Melinda 's Biztalk posts

OFFERED: Baked Goods WANTED: Graphic Design/website help (Seattle)

I am in the process of launching my baking enterprise. I have a website and a marketing idea, but my current website doesn't quite match the niche I'm trying to carve as it was built before my idea had completely taken shape. I could use some expert help. In return, I will happily provide a free decorated cake for your next special occasion or multiple smaller baked goods for your next networking event or business meeting.

Trying to figure out how to pitch my services

I am trying to figure out how to obtain some small wholesale contracts with local coffee shops or cafes to sell my baked goods. I've contacted a few places in the area that I know, but have been told that they already have agreements with other parties. I am trying to figure out if my approach is wrong or if there is some other way to present myself and obtain a more positive outcome. Does anyone have any advice to give? I am new to this whole thing. I need to find a way to generate at least a little regular income or I won't be able to keep my workspace.

New Local baker looking for advice and encouragement

Hi Everyone! My name is Melinda. I am the owner/Pastry Chef/sole employee of The Enchanted Oven Baking company. I have recently begun my first big push to get my business off the ground and I have to say I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. I don't quite know what I'm doing and need some help understanding how make my business thrive.

First, a bit about me. I am 29. I still work full-time outside of my chosen craft because I can't afford not to at this point. I trained at the Art Institute of Seattle and graduated from their Baking and Pastry Program in 2007. I also received some practical training while working in the bakery department of QFC. That wasn't an ideal situation, but it did give me some time "in the trenches" to at least get some real-world experience in the field. Well, as much experience as one can gather in a grocery store at any rate.

I am married, but my husband is mildly autistic. This poses some problems from a business standpoint, simply because I dont have the support system in him that I need in order to make this thing suceed. Because his disability makes it very difficult for him to connect to the social world, I cannot discuss much of my business or even my goals with him because it doesn't factor in his world. It's difficult to describe in short without going into too many personal details, but it is posing a problem. At any rate, because of this complication, I feel like I'm "going it alone" most of the time and that's why I turned to Biznik. I'm hoping to find other individuals attempting and succeeding at turning their dreams into reality. I believe if I can see this working for other folks, I will find the enouragement and strength I need to do this for myself.