Yes, I'll admit it here and now. I am in love. The giddiness, the overwhelming excitement, the urge to shout through the rooftops "I'm in love!" - it's all there. The objection of my affection, you ask? This awesome cupcake tower!!!
The Contreras family decided to look outside the box for their recent quinceañera and opted for a cupcake tower. Yes, they have been around for a few years now, but only until now are they making a debut at quinceañeras. And what better place to make their presence known, than at a coming-of-age celebration?
I truly cannot explain how much fun I had doing this cake. What made it even better was the reaction I got. The Contreras family loved it! They even moved it from it's original corner location to a more prominent place near the entrance. The guests all loved it. That is truly the best part of it all. Being able to bring that joy into someone's life with something as simple as a cake.
Day two of business class was last night, and am I in for an exciting ride. Our coach let us know right off the bat this is not a cruiser course. She is going to make us work hard. It's a bit intimidating, but it's what I want and need. I want to create edible works of art. I want my customers to know that they will be getting more than just a cake - they will be getting a centerpiece all their guests will take about. In order to have all of that though, I need this course and training. I have 11 weeks of class ahead of me, and I am not going to lie - I'm nervous. I don't know what to fully expect or what outcome will come of it. The only thing I do know it that I am going to love this journey as I am more passionate than ever about what I am doing now.
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Business isn't always all roses and chocolate
As a tribute to my single status, I had planned on an Anti-Valentine's Day girls night out with a friend. Ha! I should know the cake business had plans of its own. After a 200-cupcake tree, doll cake, tennis shoes cake, heart cake and a two-tiered birthday cake, I was beat! I had to cancel. Luckily, my friend understood and took a raincheck.
On one of my favorite cake forums, established business owners will always warn us newbies that starting a business is like starting a new life. There is so much to learn and do in order to have a successful business. Most of the hardest work is done before one even opens the door. I'm talking of competitive research, researching marketing strategies, researching your target audience, establishing your business' identity, etc... The list literally can go on for days. As hard and overwhelming as it is, these 'to-dos' are necessities.
So where am I in the process? I am in the middle of it all. I've already put my foot through the door. Whether I was invited or not, I love the party and I'm won't be going anywhere for a while. Is it tiresome? Do I sometimes wish I can rid myself of the party clothes and just veg-out on the couch? Absolutely. But as any girl will tell you, we will suffer for the sake of fashion. I will suffer for the sake of having a successful business. My family knows this. My friends know this. And now you know it.
As of next week, I will start a business course specifically designed for small/marco business owners. This is a huge step in further developing and expanding my business ideas. (Yes, I said ideas.) It's nerve-wrecking, but worth it. I'm living a life I love and I am determined to make the best of it.
On one of my favorite cake forums, established business owners will always warn us newbies that starting a business is like starting a new life. There is so much to learn and do in order to have a successful business. Most of the hardest work is done before one even opens the door. I'm talking of competitive research, researching marketing strategies, researching your target audience, establishing your business' identity, etc... The list literally can go on for days. As hard and overwhelming as it is, these 'to-dos' are necessities.
So where am I in the process? I am in the middle of it all. I've already put my foot through the door. Whether I was invited or not, I love the party and I'm won't be going anywhere for a while. Is it tiresome? Do I sometimes wish I can rid myself of the party clothes and just veg-out on the couch? Absolutely. But as any girl will tell you, we will suffer for the sake of fashion. I will suffer for the sake of having a successful business. My family knows this. My friends know this. And now you know it.
As of next week, I will start a business course specifically designed for small/marco business owners. This is a huge step in further developing and expanding my business ideas. (Yes, I said ideas.) It's nerve-wrecking, but worth it. I'm living a life I love and I am determined to make the best of it.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Full-time job + starting business + volunteerism = NO TIME
If someone would have told me six years ago that I would be opening my own business, I would have found it hard to believe. Six years my mind was deadset on being a reporter. I envisioned myself working for The Kansas City Star or a local television news station. Running a custom bakery was definitely not in the plans. But as we all know things happens and plans change. And quite honestly, I could not be any happier.
These past few weeks have been CRAZY and AWESOME! Not only have we been able to put together some great school and church events, we've helped support other local businesses and artists in the process. While this is also a bit of a 'downtime' in terms of cake orders, it does not mean I've rested! On the contrary! I've met with a new customers for their 2010 weddings and quinceañera and equally exciting, I'm developing new products. These new products are going to be great for when the store opens.
I don't think anyone in the process of opening or developing their new business fully knows what to expect. On one of my favorite cake forums, the question of "how to start a business" comes up all the time. I always want to scream - say good-bye to weekends, Friday nights, family and so much more. And really this can go for any business. If you want to open a business, you have to be willing to make sacrifices.
These past few weeks have been CRAZY and AWESOME! Not only have we been able to put together some great school and church events, we've helped support other local businesses and artists in the process. While this is also a bit of a 'downtime' in terms of cake orders, it does not mean I've rested! On the contrary! I've met with a new customers for their 2010 weddings and quinceañera and equally exciting, I'm developing new products. These new products are going to be great for when the store opens.
I don't think anyone in the process of opening or developing their new business fully knows what to expect. On one of my favorite cake forums, the question of "how to start a business" comes up all the time. I always want to scream - say good-bye to weekends, Friday nights, family and so much more. And really this can go for any business. If you want to open a business, you have to be willing to make sacrifices.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
New Menu Ideas
I know I've talked all summer about the opening of Jose Fiestas Rental, but it's taken longer than we ever anticipated. This has truly been a big step for us all and while there have been times that we're grown impatient, we know when all is said and done it's going to be great!
The experience is also exciting and nerve-wrecking at the same time. I know I'll pretty much have to give up my weekends (not that I don't already). Demands will be higher, expenses will add up more quickly and it won't be so easy to finish things up at 2 or 3 in the morning and then just head up on to bed. But on the plus side, I am SUPER excited to expand the business! Jose Fiestas Rental customers will know get to know Kreaciones Kity and vice versa. I can't think of any other party shop in town that offers people what we will be offering.
So on this train of thought, the Kreaciones Kity menu will be expanding on so many levels! We're talking gelatina, a wider variety of cupcakes, Mexican treats and who knows what else. I have so many ideas in mind as to what I want to offer. Family and friends are either going to love or hate me during this waiting period. I'll be testing out new recipes and perfecting skills they have yet to see. They will be my test tasters - for better or worse :)
The experience is also exciting and nerve-wrecking at the same time. I know I'll pretty much have to give up my weekends (not that I don't already). Demands will be higher, expenses will add up more quickly and it won't be so easy to finish things up at 2 or 3 in the morning and then just head up on to bed. But on the plus side, I am SUPER excited to expand the business! Jose Fiestas Rental customers will know get to know Kreaciones Kity and vice versa. I can't think of any other party shop in town that offers people what we will be offering.
So on this train of thought, the Kreaciones Kity menu will be expanding on so many levels! We're talking gelatina, a wider variety of cupcakes, Mexican treats and who knows what else. I have so many ideas in mind as to what I want to offer. Family and friends are either going to love or hate me during this waiting period. I'll be testing out new recipes and perfecting skills they have yet to see. They will be my test tasters - for better or worse :)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
New season + new inspiration = new ideas
Last week marked the official change of seasons. As we put away our flip-flops and tank tops we pull out our boots and hoodies. I, for one, am excited for the new fall season. The smell of cool, crisp air while walking in the beauty of nature is an inspiring thing for me. Thankfully, this new inspiration has also led to some new ideas.
As you've noticed, this is a new blog address. I decided to make the switch after I realized that all the blogs I follow are hosted by Blogger. Why I didn't make the switch sooner is beyond me. I am still in the process of moving over past entries to this new blog. Hopefully, I'll figure it out soon so it won't take too long. In the meantime, please just hold tight. I know this move will overall result in a better, more convenient and accessible site.
As far as other new ideas, they are more like plans in progress. I've talked all summer about the new venture Jose Fiestas Rental and yes, it is still in the works. It's just taking a bit longer than we had anticipated. It's a step in a new, better direction that will ultimately allow us to better serve all of our customers. Just like you, we too, have become very impatient, but trust me it will be worth the wait!
And while it may seem that I am skipping over fall, I've already started to make plans for the new year. It is still all in the VERY beginning brainstorming stages, but I can assure you that you will only be seeing more from Kreaciones Kity in 2010.
Lastly, September marked the return of the monthly Kreaciones Kity e-newsletter. Under a new format, the issue highlighted some of my favorite cakes of the previous month, upcoming event and other valuable information. I've also added a "Vendor Connection". Email me at cristina@kreacioneskity.com if you would like to recieve the monthly e-newsletter. The next issue will be sent out within the next week.
As always, thanks for the love. Hit me up for your custom cake and cupcake orders and peace out!
As you've noticed, this is a new blog address. I decided to make the switch after I realized that all the blogs I follow are hosted by Blogger. Why I didn't make the switch sooner is beyond me. I am still in the process of moving over past entries to this new blog. Hopefully, I'll figure it out soon so it won't take too long. In the meantime, please just hold tight. I know this move will overall result in a better, more convenient and accessible site.
As far as other new ideas, they are more like plans in progress. I've talked all summer about the new venture Jose Fiestas Rental and yes, it is still in the works. It's just taking a bit longer than we had anticipated. It's a step in a new, better direction that will ultimately allow us to better serve all of our customers. Just like you, we too, have become very impatient, but trust me it will be worth the wait!
And while it may seem that I am skipping over fall, I've already started to make plans for the new year. It is still all in the VERY beginning brainstorming stages, but I can assure you that you will only be seeing more from Kreaciones Kity in 2010.
Lastly, September marked the return of the monthly Kreaciones Kity e-newsletter. Under a new format, the issue highlighted some of my favorite cakes of the previous month, upcoming event and other valuable information. I've also added a "Vendor Connection". Email me at cristina@kreacioneskity.com if you would like to recieve the monthly e-newsletter. The next issue will be sent out within the next week.
As always, thanks for the love. Hit me up for your custom cake and cupcake orders and peace out!
Friday, June 19, 2009
I know when your birthday is, I guess you should know more about me
I held off as much as I could in adding the "About Cristina" section to http://www.kreacioneskity.com/. I've never been a big fan of the section on other sites, but came to fufill the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" theory. I caved. Then I realized, I should share more about myself and what I believe. I'm a strong believer in supporting causes and businesses that you believe in and the only way people are going to believe in Kreaciones Kity is knowing more about me.
I'm not going to rehash the "About Cristina" section - I'll let you read it for yourself. One thing I don't mention in it is my education. I have a B.A. in Communication and Spanish with a minor in Journalism from Rockhurst University (Go Hawks!). Quite a different step from owning a custom bakery, huh? The passion is the same, though. The ability to visually create something that is going to inform or bring a happiness to someone is a great feeling. Taking a step back to read a finished article or an edible piece of artistry gives me a level of joy and satisfaction like no other.
But so how did I leap from writing B2B articles on agriculture to making cakes? Simple - corporate layoffs. After leaving the agriculture magazine, I took a much needed break to do some soul-searching and figuring out what I wanted my next step to be. I knew I needed to pursue a more creative outlet. Come into play my longtime love of cooking and baking - and ta-dah! Kreaciones Kity is born.
What lies ahead only God knows. I thank Him everyday for what He has given me in this life. He has given me more than I asked for or could have ever imagined. I only hope I am making Him proud. And while only He knows what lies ahead, I am taking the gifts He gave me and making some goals. When I think of what I want to achieve I'm unable to contain the excitement. If I'm able to achieve all my dreams - DUDE, IT'LL BE FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!!
So, there, now you know a little more about me and where I come from. Maybe this will make you more inclined to support Kreaciones Kity. Maybe I just talked about myself for a really long time. Either way - I hope you enjoyed it.
As always, hit me up for your cakes and peace out!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I need some R&R!!
Man, I so need some R&R. I've got another big cake weekend coming up.
I'm about to hit the grocery store to do the shopping and picking up other materials. I'm really excited about the two big cakes of the week - they've got an awesome classic design to them!
Then I have my nephew's b-day and Father's Day - gifts and cakes to worry about! It's all good though.
But DUDE, some awesome news - Jose Fiestas Rental's shop is coming along nicely!!!! It's so great. They'll be located on 9th street in KCMO and it'll pretty much be your one-stop party shop. You'll be able to pick up your tables, chairs, moonwalks, tablecloths, food chafer and other rentals there as well as other party supplies. We're talking ballons, plastic tablecloths, candles - everything! And the awesome thing - I'll in their in-house baker! Yup! You'll get to pick up your custom cakes and cupcakes and even pick up some last minute pastries. Definitely a VERY exciting thing. I haven't gotten around to take photos of the place (combo of no time and camera still messing up), but as soon as I get some, I'll post them.
So yes, it's an exciting time - I'm loving it!
As always, hit me up for those cake orders - peace out!
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