Bakery Closes

An end of an era..or perhaps what just feels like one.
After much thought, debate and a few tears, I have closed the
bakery. There are many reasons why I made this decision.
The dwindling economy played the biggest part.
I have been told that "things will pick up" and
asked "can't you hang on a little longer".
I suppose people are trying to be
supportive, which I greatly appreciate.
I must say, though, until you've been in the situation,
you really have no idea
what it's like. I didn't until opening the shop.
It's not easy giving up on your dream. It's not easy to admit failure,
although I have also been told
that it wasn't really a failure-only horrible circumstances.
I'm not sure I really believe that.
I find it difficult to separate business from personal stuff.
A close friend and I were talking this weekend about the
little cafe outside of Tampa that she bought shortly after
I opened the bakery. Basically, it was an inexpensive
investment that she thought would be a great idea.
Unfortunately, financial issues arose and she sold about
6 months later. The sale of her cafe was a giant relief for
her and there was no looking back. I wish it were that
simple for me. My friend walked into her new cafe with
everything there..right down to the food in the fridge.
I think the cafe was only closed for a couple of days
before she took it over. It was ready to go. I suppose
that's why she didn't have a hard time selling or walking away.
Other than the money and time, there really was no investment
and her heart wasn't attached. If you've been following this
blog -I'm sure you've seen the progression of what was and
what has become and now what has certainly ended. A dream
turned into a reality. That is now over. I am disheartened over
it all mainly because of all the time and effort
( blood, sweat and tears) that my family put into it, too.
I honestly feel like I am somehow letting them down.
Of course, when I say that and tell them I'm sorry that
I just couldn't make it work, they tell me it's alright
and they understand. I'm not quite sure I buy that either.
But, they would never say differently.
They love me too much and know what it all meant to me.
I have threatened to throw myself a big pity party,
but for now I'll put that on hold because I have a year
and half's worth of stuff that I must sort, sell and discard.

I am thankful for the friendships that were made during the
last year and a half. I've met some very nice people that
I otherwise would not have had the privilege of meeting.
I am rather shy at times and this experience has changed
me in that respect. One cannot be shy and introverted
when dealing with the public on a daily basis.
It has also taught me to take control of things and to delegate.
My husband is just loving that new found talent.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement, your business and most of all your friendship.
By the way, if you know of anyone in need of restaurant equipment.... :-)

*** Update this was originally posted by amy, but during the migration it re-did it in my name.