Life has a way of presenting us with unexpected opportunities and challenges. My son’s birth sparked my desire to pursue my passion for baking and cake decorating. Little did I know that this journey would teach me a valuable lesson about finding my path and making tough choices. In this blog, I want to share my experience of juggling my cake decorating business with my corporate job and the pivotal moment that made me realize where my true priorities lay.
The Birth of a Dream:
When my son entered the world, I saw it as an opportunity to take my graphic arts and design skills and combine them with my love for baking and cake decorating. I enrolled in the prestigious Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts and honed my skills to create beautiful and delicious cakes. Encouraged by my newfound expertise, I took the leap and launched my own cake-decorating business, Our Sweet Cakery. The initial success was overwhelming, and I found myself busier than ever.
The Struggle to Balance:
As the demands of my cake decorating business grew, I faced the inevitable challenge of returning to my corporate job. Trying to juggle both roles became increasingly complex, and I knew I had to make a choice. During this time, a seemingly innocent request from the office administrative assistant would become a turning point in my journey.
The Infamous Rosette Gradient Cake:
The office administrative assistant asked me to create a three-tier rosette gradient cake for a special occasion. I hesitated, knowing I was still practicing techniques and the cake might not turn out exactly as she had envisioned. However, she assured me she was okay, and I agreed to take on the challenge.
The Unforeseen Challenge:
Little did I know that creating this cake in June, with its massive roses, would prove to be a daunting task. Despite my best efforts, the roses kept sliding down the cake, causing frustration and exhaustion. After three days of non-stop work, I finally finished. I had even taken the time to delicately make rice paper butterflies. I was proud.
The Moment of Truth:
I emailed her a picture and to my surprise, she demanded that I deliver the cake immediately, as the party was already underway and guests were arriving. Feeling a mix of anxiety and determination, I agreed. Upon arrival, I apologized for the delay and thought I had done a commendable job. However, what followed was a scene that left me feeling embarrassed and disheartened.
A Pivotal Decision:
The office administrative assistant publicly expressed her disappointment, making it clear that the cake did not meet her expectations. She even went so far as to place the cake on the floor for her one-year-old daughter to smash, as it was intended to be a “smash” cake. At that moment, I realized that I was not willing to sacrifice any more of my precious time with my children to pursue a career in cake decorating.
Embracing My True Priorities:
This experience was a wake-up call, reminding me of the importance of balancing passion and family. I decided to continue making my mark in the corporate and creative world, where I could utilize my marketing skills and still have quality time with my loved ones. It was a harsh lesson that ultimately led me to a path aligned with my true priorities.
Life has a way of teaching us valuable lessons through unexpected experiences. My journey in the world of cake decorating taught me the importance of finding a balance between passion and family. While I will always cherish the memories and skills gained during that time, I am grateful for the pivotal moment that made me realize where my true priorities lay. Today, I continue to make my mark in the corporate and creative world, cherishing every moment spent with my children.
[Cara, thank you.]