The Loneliness Of The Custom Cake Maker...?

Business By egypt803 Updated 18 Jul 2013 , 5:22pm by JWinslow

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egypt803 Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 8:08pm
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AFirst of all, hello - I've been lurking on this board for a while and only just having the nerve to post now.

I've been hobby caking for a few years and now the youngest of my kids is about to start school, I am seriously wondering about trying to sell my cakes. Have been mainly worrying so far about being good enough but am now starting to question if I can hack the lifestyle. Do any of you find it really lonely? - obviously you'll meet customers but it strikes me that baking from home is a very solitary thing to do. Is there anything you do to actively get out and meet others in a business sense? Be interested to hear your thoughts.

41 replies
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howsweet Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 8:14pm
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Yes, I can't wait to have a couple of employees. But even with more people around, as the business owner, there is always the loneliness factor. But just to have some friendly chatter around would be nice.
 

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egypt803 Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 8:26pm
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A

Original message sent by howsweet

But just to have some friendly chatter around would be nice.

I suppose that's why places like this are so popular - for the friendly chatter you don't get from colleagues :-)

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Elcee Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 8:59pm
post #4 of 42

My day job is filled with ringing phones, needy teachers, needy students, needy parents, etc (of course, I love them all!). Talk, talk, talk, noise, noise noise; the quiet in my cake room is like a retreat for me. 

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Annabakescakes Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 9:24pm
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AI do get lonely out in my bakery, that is why I keep my laptop close! I feel isolated from the rest of my family, and all alone. Sometimes I love it, but other times I wish that my husband could stay out there with me the whole time ;-)

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Norasmom Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 9:34pm
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I don't get lonely when I'm baking, but I do it part-time out of my home.  I put the TV or music on and I usually have other things I do during the day as well.  I lived alone for many years, so being alone doesn't bother me.

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dandy207 Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 9:38pm
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AIn the bakery I work at there is a cafe and a bake house, two seperate buildings. I find I'm often in the bakehouse by myself and everyonce in awhile I wish some one were there to keep me company but for the most part I enjoy the quiet! I listen to pandora and do my 'thing'. I think I work best when I AM by myself, that's when the artist in me kicks in. I do get plenty of social time when people are picking up their cakes or I am one on one in a consult. So it all evens out. :)

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egypt803 Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 8:21am
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AThanks for all your responses - I do want to give the cake business a try so its finding ways to deal with the isolation I suppose. I'm generally happy with my own company but I've been a housewife for nearly 7 years now and although I've enjoyed it and I have friends, you do spend a lot of time alone, and I don't want to get back in to working only to discover I'm completely lonely and out on a limb.

Still, I definitely want to give it a try and will have to see how it goes. There is always the internet :D

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de_montsoreau Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 11:08am
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I have my own little bakery in a separate building on our property and it does get lonley some times, especially when working late into the night.

I have a little TV-DVD-Radio-CD combination so I can choose if I listen to TV, a DVD or the radio - I hardly ever actually look at the screen. This is especially funny when it comes to commercials as I never look at those of course. When I do occaisionally watch TV in the house I'm always surprised at what visual representation they choose for all that noise icon_wink.gif

 

By now I am so used to being alone there that I often resent anyone coming in. It is also hard to teach my new employee who will take over production, but I think I will get used to that soon icon_biggrin.gif
 

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Relznik Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 11:44am
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YES!  It can be very isolating.

 

My husband is always telling me off for spending so much time on the computer on sites like this, the BSG and FB.  But I tell him this is my 'office banter'.

 

 

 

He never keeps me company when I'm working (he has a stressful job and works ridiculous hours, so I don't blame him for wanting to just chillax in front of the tv when he does get home) - but I'd love it if he did.

 

Suzanne x
 

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kikiandkyle Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 12:58pm
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AI'm lucky enough to be able to do cakes in my home so when I start my business later this year I'll be doing it when the kids are out, but inside my house rather than isolated somewhere else. I do like to have the tv on when I'm home alone though, even if I'm not watching it.

Also, OP, my husband and I are from Yorkshire!

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knlcox Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 1:04pm
post #12 of 42

AI can understand how lonely it can be! I often wish my older children would stay up with me all night to watch movies or whatever while I decorate! I do spend most of my time with young kids so coming here to talk to ADULTS is great! I love the evenings/nights when I get alone time. I have a huge family here at my home and I look forward to the quiet all-nighters I get to have alone all to myself.

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Stitches Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 1:28pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Relznik 

YES!  It can be very isolating.

 

My husband is always telling me off for spending so much time on the computer on sites like this, the BSG and FB.  But I tell him this is my 'office banter'.

 

 

 

He never keeps me company when I'm working (he has a stressful job and works ridiculous hours, so I don't blame him for wanting to just chillax in front of the tv when he does get home) - but I'd love it if he did.

 

Suzanne x
 

Total Ditto

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sugarmagiccakes Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 1:37pm
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hey egypt, im in the same boat as you, but my kids have been in school for quite a few years now. lm trying to start up my own home cake business, lve been doing it as a hobby for over 8 years now. l never really thought about it until i saw your post, and yes it can get pretty lonely sometimes. The thing with me is, ive never really been a people person and dont mind being on my own sometimes, but some company and a bit of banter when doing cakes would be good. lm in Manchester uk and find that we english tend not to be as sociable as other countries. I have come out of my shell more as ive got older, and it helps dealing with customers. Maybe try and get together with other likeminded cake makers in your area. Maybe other mums from school, it seems a lot of people these days want to try their hand at cakes.thumbs_up.gif

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Relznik Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 2:43pm
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I also work from home - and so I watch tv whilst working.  However, my tv is my computer, so I am constantly getting distracted when I hear an email come through...  I just *have* to check to see what it is!!

 

My children are at school (my younger son leaves primary school next week!!) and so with two boys are secondary school, it'll be even more isolated....  whereas at primary school you get to chat to other parents in the playground, my sons will leave home at 7am to get the school bus and then don't get home until about 4.45pm/5pm.  I won't get to see ANYONE!
 

icon_sad.gificon_cry.gif

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egypt803 Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 9:31pm
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A

Original message sent by Relznik

My husband is always telling me off for spending so much time on the computer on sites like this, the BSG and FB.  But I tell him this is my 'office banter'.

Yep - office banter - that's exactly it. Just livens up the day a little bit.

Original message sent by kikiandkyle

Also, OP, my husband and I are from Yorkshire!

Ooh - where from? I'm originally from South Yorkshire but have moved west to around Huddersfield now.

Original message sent by sugarmagiccakes

Maybe try and get together with other likeminded cake makers in your area. Maybe other mums from school, it seems a lot of people these days want to try their hand at cakes.;-D

Yes, I was thinking about that. There are quite a few, even in my village, and its always good to talk cake. :)

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kikiandkyle Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 9:55pm
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ABarnsley and Elland!

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Chellescakes Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 10:26pm
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Join your local cake decorating club. It gives you back up and also a social aspect of caking. 

We have over 50 members in our City's branch . It is really great going to meetings and being able to talk cake to people that are as passionate about it as you are, and after two minutes don't get the glazed ( here she goes again talking about cake) look. 

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mightydragon663 Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 11:39pm
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 In my little town, there aren't any other bakeries, if you don't count the two grocery stores and no certainly no cake decorating clubs.  So, I am very active in Rotary club and my local Chamber of Commerce.  I love it and I very rarely feel lonely. 

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Elcee Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 11:57pm
post #20 of 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by mightydragon663 

 In my little town, there aren't any other bakeries, if you don't count the two grocery stores and no certainly no cake decorating clubs.  So, I am very active in Rotary club and my local Chamber of Commerce.  I love it and I very rarely feel lonely. 

icon_biggrin.gif mightydragon663, Conifer is less than an hour from Denver. We have a small but active ICES chapter that meets quarterly. If you're interested, PM me and I can add you to our email list (I'm the chapter secretary).

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lorieleann Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 12:20am
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i think one of the most isolating things about this business are work hours.  The weekly schedule of baking and prepping while the kids are in school is great, but it's the Friday nights and Saturday schedule that kills me.  I have to aggressively protect at least one weekend a month to spend on those fun Saturday family events.  I hated having to miss so many Saturday morning soccer games or sending my husband to do the birthday parties because I had deliveries. (of course sometimes that was a blessing! )  

 

I still really like the freedom of having my days free to having coffee with friends, do school volunteering, or take a bodypump class, and then be able to make up the work in the late night hours. I am going to try with extra effort to use my morning hours better so that I'm not finishing up as much on Sat mornings so that I can have that family time back. 

 

and boards like this and other forums are super helpful for 'shop talk'. 

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sugarmagiccakes Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 3:48am
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AI have 3 boys, my middle one is leaving primary school next week too. Luckily I still have a 6 year old to take to and from school, gives me a break out the house!

Love your signature btw Relznik.A woman after my own heart. I'm a new member and haven't come up with mine yet. Maybe it could be "lonely cake maker". How long have you been decorating cakes for, and any tips for me running my business from home? I'm a little bit lost with that side of things, but sugar art is my passion!

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sugarmagiccakes Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 3:59am
post #23 of 42

A

Original message sent by Chellescakes

Join your local cake decorating club. It gives you back up and also a social aspect of caking.  We have over 50 members in our City's branch . It is really great going to meetings and being able to talk cake to people that are as passionate about it as you are, and after two minutes don't get the glazed ( here she goes again talking about cake) look. 

I've never heard of a cake decorating club in my area (Manchester England), Maybe I could start one!

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Chellescakes Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 4:10am
post #24 of 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by sugarmagiccakes 


I've never heard of a cake decorating club in my area (Manchester England), Maybe I could start one!

Here is the link to the British Sugar Craft Guild I am fairly certain there should be a branch nearby. 

http://www.bsguk.org/branches.html

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carmijok Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 4:32am
post #25 of 42

AI love working alone. My husband drives me nuts bugging me when I'm 'in the zone' and getting mad at me when I don't feel like talking. I do most of my work at night because of it. I used to have the TV on but now work in total silence. It goes faster because I can focus. I just wish I could work like that during the day!

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egypt803 Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 6:10am
post #26 of 42

A

Original message sent by sugarmagiccakes

I've never heard of a cake decorating club in my area (Manchester England), Maybe I could start one!

I'm sure there will be a bsg group in manchester. I know there is one in huddersfield, though I've not made it there yet. I went to some classes in chadderton a few years ago and the teacher said she was a member of the local group. have a look at the bsg website - its got all the branch details in there.

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Relznik Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 6:50am
post #27 of 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by sugarmagiccakes 

Love your signature btw Relznik.A woman after my own heart. I'm a new member and haven't come up with mine yet. Maybe it could be "lonely cake maker". How long have you been decorating cakes for, and any tips for me running my business from home? I'm a little bit lost with that side of things, but sugar art is my passion!

I've been decorating cakes for maybe about 10 years (I wouldn't say any efforts before that time were worthy of being called cake decorating, LOL!) but I've had my business for about 7 or 8 years, I suppose.

 

It's hard to give tips to people, because everyone is different in themselves.... 

 

But I would say that once you decide to 'go for it', it will take about two years for your business to really take off...  that's what I was told and it was absolutely true!!  Get yourself a good website...  I don't advertise at all, but probably 99% of my business is people finding me on a Google search! 

 

DO NOT underprice yourself.  Either your good enough to sell cakes or you're not.  But don't undercut all your competitors because you're only starting out.  All you'll find is that when you do finally put your prices up anyway, those customers will go and find someone else who's undercutting YOU! LOL!

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Crazy-Gray Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 8:02am
post #28 of 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by Relznik 

DO NOT underprice yourself.  Either your good enough to sell cakes or you're not.  But don't undercut all your competitors because you're only starting out.  All you'll find is that when you do finally put your prices up anyway, those customers will go and find someone else who's undercutting YOU! LOL!

 

Hear hear! :-) I priced myself too low at the start (and also gave a better product than some of my local bakers- double whammy!) and I ended up working really hard for what ends up as not a lot of money... if you factor in all your design time, tidying, website running etc etc... now I do far far fewer cakes but they feel more worth the time and effort :-)

I like the solitude actually! I work full time in an office with too many young jerks and my nice quiet kitchen is something I look forward to in the evenings! Lol

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sugarmagiccakes Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 12:26pm
post #29 of 42

A

Original message sent by Crazy-Gray

I like the solitude actually! I work full time in an office with too many young jerks and my nice quiet kitchen is something I look forward to in the evenings! Lol

:-D

Yeah l think I quite like the solitude actually. My kitchen is my favorite place to be.

Thanks for the advice Relznik. I'll take it all on board. Think I do underprice myself, I put everything into my cakes so l guess I should charge accordingly. :)

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Annabakescakes Posted 17 Jul 2013 , 2:31pm
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AI am very blessed, now that my husband spends time with me in the bakery. He used to stay up late with me when we were dating, mixing colors or kneading fondant, then just stopped once we were married. He actually went about 5 years without helping, then we had a fairly big marriage crisis and it is hard to walk in there without him following me! He is a huge help, making lace, cutting flowers, cleaning. He has finished cakes up for me so I could start on the next one. He is bad about ragged edges and thinking things "are good enough" long before they are perfect. But even just sitting there, doing nothing, it is truly a blessing to have him. Oh, he covers boards and does my reaching, too.

Original message sent by Stitches

[QUOTE name="Relznik" url="/t/761032/the-loneliness-of-the-custom-cake-maker#post_7416669"] YES!  It can be very isolating.

My husband is always telling me off for spending so much time on the computer on sites like this, the BSG and FB.  But I tell him this is my 'office banter'.

He never keeps me company when I'm working (he has a stressful job and works ridiculous hours, so I don't blame him for wanting to just chillax in front of the tv when he does get home) - but I'd love it if he did.

Suzanne x

  [/QUOTE] Total Ditto

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