Happy New Year!

I know it's been almost two weeks since January 1st, but that's ok. One of my many goals for this year is blogging, and getting to highlight all the amazing and fun things we do here at Amy's Cupcake Shoppe! Blogging more consistently, and posting about the things you want to hear about. 

I'm going to start with a little background about me as a business owner. I have none, so that was easy ha! Have you started a business on your own, and it was exactly what you thought it was going to be? Or have you started a business and it was the complete opposite of what you were thinking? 

I'm having a little of both those things. I come from a family of very strong women and my grandma is one of the grandest entrepreneurs I know. So I knew owning a business would be a lot of hard work, but totally worth it! What I didn't realize is that I would almost completely veer away from my passion of baking. 

My husband has a pretty unique schedule where it's different every week, from working the day shift, to night shift, to having the day off completely. I love getting to see him during the days he is off, but those are also the only days I am able to be a part of the morning bake. As a creature of habit getting to bake once a week doesn't quite fulfill my love of baking. 

So we have adjusted! Our amazing bakers Jenn, Katie, and Julie do the morning bakes, and I get to come in after I drop Caleigh off at school at 9:00. Caleigh can't bus to school, so getting to drop her off and pick her up is so much fun. Watching her run into school with such excitement fills my heart every day. And the best adventures are when Caleigh has school off, or a late start. Spending quality time getting to be silly and play with her is just the best. And when it can be Jeff, Caleigh, and I? Heaven. I love my little family so much, and can't wait to see them as much as possible every day. 

This also only allows me to be available at the shoppe in those hours in between with all the fun things to accomplish during that time. Learning the business aspect of things has taken a lot of just that, learning. Taxes, marketing, social media, networking, advertising, blogging, newsletters, and all the other things! So. Many. Things. The best part about learning all these things is getting to meet all the amazing people I have. Other business owners, other vendors, and of course the customers in the shoppe. 

I don't get to be in the shoppe as often as I would like, but this business this is such a fluid thing. Different every day, and always learning. Getting to have days where I work from home has helped me a ton. I am much more focused, and can get a ton done, including all the house things that need to be done. Because everyone needs a little break every now and then right? I've learned to play to my strengths, and definitely let others do theirs. We have an incredible shoppe staff, but we also have our amazing photographer Ashley Elwill, and our supa amazing social media manager Jenny Olson.

Through all these people I have learned to run my business in the best way possible through amazing customer care, delicious unique treats, and learning each and every day from those around me. 

Getting to come to the shoppe every day is such a treat for me, and I LOVE it! And now when I do get to bake things I always love to come up with weird combinations, or I will play in the kitchen with Caleigh. Having the incredible staff we do at the shoppe makes me thankful and feel oh so fortunate. They allow me to do exactly what I need to do to grow our little business, and spend time with my amazing family at the same time. Best of both worlds. 

I have loved this adventure from the beginning, and getting to go through it with the incredible family and friends I have just makes it that much better. Thank you all so so much for your support and love and I can't wait to share more shoppe adventures with you all! 

Here are some pictures as a reward for getting through my rambling haha! Love you!

Everyone here is like family to us. 

Caleigh and Derek whipping up some yummy cookies!

New Year's Eve dinner with my two loves.

These two make the shoppe ever more amazing. Thank you ladies!