All the happenings

I was wondering how I would start this blog, and I decided just to start and see how it goes! In December I went to the bank, business plan in hand along with a pretty amazing building on Main Street in Hopkins. The address is 915 Main Street. I first went to Wells Fargo and was shot down immediately. 

I was feeling pretty defeated at the time, but of course kept chugging along. Next, I decided to try more banks at once, so three this time! So far two more no's and one super duper pretty sure yes. As soon as I get all the plans and bids from contractors.  

Speaking with Kelsy from Bluebird Cakery was one of my top priorities, since she literally just went through the same process I am hoping to go through. A too small commercial kitchen, Kickstarter campaign, storefront and amazingness. Including those amazing people called employees. Someday I'll have one of those. 

I met with Kelsy and learned as much as I could, how it all went, how it's going now. Meanwhile showing contractors the building trying to get quotes and getting fancy architecture plans drawn up of the space. 

Last weekend we drove a quick 7 hours to Jenna Rae Cakes in Winnipeg and grilled her for all the things in about two hours. I am very thankful for Jenna, her sister Ashley and also Kelsy for chatting with me about their businesses. I know how busy a day can be for me, let alone these wonderful ladies and their storefronts. 

One of the biggest take-aways reminds me of the three little bears. You don't want a space too small, you don't want a space too big, you want it juuuuust right. Room for growth in the years to come and plenty of room for customers to sit down and enjoy their delicious treats.  

That being said, the 915 building JUST fit the equipment I had. And after being at Jenna Rae Cakes in their front of house area for about an hour, the line was always to the door. Packed solid. The entire hour we were chatting and then we left to head to their new commercial kitchen space. Beautiful and spacious and plenty of storage. That's what I'm looking for, but all in one location. 

I love the idea of being on Main Street in Hopkins. It's close to where we live and I love the atmosphere of all the businesses there.  

So, after all the work we put into the 915 building, we will have to move on. We looked at two other spaces, one might be a little big and the other is just right. But! There is someone else looking at the space and ready to pounce. But hopefully they are more snail like and we are like jaguars, or maybe even bulls haha. 

I will fight with all my might for this space. It's on a corner, brand spankin new and full of windows. Tall ceilings, which I think are pretty perfect for hanging some fun chandeliers. So now, back to getting bids from contractors and plans from the architect. And then getting those things to the bank, so they can make this dream of mine a reality. And then? Kickstarter! 

We have shot the Kickstarter video and I can't wait to launch it for you all to see. Amazingness will ensue as soon as all the stars align and all those ducks get into their rows. 

This week lots of things will be happening. And if all goes well and I get to call 701 Main Street mine. You will all be hearing from me a lot more. Come with me on this journey and I promise you won't be disappointed! So, until then I will leave you with some pictures of my dream space. 

Main Street side  

Future kitchen space  

Service door and 7th street side  

Pretty eh