This was a very difficult post for me to write… namely because putting something down in writing always makes it real.
Many people have asked me how I’m going to deal with Keep It Sweet Desserts when I have the baby. About a year ago, I had it all planned out in my head. I’d get pregnant in the late summer or early fall, have a baby in the Spring or Summer when work is usually more quiet, and bounce back in time for the holiday rush. But guess what? Life doesn’t always go as planned. I got pregnant mid-winter and now have a baby due mid-October. That is just a couple of weeks before things get very busy and only 6 weeks before the work-around-the-clock holiday rush kicks in. Granted, 6 weeks is a normal maternity leave for some women. And theoretically I could have a sort-of maternity leave and then get back to work fully after that, but the idea of pretty much ditching my newborn child for a month just doesn’t appeal to me.
I’ve gone through the options in my head: Hire more people and take a step back for a few months; Shut down the business temporarily and then get back to it January 1st; Limit holiday business so that it isn’t crazy. While that might work for some people, none of these options really appealed to me. I started Keep it Sweet Desserts with a few goals in mind:
1) Make desserts that are truly worth it and make people happy
2) Build a brand name that becomes recognized nationally in a positive way
3) Grow a very successful business that makes money
I have achieved each of these goals in varying levels. Number three is obviously the most challenging and while the business DOES make money, I had big dreams and goals for the long-term. 2014 was going to be the year of making progress to achieve those goals. But then I got pregnant and exhausted and realized that instantly my priorities changed. Keep it Sweet Desserts truly is my first baby, but it is time for me to let the business go, sort of.
I won’t go into all of the details in how I made the personal decision for my family, but I’m now moving towards two options for Keep It Sweet Desserts:
1) Find an interested party to take on the Keep It Sweet Desserts business. It is an established brand with procedures, recipes, packaging solutions, logistics, supply chain and most importantly the e-commerce infrastructure. I’m looking for a motivated entrepreneur who is interested in owning an online food business. Many people dream of running their own food businesses, but there are a lot of hoops to go through and challenges to get it going. We’ve done all of the hard work for someone else. The great thing about the online world is that this person can be in NYC, California, Florida, Indiana… anywhere in the US. I’d likely start a new blog.
2) Sell my e-commerce site to any business looking to begin selling online. The beauty of this is that an interested party could use ANY domain and have the e-commerce structure ready to go (which is no easy feat). If this is the case, I’ll be able to keep the site for blogging.
The past two and a half years have been extremely rewarding in so many ways. I never imagined I’d be able to build Keep It Sweet Desserts so quickly. My blondies were on the TODAY Show, my Matzo Crack was on RealSimple.com and my desserts have been eaten by some of the best pastry chefs in the country. Every day I get a kind email from a customer and there are regularly new opportunities to build and expand. As difficult as it will be to walk away, I know that I have to do what feels right for us at this point in time.
If you’ve thought about running an internet business and you don’t know how to start it, this might be for you. Even if you’re not sure how it would work financially, contact me and we can talk through some of the details. I’m happy to discuss all of the options! If someone else that you know is looking to run a food business or needs help building their online sales structure, please send them my way! Email: info@keepitsweetdesserts.com
I’m so proud of you for making this tough decision! It must be so difficult, but only you know what’s best for you and your family. I also think it’s smart of you to realize how your life will change when baby arrives. Good luck with everything!!
Oh, and I do hope you’ll keep blogging :)
Thank you so much, Sues! Your comment really means a lot. And honestly, I can’t imagine not blogging! So I’m sure I’ll figure that out either way:-)
Such a tough decision, but it is right for you to go with your gut instinct and do what you feel is best for you and your family!! That takes a lot of strength.
Good for you for following your heart! You never regret raising your children. Congrats!!
Thanks, Liz. I really appreciate that!
When it comes to putting your children first, you always make the right decision. Lots of good luck!
Thank you, Ronnie!
I know we talked about this a little at dinner the other day-I’m sure this decision is sooo hard, but I also know that you’re following your heart and making the right decision for you and your family! You’re gonna be such an amazing mama! And I hope everything works out amazingly <3
Thank you again!!
Definitely a tough decision! At the same time it’s funny because in my unemployed status it is actually tempting to ponder picking it up for you.
We should chat!
Wow, what a tough decision Lauren. But one I’m sure you’ll never regret – family is the most important thing in the world and being there for your beautiful new baby will mean more than a million cookies sold or appearances on the Today show :-) Good luck with it all, thinking of you.
Thank you so much, Kate! I hope / think you are right!
I can just imagine what a tough decision this was for you, Lauren! It’s definitely hard finding the balance between work and family and ultimately you know what is right for you! Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you so much, Jessica. I really appreciate that!
I’m sure this was such a difficult decision. You’ll never regret following your heart to spend more time with your child(ren). Congrats and I wish you all the best! xo
Thank you, Rachel! Your comment means a lot to me.
Oh I’m so so sad about this (and Joe will certainly miss your blondies!) but I am also so happy for you that you are making the right decision for you and your family, Lauren. It’s never easy to grow and change and have your priorities also change, but I so look forward to wherever this next chapter takes you. Hopefully you do start a new blog so we can all follow along with your journey. Lots of love to you!
You are a great entrepreneur and baker and sure to be a great Mom! We are very proud of you and stand in support of your decisions!!!
Thanks, Marcia! xoxo
Congratulations on making such a difficult decision. Wishing you the best of luck!!
Thank you, Bianca!
Best to you and your family as you take this new path on life’s journey. Family Ties Rock!
Thank you so much, Correen!
I couldn’t be more proud of you! Your clear and well thought out process of decision making reminds me of your dad.
I know this wasn’t easy for you. But I also know that you have the very best of life just a heartbeat away! And I have a funny feeling that there are lots of exciting things for you still yet to be discovered!
xox
Thanks, Mom. Love you!
I’m sure this was a difficult decision – whatever ends up happening, I know you guys will be okay. xoxox
Thanks, Lynn! And thank you for being so supportive through all of it:-)
That sounds like such a tough decision, but I think that going with your instinct is best. Best of luck in the future!
Thank you so much for the supportive comment!
I was thinking about you only the other day as I’m working in Jersey City at the moment and might just put an order in for the team before you pack up! You’ve made such a brave decision but it definitely sounds like the right one for you and your family. You’ve made such a success of the business in such a short space of time; it’s really so impressive.
I’m so happy to hear that you are in town for much of the summer:-) And thank you so much for the nice comment, that really means a lot!
Congrats on the new baby!
My cousin buys and sells online business’ so if you wanted to contact him his email is 102drivellc@gmail.com
Good luck!
Thanks, Amanda!!
Congrats on your pregnancy and your decision to follow your heart. I made a similar choice when my children were young and left a demanding career I loved for 2 little people I loved way more. Never a second of regret. You are so talented that a new career opportunity will await you if/when you are ready for it in the future. I’ve been in awe of how quickly you built a successful business and I know you’ll channel that energy into being a great mother. It’s the most wonderful, important job in the world, that’s for sure.
Thank you so much, Monica, for the kind comment! It’s also good to see how successful you are after taking a step back for your children.
Oh, Lauren. I had no idea. I’m sure you went through lots of soul searching for this decision. I wish I knew! I could have prayed for ya and been an ear to listen. Do you feel better now that you’ve made your decision? I hope you have peace.
Please let us know who buys the business, because I can’t live without your brownies!
Thanks, Friend! As much as it was a difficult decision to make, the relief I felt once I was decided told me I am making the right choice.
And I’ll of course keep you updated of what happens:-)
Aww..I remember when you first took the baby steps to KIS. Now it’s different baby steps and you’re making a great decision. You can always start something else further down the road but you have to enjoy the baby years! Good luck :)