In case you didn't know, Steph's Sweet Treats only opens once a month. Once a month?!  Yes, yes I know.  It's not that often.  But there's reason and logic behind it.   I promise!  It's just me, myself, and I running the bakery, so when I opened I chose to bake by order.  After opening to the public for Valentine's Day last year, I realized it drew a crowd and created a "special event" for the area.  That's when it hit me that I should aim to open once a month.  I plan to stick with this method since it has kept me busy! 

I try to keep the open days around the same time of the month, but events, especially weddings, have thrown that off.  I've had some people wonder why I only open once a month, and what goes into it...so I thought I'd do a post telling everyone about it.

I've talked a little bit in the past about why I bake by order and only open once a month, but in case you need a refresher: 
-I'm the only baker/owner so I do all the work.  
-I want Steph's Sweet Treats to be different and unique.
-Opening once a month creates more of a crowd and makes it special.
-Opening daily wouldn't move the same amount of product-I don't think the area could sustain more than one open daily bakery.

So...what goes into an open day? The first thing I do is try to find a day that works.  Which is always a challenge because I never know what orders are going to pop up for that weekend. Recently, I had an unexpected wedding pop up on one of my open days and it worked better than expected since they chose mostly from flavors I was having for the open day.  Since wedding season is in full swing, availability is very limited at Steph's Sweet Treats.  For this reason, the next two open days fall on wedding weekends.  For these open days, I will base flavors on the wedding orders and probably have less cupcakes available.

Once I have a day picked, I start picking flavors.  I like to do one gluten free, two flavors that are deluxe level and at least six that are specialty flavors.  Sometimes I go overboard and do more specialty flavors (because I can't decide) and throw in some regular vanilla and chocolate as well.  For June's open day I did: Gluten free vanilla strawberry, birthday cake, funfetti, thin mint copycat, raspberry white chocolate cheesecake, strawberry rhubarb, hot fudge sundae, Mississippi mud pie, and peanut butter cookie dough.  (Plus some random extras I had throughout the day)   I try to throw in a few flavors I've had at previous open days, a few go-tos/favorites, as well as some flavors that are new to open days.  

Depending on the orders for the week and weekend, prepping for the open day can vary.  Usually, Wednesday is when I do prepping of things like, frosting, fillings, crusts, etc.  Thursday, in the wee hours of the morning, I start baking.  I like to bake things the day before they are going to get eaten.  I have found, at least for my recipes and methods, that sitting overnight helps develop flavors and makes the cupcakes more moist.  Then, 12-14 hours later when I finish the cupcakes, I get my display cases out, write on the menu board, stock up my stickers and containers, have my husband put my signs up around town, and head home for a little sleep.

Every open day I do I feel like a kid on their first day of school...I can't sleep!  I love seeing customers, seeing their reactions if it's their first time, catching up with repeat customers, etc.  Even though I have to wake up early and get going again, it's always hard for me to sleep through the night because I'm excited to wake up and see everyone!

The morning of an open day I wake bright and early (again) and start baking (again)!  This time around it's for the weekend orders that are not related to the open day.  I try to get everything baked so I can go back throughout the day and finish frosting and decorating whatever it is that needs to be done.  So if you come in and I'm running around in back, I'm trying to finish an order, baking, doing dishes, or washing containers all the cupcakes were stored in.

I open at 6:30 in the morning because there's always a few people who go to work early and want to stop before work so they don't run the risk of not getting any after they are done with work.  Lately, getting my door open by 6:30 has been a challenge.  It takes a long time to load my cases now that I have four of them....I have no idea how I survived on two cases before!  So I start loading the cupcakes around 5:45 am, then move things around so I have space for the rest of the cupcakes in the kitchen while keeping the weekend orders separate.  

In the first hour of being open I try to get as many of my weekend orders done as possible and get any pre-orders packed up.  I got lucky this past open day and didn't have too many orders for the weekend.  Normally, I would have been freaking out about not having very many weekend orders, but since it was an open day, I was pretty relieved.  I also knew that people who would have normally ordered chose to just use the open day cupcakes for whatever their weekend events were.    

This open day was extra special for me.  My Grandpa and Grandma Carley came from Richland Center to see me and get some cupcakes.  They do this often, but it never becomes any less special.  Plus, my grandpa said "I'm pretty proud of you kid."  Tears!  The words "I'm proud of you" always make me get teary-eyed, but having it come from him means even more.  To top it off....my cousin and Godson came all the way from LaCrosse!!!  Such an amazing feeling to see them walk into my shop.  I don't get to see them that often so their long trip to see me was extra special. 

My husband stopped by after he got done with work and did my dishes and kept me company...thank you, thank you, thank you!  It was a busy day, so even though I had the weekend orders finished, I had not had the chance to do the dishes yet.  He also brought me lunch....which took me three hours to fully eat.  Like I said...it was a busy day!  I was running around so much my husband said I was making him tired just by watching me.  I love every minute of it though!

I started the open day with 671 cupcakes, but with some extras I had from my weekend baking and the baking for the wedding tasting I had to do the next morning, I put out 736 cupcakes...and sold them all.  Did I mention how amazing all my customers are?!  Thank you all so much!  Thank you for another week of orders and helping me sell out the open day!  Hope to see you all on July 24 for the next one!

I bet when you saw the title of this blog post you were thinking one year of business....but I meant one year of marriage!  This past Sunday was my one year wedding anniversary so I thought it would be the perfect time to tell you a little more about my biggest supporter, number one fan, and cupcake taster.  My husband and the other half of Steph's Sweet Treats!  

-Side note:  Quick shout out.  The amazing photos throughout this post come from my photographer Kelsey Jean Photography.  You can contact her at 608-214-5357 or [email protected].  Give her Facebook page a like while your at it too.  Do it!

So by one year I really mean 10.  What do I mean by that?  Even though we just had our one year wedding anniversary, we've actually been together for 10 years.  We are high school sweethearts.  I actually had a huge crush on him in 8th grade...sorry I digress. High school sweethearts are rare, but oddly enough our class has five or six sets of high school sweethearts who got married in the past few years or are about to be married.  It seems like we all dated for an eternity before actually getting married.  Something I am now very thankful for.

I'll be honest and say dating for years and years is not always something I saw the bright side of.  When everyone around you dates for a year or two and gets married and you've been together for way longer than anyone you know and aren't married, it can be a little tough. But the thing about being a high school sweethearts is that you literally grow up together.  You go through petty high school dramas, moving out of the house, getting careers, homes, etc.  That's a lot of changes!  Most people get married a year or two into a relationship and have to weave their way through these new aspects of life and new aspects of a person. We got to go through a lot of that before getting married.  We've gone through ups and downs, figuring out life...you know, typical life problems. 

Don't get me wrong, I know things will still come up the rest of our lives and things won't always be rainbows and butterflies, but having dated so long, I feel like that experience makes you pretty strong since you've already hashed out a lot of problems.   I'm in no way saying high school sweethearts or long term relationships before marriage are in any way superior to anyone else's.  I'm saying, for me personally, having the chance to work through so much before getting married, worked for me and made us stronger.  I also realize, it isn't the case or circumstance for everyone. Everyone's story is different and I just want to share ours with you.

And let me tell you...as soon as I came to the acceptance that I was perfectly happy and didn't need marriage...we had a house, cat, dog, and a stronger relationship than ever..we got engaged!  It was the last thing I expected.  We had just gone through a small home renovation.  If you've done any home renovation you  know it's stressful and takes quite a bit of teamwork.  I don't know if this experience is what triggered Aaron (my husband) to get engaged, but whatever it was, I'll be forever grateful for. Because even though I accepted the possibility of not ever getting married, being married has brought us even closer.  

I always joke that it's a miracle Aaron hung on to me so long since he likes to trade things in pretty regularly....4-wheeler, dirt bike, house, truck, etc.  Well he's hung onto this last 4-wheeler for quite awhile so it must rank well too.  He always shrugged off other people's questions about marriage, so when he asked me to marry him (with cupcakes!) my first response was shock and I said "since when??"  And then of course I said yes!

Warning!  Mushy picture ahead.  Couldn't help but share this one.  I feel like Kelsey and sun flares have become a thing for our photos.  And I love them!

I'm sure you've realized by now that I like organization and planning.  My husband is pretty opposite of this.  Which makes him pretty awesome for putting up with the craziness that is my Type A personality.  I mean..come on...we got engaged, planned a wedding, and started a business in a little over a year's time.  That's a lot!  But boy oh boy did my need to be organized come in handy. I like to do things myself, but Aaron is always there ready to help if needed, or force his help when I'm reluctant to accept it and he sees it will ease my stress.  He painted walls at the bakery, did some dry wall sanding, went on equipment runs, and still helps out by cleaning the grease trap, going to get supplies, and doing the occasional sink full of dishes. 
 
Even if he's not there to physically help me, he's always there emotionally.  Whenever I have a long day, stressful event, or doubt myself...he's there.  (And of course he's there to taste test new cupcakes)  On a more serious note, I honestly don't know how I could stay sane without him.  I've taken on a lot in the past couple of years and he has always been nothing but supportive.  He has literally let me chase my dream.  It is scary to start a business, especially financially, but he believes in me...so he never shows any fear or doubt.  Him having my back is a huge key to Steph's Sweet Treats continuing to be a success.  

Being married to someone who owns a business probably isn't easy.  Especially since I'm the only person running it.  I'm at the bakery for really long hours, come home exhausted a lot (which makes Friday nights not so much fun most of the time); I'm always talking about ordering something, the latest cake/order, or anything bakery related, always returning calls and answering questions, etc.  Yet there he is...he's even dedicated most of his Saturdays to delivering and setting up weddings with me.  Who knows...maybe I can even teach him to bake so he can help me and I don't have to give my secrets to anyone else!  Ok, maybe that's a stretch...or is it??  I know he could do it and I know he would help me if he could.  So maybe I'm not too far off in saying that.  Don't panic Aaron.  I won't be throwing you into the kitchen for my open day baking :)

Warning!  Another mushy picture below.  But it's another sun flare so I had to share.  Plus I added a few more photos from our one year anniversary session since Kelsey does such great work!

Lastly, I just want to say happy anniversary to my husband again.  Thanks for being there with me through this crazy business journey, being my biggest fan, loving me for me, and being as goofy as I am.  In 10 years we've grown a lot, learned a lot, and been through a lot.  All of which have made us who we are today and has made us stronger.  Life isn't easy, but with you by my side, I'm confident we can handle it.  I love you!!  

Thanks for reading my mushy blog post everyone and thank you for another week of orders! I hope to see you all at my open day Friday!

It's Stitch Fix time!  If you haven't joined Stitch Fix yet....getting one of these boxes at your door is like Christmas morning!  What is Stitch Fix?  A great way to shop for clothing without ever leaving your house and shopping with the help of a stylist. 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 once again I got impatient and bumped my shipment up.  I just really want more fun summer items....at least that's the excuse I'm using!  

Also, since my husband doesn't understand or like fashion at all.  He doesn't get the boot trend and calls every cardigan a blanket...his favorite outfit on me is jeans and sweatshirt!  So thought it would be fun and funny to add his feedback.  

Le Sample-Kahlo Embroidered Racerback Tank:  This tank went straight into my closet!  I had pinned the maxi dress version of this shirt and since it was unavailable my stylist sent it in the tank version...and I love it!  It's slimmer on the top and flows at the bottom, which I love!  It looks like a fairly simple top, but the details make it great.  It has lace embroidery on the front, racerback straps, and fabric gathering in the back.  

Husband's feedback: "Yea I like it" 

Skies are Blue-Frankie Lace Detail Blouse:  I liked this top a lot, especially the lace detail, but the sleeve situation was just a little odd on my narrow shoulders.  See those little flaps that are suppose to add a feminine touch?  They would have looked great on the right person, but on me, it just looked like extra fabric over my armpits.  Not very flattering.

Husband's feedback: "That looks weird. But you can do whatever you want."  Since I also thought the arms were a little strange and since it's not really my goal to look nice but a little weird...back it went.

Pixley-Priya Diamond Printed Knit-Back Tank: While I liked the colors of this top and light weight quality of it, it was too boxy and the print was a little much for me.  I have started getting more into printed items because of Stitch Fix, but this one is not one that I could on board with.  Back it went.

Husband's feedback: "What is that shirt?"  Me:  "Too much print?"  Husband:  "It's too much something."   Ohhh this made me giggle.

Just Black-Cami Crop Jean:  The jeans I get from Stitch Fix I swear are like sisterhood to the traveling pants jeans.  I always have a hard time finding jeans (which I think is a pretty common problem) so getting a pair in the mail seems like a disaster waiting to happen.  It's actually a miracle!  All my favorite jeans now come from Stitch Fix.  They are always the perfect length, fit and oh so comfy!  These crop jeans are the perfect for wearing under boots or folding into capris.  

Husband's feedback:  Never gave him a chance! Loved them so much I immediately threw them in the closet.  

Papermoon-Waters Chevron Print Maxi Dress: I love, love, love the maxi dress I got a few months ago from Stitch Fix and have requested more from now on.  I was excited to see one in this fix....but that tiny little drawstring at the waist...not a fan.  It hits me in a strange place and l just don't care for it.  The print, while pretty loud, I actually started to like as I had it one.  Just couldn't get over that darn drawstring.  Back it went.

Husband's feedback:  "That makes you look old."  Me:  "What?!" as I laugh.  Husband: "Just looks like something an old person would wear."  

If you want to give Stitch Fix a try click here.  I have had the best luck by being very specific with what I want.  Happy stitching and thanks for another week of orders!

In the year and a half I've been open I've had a lot of requests for job shadowing.  The interest is only increasing (which is great and flattering), but I thought it would be a good time to address it...and address why I do not do them.  I get it, job shadowing is a great chance to get a glimpse into a future career, but my situation is a little different than most businesses.  

Even though I turn down shadows, I am more than happy to do interviews/ answer questions for school projects about my business, career, etc. (and have done so).  I also participated in mentoring day last year where students were scheduled to come in and got to learn about my business and I walked them through decorating a few Halloween themed cupcakes.  I've also gone to a classroom to give presentations on my business or do a tutorial with a class.  I'm working on doing more things like this in hopes of giving students a shadowing experience without them actually having to come into the kitchen for my crazy day to day baking. If you haven't noticed...I like schedules and predictability.  Shadowing throws me off.  So if I can give students shadowing in a planned scheduled form through events like mentoring day or interviews, I do it.  I'm sorry if you have tried to do a shadow with me and were disappointed in not being able to do it.  Like I said, I'm more than happy to do an interview and am working on events to accommodate students.  

Thanks for another week of orders! 

Being a new (and small) business makes it tough to offer a whole lot of deals, but I have come up with a few in the past year that I hope people like.  I can't offer huge discounts or freebies, but I do my best!  This post will tell you a little more about the deals and promos Steph's Sweet Treats does have.  If you don't regularly check the Steph's Sweet Treats Facebook page, you may not even know about them!

Stand Rental Deal
My newest deal is free wedding display rental when the bridal shower and wedding are both booked with Steph's Sweet Treats.  If you are planning a bridal shower, or  couple's shower of some sort for a couple who has booked their wedding with Steph's Sweet Treats, contact me and you will be able to give them the gift of free rentals for their wedding!  Already booked me for your wedding and want free rentals? Tell your shower planners about this deal and make sure they let me know who the shower is for so I can write you down for free rentals!

If you weren't aware of these promos I hope you can now enjoy them!  Thank you for another week of orders!  Wedding season is about to be in full swing so order ahead.  Weekend availability is becoming limited.