First came the engagement celebration, then we had the bachelorette party, and yesterday was the bridal shower! We are just about a month away from Adam’ and Sara’s big day!
Yesterday’s shower was a wonderful afternoon with almost 60 people excited to celebrate such a perfect couple.
And because I am crazy love them both, I offered to bake for the event. Of course the restaurant has dessert, but there is something about homemade desserts that make people feel happy and loved.
Yes, that’s right, I baked for 60 people. It was a lot of time, a lot of work, and a lot of butter, but it was worth it. Seeing people’s eyes widen as I brought out plate after plate of assorted bite-sized treats was really something.
This actually gave me the confidence I needed to start thinking about my pipe dream future in the world of baking.
It’s not something I bring up on the blog because, well, I’ve never considered it a real option. But why not? People take risks and figure out a way to combine passion and work all the time. Why should I be any different?
Up until now I was afraid.
Afraid I would fail. Afraid that my friends have only been kind to complement my baking in the past. Afraid that the one talent I believe I have isn’t really that special. Afraid of turning something I love into work and then hate. Afraid of not making enough money. Afraid I don’t have it in me to succeed in something that is really hard.
Up until now, I’ve followed a safe road. The biggest risk I took was leaving investment banking for a finance job at a start-up company. Ironically, my former employer crumbled a few months later.
But the start-up has done well and I’ve been there almost four years.
So maybe it’s time I reach a little further. Explore an unfamiliar world where cookies are a dime a dozen. Where it takes something pretty special to stand out.
And maybe I can be that special.
And maybe my talent is real.
And maybe a little fear never hurt anyone.
Because that is what will push me, what will motivate me to succeed.
Great post, love your honesty :)
Just make your fear be your motivator! You are super talented and can do whatever you put your mind to. And if you’re passionate about it, other people will be to. Go get em tiger. xo
Thank you so much, Jessica!
Go for it! I know a great PR person to help spread the word and get you in the news! ;)
I know her too and she’s pretty great! Great job Laur. I am impressed but not surprised :) Everything looks AMAZING as always! So proud of you!
You are both the best!
WOW!! Looks like you had a great time! I also love baking for similar events:) I have also had thoughts about opening my own bake shop…anything is possible:)
It was fun! I think I’d go the route of catering before a bake shop… but maybe one day, you never know!
I am completely risk adverse. I would love to start my own business baking and think about it all of the time. It is super scary though when you really start thinking of all of the logistic. I will say though that your pictures are beautiful. You will never know unless you try.
Thank you, Emily!
so many fun events! Looks like a great time!
You are amazingly talented and creative. Everything you baked was delicious and beautifully presented. Guests at the shower were raving about the desserts you baked. You can make all of your dreams come true because you have what it takes! Love, Marcia
Thank you, that makes me so happy to hear:-)
I’m so impressed you baked for so many people!! FABULOUS job!! It can be so tough to follow your dreams… But so, so worth it!!
Thanks, Sues!
theyre so lucky to have your love and skills! youre so wonderful to put out such a great spread! congrats to them!
Ah thank you, it makes me so happy to do it:-)
ohhhh that’s awesome!! I loved this–and you’re right! I believe that taking risks can bring forth such great blessings! you go girl~
Thank you, Ellie!
Great job Lauren! I agree that sometimes it’s hard to think of dreams as a reality, but that’s the only way for them to happen :) Something I’m grappling with right now too…
Thanks, Rachel… and thanks even more for comenting from your vacation:-)
The cake looks beautiful! Good job!
Go for it! You can do it. All the desserts look fabulous!
Thank you!
You ARE that special! There isn’t a thing in this world that you can’t achieve. And if this is what makes you the happiest, there should be nothing that holds you back! And besides, I happen to know someone who’s all ready to help in any way she can to help you make this dream come true! You can do this Lauren! xoxo
Sometimes you just have to take a risk! I’m about to do the same thing with nutrition. While it’s scary…you just have to believe in yourself and follow your dreams!
Thanks and good luck to you!!!
Oh I love this post! I, too, have thought of leaving what I do to follow my ‘pipe dreams’ but haven’t gotten to the point of taking the leap just yet. You are so incredibly talented and I’m excited to see what baking adventures are ahead for you.
Thanks, Madison!!! I think I’ll try to do both first and ease into transition if possible… we will see!
You can do anything you want to do! best of luck following your dreams, I have a feeling you would have a pretty big community of supporters :)
Thanks, Heather!!
I admire your honesty and bravery! It can be so hard to leave the comfort zone we build for ourselves but in the end it’s so rewarding. You can absolutely make your dreams a reality with the right determination and spirit :-) I say go for it!
Thank you so much for the nice note, Michelle!
Wow baking for 60 people – congratulations! You should def go after your baking dreams girl – every dessert I read about here is mouth-watering!! I wish you the best :)
Ah thanks, Bianca:-)
Wow – Baking for 60 people IS a challenge! But way to go! Dreams are made to be followed! :)
Thanks:-)
AWESOME post!! I say go for it! Fight for your dream. :) You are inspiring!
Thanks so much for this note, Megan!
Love this post. It’s my first time to your blog but I really appreciate the honesty. Without knowing the details my instinct is to say try it! You have to follow your passion and your “business” sense would only help.
Thank you, Lauren! And I’m so glad that you found my blog:-)
What a great post! I just found your blog and am so glad I stopped by. It seems like you have a real passion and you should follow it! You only have one life to life, right? Thanks for the inspiration. I’ll be dropping by again for sure! :-)
I’m so glad you stopped by, too! Thank you so much for the nice note, Merrie!
Your post is very inspiring. You are very talented, so just take a leap of faith so that when you look back, you will have no regrets. A chance is like a picture, sometimes you just have to take it. Use your gifts! Embrace your passion!
http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much! I love your advice:-)
Love your honesty about being uncertain. Amazing how brave you are to think about making such a change up, and how great that you have fun occasions to practice and think about what being a baker would really be like!
Thanks, Audrey Ellen!
Your recipes are amazing! You definitely have something to stand out
Thank you, that means a lot to me!
Lauren, I have SO MUCH FAITH that you can do this if it’s what you really want! I often debate whether or not I should leave what I’m doing for a more food-oriented job (but…I think I’m just gonna wait until med school is over). It seems like you’re already on your way because everything on that spread looked fantastic!
Ah you are the best! Thank you:-)
yes!! do it!
I digggggg this post. You are so talented, and lovely, and beeeauuuuutiful! I want you to go for it, Lauren. You will absolutely be a success in whatever you want to do. I just know it :)
Thank you, Andie! That means a lot!
Beautiful spread of goodies. Mmmm….baking for 60…both a challenge and a joy.
Sometimes you just have to take a chance…especially when it’s something you would love to be doing.
I think you are right:-)
I’m right behind you :)
I know:-) Love you!