If you've read previous threads and posts of mine, you may know that I've been in the process of trying to open a retail shop for several months now. We finally jumped through our last major hurdle with the city and today they finally approved our plans!! We're not doing too much major constructions but we are putting a walkway in between the kitchen and the retail space. It's actually two units owned by two different people so that makes things interesting. I'm beyond excited and anticipating a September 14 Grand Opening!!!!
For those of you who don't know anything about me, my name is Ali and I'm in business with my mom. We opened our made to order bakery in April 2012 and have done fairly well! Our commercial kitchen is located in a semi-industrial area in Ventura, CA but it is very close to a very busy street. I'll be turning 24 in just 12 days and cannot believe that my dream of opening a retail location is almost a reality.
When we open the retail shop, we will be part gourmet cupcakes, part custom cake studio. We also do custom sugar cookies, scratch marshmallows, dabbled in macarons and our family's white chocolate macadamia nut popcorn. It's seriously addicting!
I wanted to give a big thank you to the entire CC community!!! I read these threads almost every day trying to absorb as much information as I can. There are so many creative and talented people on this site! For all the newbies out there, really listen to the advice people give and consider how it can help you. Work out things for yourself (LIKE PRICING!!!) and know that you will stumble along the way. My first week in the commercial kitchen, I burned a carrot cake (buy an oven thermometer!!!!!), started a massive flood, and had an ant infestation.
Wow!! Im 21 and i SO want to be you when I grow up lol! Congrats on all your success, I wish you much more.
Wow!! Im 21 and i SO want to be you when I grow up lol! Congrats on all your success, I wish you much more.
Oh I have plenty of growing up left to do but thank you for the compliment. It has been ALOT of hard work, long hours, and missed fun times with friends or family. I have loved every most moments of the processes and I know there will be new challenges with a retail shop. I built a strong customer base and tested the idea of retail hours on Saturdays to see what the traffic would be like. I have also been VERY fortunate to have financial baking from my parents. They have supported both the business and me while we get everything going until I can take a paycheck. This process probably wouldn't have been as quick as it has if I didn't have that support from my parents. God bless my mom for being my business partner. She worked a full-time high stress government job and then comes in at nights and weekends to help with baking. And then she has to put up with me when I'm freaking out about a cake not being perfect. Make sure you have a strong support system around you.
A
Original message sent by morganchampagne
Wow!! Im 21 and i SO want to be you when I grow up lol! Congrats on all your success, I wish you much more.
ACongratulations! I've been working toward a retail space, but it has been nearly impossible. So good for you for giving me hope that things could work out! And, totally agree about the support system. If it weren't for my parents, I would've never been able to do some of the things I've done in my life (mistake or not). You are blessed, and I wish you continued success!
Congratulations! You're so young and already on the track to success!
AI hope you post pics! If I lived anywhere close I would be a customer!
AThat's awesome! Sounds like you have a great support system, and experience, your all set! Fantastic, congratulations! It's really exciting
That's a great accomplishment! Good luck to you! 
For all the newbies out there, really listen to the advice people give and consider how it can help you. Work out things for yourself (LIKE PRICING!!!) and know that you will stumble along the way.
Congratulations Ali! The best of luck to you and mom. May you never burn a cake again... (And thanks for your note, above.)
Well done, Ali! It's a huge achievement to build your own business from the ground and it's super rewarding being your own boss. I wish you every success! And enjoy every minute of it!
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