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.

New Menu Ideas

French Toast Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Originally uploaded by Kreaciones Kity

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 :)

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!

Talk about busy!

It's been a while but boy has it been busy!

First have you checked out the new flickr account? Check out www.flickr.com/kreacioneskity. I'll slowly be moving the entire photo gallery there. It's been a slowly but steady process. It's MUCH easier to access and much more user-friendly than the Myspace gallery. I won't change anything from the Myspace account, so consider the flickr page a supplement.

Secondly, don't forget to follow me on Twitter. Go to www.twitter.com/kreacioneskity. When you login you be sure to send me an invite to cristina@kreacioneskity.com so I can follow you as well.

Thirdly, Jose Fiestas Rental is almost opening. Anyone that has opened a storefront knows that opening is much easier said than done. Trust me though, it is going to be AMAZING! Imagine one place to get all your party party rental equipment, party supplies, cakes and so much more. It's going to be unbelievable! Trust me on this one.

And finally, mark your calendars. Kansas City Quinceañera is working to put together a quinceañera expo. This is the perfect opportunity to meet a great group of vendors all working to give you a great event! Not planning a quinceañera? No worries. If you are planning any sort of event, you need to come to this. DJs, reception halls, musicians, photographers - you name it - and there will be a vendor there. It's tentatively scheduled for September 26, 2009. Once I have all the details, I will pass them along. In the meantime, check out Kansas City Quinceañera at http://kcquinceanera.ning.com/. This is a GREAT resource for anyone have a party.

Sorry for the lack of pictures this time around. I do have one special treat - an oldie but a goodie. Theya's Surprise cupcakes. I LOVE these cupcakes!!! Remember, you can only get these from Kreaciones Kity. :)

As always, much love. Hit me up for your cupcake and cake orders. Peace out!

P.S. On Sept. 22, I'll be taking a class with Bronwen Weber! Yes, Bronwen Weber - Food Network Challenge competitor and winner. I am super excited about it! I'll be creating a 3D Cowboy Cake. AWESOME!!!! I'll definitely be posting after it happens.

Now really - much love and peace out!

I'm finally back!

Yes, it has only been about two weeks, but that has seemed like forever! I have good reason though. I've been busy in the kitchen - baking! I'm even going to have to cut it short today. I'm only posting two photos today - Emilio's boxing gloves and Ruben's "21" cake. I did an awesome Tinkerbell cake on July 4, but of course, I forgot to take a pic. I was very bummed about that. I LOVED how it came out!

Other tidbits before I get to the photos. Jose Fiestas Rental is moving right along - A GREAT JOB!! I can't wait for all of you to see the final product! You are not going to want to leave the shop. Second, don't forget to book your XV or wedding cake with plenty of notification! Same goes for your regular orders. I need at least 48 hours notice for my minimum order. I can't guarantee anything after that. Finally, I'm planning my yearly vacation. I'll let you all know when it is coming up so you can prepare yourself.

Now onto the goods :) I was proud of Emilio's boxing gloves. They were the first ones I ever did and I'd have to say not bad for a first time. I know what I need to improve on for next time though.

And then we have Ruben's "21". This was DEFINITELY a changing process. Not really what I had envisioned from the get-go, but I like it. The blistering heat was not it's friend as the day progressed, but nonetheless he liked it. Again, I know what I would like to improve on for next time. What do you think?

Busy, exciting week!

Last week was a busy - that's for sure! Along with some last minute orders (that I was able to fit in) I had my 4th of July cake, some church cupcakes and my nephew's birthday cake. But the most exciting news happened earlier last week. I can't go much into detail, but let's just say that some BIG news is going to be coming from Jose Fiestas Rental and Kreaciones Kity. It's all very exciting! I know you are going to love it!

I didn't have my camera with me, so no pictures of the two cakes or cupcakes. The cupcakes looked delicious! Strawberry cupcakes with whipped vanilla icing topped with sprinkles and a marachino cherry...mmmm!

You'll have to wait for a photo of my nephew's cake. He has to see it first! I can't ruin the surprise. :)

I am very much looking forward to this weekend however - time for Ruben's big "21" cake! I can't wait. If all goes to plan, it'll going to be amazing! I'll need to start working on some of the gumpaste work tonight.

Thanks for checking in with me and as always, hit me up for the cakes and peace out!

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!