Self doubt....I'm sure everyone has it at some point in their life, but I've struggled with it a lot since opening Steph's Sweet Treats.  There's no obvious reasons for the self doubt (like someone bashing me..at least not that I know of), it's more of a subtle thing that creeps up every once in a while.  I've had people doubt me, think my business won't last, or think I'm only busy because I'm new in the area so of course people are ordering...they just want to try it.  So the self doubt creeps in and in the back of my head I hear all these people saying "I told you so."  

Instead, I need to take a moment, stay posititve, and follow the two quotes I have in my shop: "Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake" and "You Got This."

Some of the smallest things can bring on one of these self doubt episodes.  For example:

-Having a weekend that isn't completely packed with orders. I've become use to Fridays being crazy busy with orders...so when there's a weekend with only a few orders, it gives me pause.  Instead of beating myself up about it, I have now learned to try to embrace the little break.

-Seeing my competition break copyright laws on the regular.  I know I talk about copyright law a lot...so sorry to be repetitive, but it is definitely something that can hurt my business.  If I refuse to break the law through a  Bucky Badger cake or a fondant Olaf toppers, and the customer doesn't want any of the legal options I give, they will go to someone who will. (Happens almost weekly) Combine this with me seeing my customers comment on (or order) another bakers illegal cake, and I get a very bad feeling in my stomach.  I guess this isn't exactly self doubt, because it's not like I'm doubting whether or not I should also break the law (won't do it!), but it is something I have to constantly struggle with.  No matter how many times I talk about it, it's not going to stop others from making them or prevent customers from going elsewhere...and that's a bad feeling!

-Doing a wedding tasting where the couple doesn't book or having a customer not order after making an inquiry.  I get it...I'm not the only baker around and I should not take these things personally.  I mean people get quotes from construction companies, floor companies, etc. all the time.  So why would I doubt myself when someone goes elsewhere?  I shouldn't! But it is oh so hard not to! The area we live in can also make it tough for small local businesses (as I'm sure you other business owners know)  It's hard to compete with big box stores...it's not possible for me to sell you a cake for $10 without going under in a hurry.  Thankfully I have customers who value my work and baked goodies and come back time and time again and are more than happy to spread the word/promote me.  

Now please don't think I get upset every single time one of these things happens or get mad at someone who doesn't order from me.  It's more of build up that leads to me having a minor freak out or just a bad day that brings me down.   And overall, it's not about those examples I listed above...it's about my own natural self doubt.  What do I do when these terrible feelings of self doubt creep up??  If I'm being honest....I cry and/or get really down on myself.  But only for a little bit!  Thankfully, I'm getting a little better at believing in myself....but I have my days....and I have an amazing husband who is right there to squash those doubts.  I am incredibly lucky to have Steph's Sweet Treats and the self doubt is only natural (at least that's what I tell myself) I can't imagine life without Steph's Sweet Treats and hope to never have to.  

Reading reviews from customers or looking at pictures customers send me is one of the best cures/pick me ups.  I like to keep emails and messages from customers who randomly tell me how good something was or how great their experience was.  I also like to go through Facebook reviews and my customer experience album.  It always puts a smile on my face!  Please feel free to send me pictures and feedback anytime!

I don't want this post to come off as a pity party or force a guilt trip on someone for ordering from someone else.   I am thankful for each and every order I get.  I just want to shed light on something I think a lot of people probably struggle with.  Like I said, everyone goes through moments of self doubt, but I think it's probably heightened for business owners.  Everyone wants to succeed..nobody wants to fail....and for me, I worry about those people dying to say "I told you so." 

Thank you thank you thank you for another week of orders!  Graduation weekend was crazy (AKA awesome). 

If you have ever seen me in my every day life there's a good chance I was wearing a Steph's Sweet Treats shirt of some kind...I'm actually wearing one as I type this! Not because I feel the need to walk around promoting myself all the time (but it is good advertisement!), but because I love the shirts so much.  They all come courtesy of Hollie at Olly Olly Oxen T's.  If you need custom apparel, bags, hats, etc. you need to check them out.  I was in no way asked or compensated to do this post.  I just want to brag about their products and services...and of course make you aware that you too can have an awesome Steph's Sweet Treats shirt!

The above shirts and sweatshirts were my first order with Olly Olly Oxen T's.  Hollie takes your ideas, wants, or needs and creates these great mocks ups so you can see the product before it's made, and promote it to others.  My first order was the basic Steph's Sweet Treats logo.  From here I became addicted!  First of all, the shirts and sweatshirts that were suggested to me are super soft and comfy...so of course I want to wear them everyday!  Secondly, I just think it's cool to have shirts that say Steph's Sweet Treats.  It reminds me that this is a real business....because sometimes I look around my cozy building and just smile because I can't believe how lucky I am to be doing this.  

When I order shirts I usually promote them in the basic colors from my logo (aqua, pink, and purple), but I myself order one of everything.  I have a stack of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and long sleeves in almost every shirt, design, and color.  I'm going into another round of ordering so my collection is about in go up...again!

These two shirts were the second designs I got from Hollie.  I told her the two sayings I wanted (one for men and one for women) and she came up with these beauties!  Womens shirts: "Cupcakes Take the Cake" with Steph's Sweet Treats on the lower back.  Mens shirts: "Real Men Eat Cupcakes" with Steph's Sweet Treats on upper back.  What I love about these shirts, besides how cool they look, is that they are attention grabbing.  My father-in-law and brother-in-law have both had people say something or start conversations about their "Real Men Eat Cupcakes" shirts. Attention grabbing shirts are a great way to spread the word about Steph's Sweet Treats.  

I've been itching for more shirts...even though it hasn't been that long since my last ones...so I contacted Hollie for a new women's design!  If you've been to my shop recently you've probably noticed the new sign on my front counter stating "Welcome to Steph's Sweet Treats Where Cupcakes Make Everything Better."  So I thought why not make a shirt based off of it?!  The new women's shirt design is pictured above.  It will have the Steph's Sweet Treats on the lower back just like the "Cupcakes Take the Cake" shirts do.  

I have some shirts available for customers to buy in my shop, but not a huge selection of sizes and not every colors in every size.  The best way to get the shirt you want is to order one.  Right now I'm putting together an order...so if you want a shirt, now is the time to order!  Here is what I'm offering:

Women;s design: Cupcakes make everything better, with Steph's Sweet Treats on the low back.
Colors: pink, aqua, or purple
Price: $10

Men;s design: Real Men Eat Cupcakes, with Steph's Sweet Treats on upper back.
Colors: pink, dark blue, or charcoal gray
Price: $9

Sweatshirts: Steph's Sweet Treats logo.  This sweatshirt is technically a men's sweatshirt, (not the sweatshirt posted in the first picture from above) but I think they are great for men and women.  
Colors: Oxford gray, pink, turquoise 
Price: $30

Bags: Zipper top 18"x13" tote bag with Steph's Sweet Treats logo.
Colors: Hot pink or gray
Price: $8

How many times to you buy a shirt on vacation to represent a good time or for the memories?  I don't know about you, but I do it all the time.  So why not do it locally? If you like a business, having an item that represents them is a great way to support the business by advertising them every time you use or wear it.  I don't make a profit off of these items. I sell them for exactly what Olly Olly Oxen T's sells them to me for.  I cover the tax myself because everyone who wears a Steph's Sweet Treats shirt or sports around a bag is supporting me, which I really appreciate!

If you want to order, send me an email, contact me on Facebook, or call me.  I get pretty impatient when it comes to ordering...because I just want them now...but I will wait a few weeks so people have time to contact me.  

I do have a few other Steph's Sweet Treats things for customers (besides shirts).  I have the window decals shown above-also designed by Hollie-$2 and pens-free when you come into the shop.  I might make a Steph's Sweet Treats calendar of some sort for 2016....so keep an eye for the those!  You could look at yummy Steph's Sweet Treats goodies every day on the wall of your home or office!

Order your Steph's Sweet Treats garb today and thanks again for another week of orders!  

With Mother's Day this past Sunday, I thought it would be appropriate to do a blog post about my mom.  But I can't talk about her love and support without mentioning my dad.  So I'm making this post about both of them!  They are my biggest fans and the reason I am where I am today.  

I'm very lucky to have parents who believe in me like they do.  I'm sure many people's parents might have been concerned when their 24-year-old wanted to open their own bakery, or any business for that matter.  Granted, most parents are supportive and want their children to do what makes them happy, but to have them never think twice about my business or business plan, was more than I could have ever asked for.  Instead, they immediately went into proud parent mode and helped me find the perfect location, paint walls on the weekends, deal with contractors, make trips to get cabinets, etc.  

Before I continue bragging about my wonderful my parents were through my business journey, let me tell you a bit more about them.  My drive and entrepreneurial mindset definitely comes from them...NOT the baking side...just the entrepreneurial side.  No offense mom!  They too own a business.  I remember how scary it was when they went into business. You never know what the future holds, but all you can do is hope for the best, give it your all, and work REALLY hard.  So that's what I'm doing.

They have been in business for 12 years, and they are only getting busier.  People start businesses all the time, but to make one last and grow is something that doesn't happen a lot and is something to strive for.  They have set a great example for me when it comes to working hard and reaching for the stars.  I can only hope Steph's Sweet Treats can be compared to their success someday.   

Warning!! This next section brags about my dad and how brilliant he is.  He didn't get the chance to finish high school, out of the necessity to work and make money.  He has a mind that can look at almost anything and make it, fix it, solve the problem, or do whatever it is that needs to be done.  He doesn't have a high school diploma or a college degree, yet he is one of the smartest people I know and has grown and sustained a successful business with his business partners.  

I have worked for my parents ever since they opened their doors.  At the time, that meant going to work with my dad all day while the rest of my friends were at the beach.  I may not have always liked it, but I learned how to set goals and how to manage money. I remember a specific day where I didn't want to go home until I finished packing all the handles I had.  It was the weekend and when I finally finished, my mom took me to Madison where I spent my check on a big stack of books.  Going to Madison was a big deal when I was young, because it didn't happen often, and being able to buy my own books felt like a huge accomplishment.  My first big purchase was an ipod.  Keep in mind this was back then ipods were new, very expensive, and looked like big bricks.  I was so proud of myself for earning my own money and I used that thing up until a few years ago.  I will probably never get rid of it, just as a reminder and for good memories.  

Having worked for my parents for so long and being an only child has always been stressful for me.  Not because working for them is stressful (well lets be honest, mothers and daughters know how to push each others buttons!), but because baking has always been my passion, and I felt a huge responsibility to carry on their business...but I wanted my own.  My parents have never told me I have to work for them, or have to take over for them.  In fact, I'm not even sure they know I have always felt this sort of responsibility.  Now I spend more time baking and building Steph's Sweet Treats than I do working for them, and they couldn't be happier for me.

Their support in my business venture has eased the stress/pressure of thinking I need to stay at their company.  A little piece of guilt will probably always stick with me, but when I'm in the midst of baking for a wedding, or knee deep in weekend orders, I know I did the right thing in opening Steph's Sweet Treats.  Because doing what you love for a career doesn't feel like work at all.  Sure, there's still job stresses and business things that need to be taken care of, but as a whole, owning and baking for Steph's Sweet Treats doesn't feel like work.  It just feel like my wildest dreams have come true (still can't believe it)....I feel at home...and I wouldn't have any of it without my mom and dad.  

Now, over a year after opening Steph's Sweet Treats, if you come to my open days you've probably seen my mom around. She ran the register for Valentine's Day and pops in after work to watch the door for me so I can go in the back and finish up orders, do dishes, or eat lunch super fast.  You may have also seen her at a bridal expo with me, Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship, wedding delivery, or around town with her Steph's Sweet Treats shirt on handing out a business card or two...yes she's known to do that.  

I know my mom tells random people about my business, but I never realized my dad has done the same...until last week.  I was in Kwik Trip buying my eggs and milk in the wee hours of the morning when the cashier told me my dad was in the day before. I was surprised they knew who my dad was because I had never run into him when this particular person was working (but we do often see each other this time of morning as he also goes to work super early).  They told me my dad was one proud papa...he had told them all about what I do and my business.  I was surprised and very touched.  I'm not the kind of person who tells people what I do unless directly asked.  I had never told the worker what I do; I just let them assume that I must eat a whole lot of eggs and chug milk on a daily basis.  So hearing that my dad had tooted his proud dad horn to someone, made my heart smile.

Let's not forget my in-laws!  They too have been a huge support for me as a person and in my business venture.  I married my high school sweetheart, so my in-laws have been in my life a long time already.  They welcomed me into the family right away...my mother-in-law even let me make her kitchen a mess with my after school and weekend baking adventures!  They sport their Steph's Sweet Treats shirts around town and are always happy to spread the word about my business.  My father-in-law even does pickups at my shop for me.  If you've had to pick up in the middle of the week, you've probably met him!  

So what I'm trying to say is....thank you!  Thank you to my parents for making me into the person I am, never doubting me even when I doubt myself, pushing me to go for my dreams, and being my biggest fans.  I love you!!

(My husband is also one of my biggest fans...but I have a whole other post planned for him)

And thank you to everyone else for another week of orders!

So this blog post has NOTHING to do with baking, but it's fun and part of my life...so I hope you enjoy it!  Any men out there, don't be scared off by a clothing post.  Stitch Fix could make a great gift for someone in your life!

Have you heard of Stitch Fix?  If you haven't, don't think you've been living under a rock or anything...I only heard about it around a year ago and it has been around for quite a while. If you don't like shopping, want help figuring out what looks good on you, or you just want to get some really fun items, Stitch Fix is the way to go.  Please note that I was not paid by Stitch Fix in any way to do this post/review.  If you want to give a try yourself, click here for my referral link.

 What you need to know about Stitch Fix:
-You fill out a detailed style profile of your likes, dislikes, sizes, how much money you prefer to spend, etc. 
- You choose how often you'd like to receive a fix.  Each time you can ask for specifics if you have something specific you want, or have an upcoming event to attend.  
-A stylist chooses and sends you five items based on your wants, style profile, fashion pinterest boards, etc.  Items can include clothing and accessories.  
-You pay a $20 styling fee for the fix, BUT if you keep something from you Stitch Fix the $20 is credited towards your total.  So the only time you "lose" $20 is if you send everything back.  Bonus: If you keep all five items you get 25% off everything!
-You get three days to try on your items and decide, then you checkout online and send back what you don't want in the prepaid shipping bag you get with your box.

Now lets get on to what I got in my box this month!  I have my fixes set up to arrive every other month (but sometimes I bump them up....because I get too excited and impatient).

Charles embroidered trim blouse by Fun2Fun.  I love the idea of this top...crochet bottom, loose fitting, keyhole in the back, but it just didn't fit me right.  The bottom looks like a high-low shirt, but I don't think it's supposed to be!  So it will probably have to go back.  I say probably because the rest of my fix is pretty cool and that 25% discount for keeping all five items would make it worth it. 

Simmons bootcut jean but Kut From the Kloth.  I was beyond thrilled to see these in my fix because I specifically asked for a lighter wash bootcut Kut From the Kloth pair of jeans.  And my stylists listened!  I am amazed at how great jeans from Stitch Fix fit.  I absolutely hate finding jeans that fit right.  I swear Stitch Fix jeans are magical jeans.  No matter what they send me, they seem to fit and are comfortable.  Yes...I said COMFORTABLE jeans!  In my closet they go! 

Dean ankle zip skinny jeans by Just Black.  First, let me say these are made in the US which automatically puts them on the awesome list for me.  I've noticed Stitch Fix uses several US brands and that makes me love it even more!  Second, my stylist listened to me on these too.  I asked for skinny jeans or jeggings that were comfy and stretchy in black, white, or mint (since I would eventually like to have all three), and they sent me these.  Fit like a glove and I'm pretty sure I could do yoga in them... they are that comfy.  For sure a keeper!

Shay maxi dress by Gilli.  My stylist once again gave me something I wanted.  I asked for a maxi dress that would fit my short frame.  She noted that this dress may be a little too long, but would be a great length if paired with wedges.  Did I mention the stylist puts together outfits for each item too?!  The dress fit great, and I thought the length was good as well.  The pattern on the bottom is unique, which I like.  The only thing throwing me off about it right now is that I am pale as a ghost so the light gray isn't very flattering.  Hopefully I won't stay a ghost all summer....so at this point I'm putting this in the keep pile.

Minna crew neck top by Le Lis.  I like the pattern, weight, and color of this shirt, but I'm just not sure how much I would wear it.  I really don't get to wear anything other than a t-shirt, sweatshirt or apron two days a week...and that's if I decide to get out of my sweats on Sunday :)  But, like I said before, if I keep all five items I would get a discount and would probably end up wearing the shirt.  Undecided about this one.  

Overall, I was VERY happy with this Stitch Fix.  I didn't have a good box last time, but I think I found a stylist I really like.  I had one that I thought I liked, then she went on vacation...and I got this one.  So I will be asking to keep my stylist when I add a note to my next fix.  When you checkout after getting your items, you get to review each item and leave notes about the items so the stylist gets an idea of what you thought.  Then, you can leave the stylist a note about anything you want next time.  

Getting a fix in the mail is a little like Christmas on your doorstep instead of under a tree.  Even if there are items you don't care for, seeing what's inside is always fun and you get to send back what you don't want for no charge! I've also noticed that some of the things you assume you won't like, you really like once you get them on.  It really opens your eyes to new styles. Try it for yourself here.  Let me know what you think!

Thanks for another week of orders and I hope to see you all at my open day Friday!