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Re: In over my head in frosting?

Lighthouse24 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:53:55 GMT

Yes. You are doing an informal kind of planning right now anyway, so you might as well give it some structure -- plus the process itself (of filling in the blanks on a business planning template) will help you identify other steps like these that may be necessary as you go along. All of that will ultimately allow you to confirm whether this should remain a hobby that you enjoy (and that brings in extra money sometimes), or if it really is a viable and profitable business enterprise. Finally, I personally believe that the act of writing down a plan to do anything (no matter what it is) makes it exponentially more likely to happen.

Re: In over my head in frosting?

luvofcupcakes — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:55:38 GMT

oooo...Great site! And the make your own calorie count is interesting too! So do you think I need to make a busisness plan yet. I see people talking about it, but is that something I need to do yet?

Re: In over my head in frosting?

Lighthouse24 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:18:47 GMT

Glad I could help. Another thing to consider and possibly start looking into is whether or not FDA labeling and packaging is required for anything you plan to sell. Here's a link that may be useful:

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/label.html

Re: In over my head in frosting?

luvofcupcakes — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:54:40 GMT

Yes...right at the base of the Mt. St. Helens is where I grew up - Castle Rock! So yes, I have had some struggle with the in home baking. I have stayed under the guidlines for the non advertising, family only and such, but now more people are seeing and hearing about my cakes and want more. I am looknig into all of this because I would like to do a bazaar soon. And yes you have to have all those type of permits and such. So if I have to go through all of this, why not talk to a local church and see what I can do. Dip my toes in the water before jumping in. Great idea ! Thanks alot, I fell better

Re: In over my head in frosting?

Lighthouse24 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:28:32 GMT

Welcome to the community. You're practically in the shadow of Mt St Helens, aren't you? The "small home kitchen" is probably the first obstacle you'll have to resolve, not just from a production perspective, but from a legal one, too. I think the State of Washington requires food prepared for consumer sale to be prepared in a facility that is licensed and permitted by the county. There are temporary permits (for people who prepare/sell food at fairs, shows, etc.), mobile permits (for people who prepare/sell food from trailers, carts, lunch wagons, etc.), and permanent permits which are issued to "food establishments." So you'll need a kitchen that meets your state and county code for a food establishment, and that provides the functionality you require. That's really the starting point to getting your head above the frosting, I think -- determine if there's a facility available for sale, lease, or even part-time use (some place like churches and wedding venues have licensed commercial kitchens on premises) -- and then determine if you can still make a profit with that additional overhead figured in. Best wishes.

Re: In over my head in frosting?

LUCKIEST — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:32:56 GMT

In over my head in frosting, Welcome

I am a SCORE Counselor and would love to help you start your new adventure in bakery.
SCORE is FREE and so am I (as a SCORE Counselor). I Live in N Y. SCORE is national.

SCORE and / or I can help you develop a Business and Marketing Plan that should
include specific needs for opening a bakery.

You can contact me at " pdeig@juno.com " and please include your phone number.

Thanks, LUCKIEST

In over my head in frosting?

luvofcupcakes — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:06:28 GMT

I am not new to starting a new business. My last business was an in-home daycare that I ran for 10 years. Well, I would love to start a new adventure but don't know where to even begin. I live in a small town called Kelso in the state of Washington. There are no longer any fresh bakeries in town, especially for custom cakes. I have a wonderful and fun idea on a small little shop, but do not know where to even begin. I have clients already and am over booked for my small home kitchen. It started with just my family and co-workers and it is snowballing fast. I don't know if I can bring this wonderful dream to reality, but I would like to see if it could ever happen for me and my town. So I was wondering if anyone can help with my specific need on opening a custom cake bakery. Am I just looking to be over my head in frosting or can I really do this someday?