cupcake shops have opened nationwide for the last 7 or 8 years. I was ahead of the curve. I honestly thought of this BEFORE the cupcake craze began. Had I followed my gut and my heart, I could be a successful shop owner. I could have also fallen flat on my face because I know nothing about business. But I could've said that I tried. And that I pioneered in an industry that I love.
The point of the story? Follow your heart. Don't let others kill your passion, creativity, and drive. You have an idea for a reason!! Don't ignore it! Explore it!
