Wednesday, August 15, 2012

back, inspired

I have been on holiday for the last two weeks. I didn't mean to go dark but I convinced myself that I shouldn't boot my laptop while I was off. And for the most part I succeeded, except for one small work emergency. Overall the holiday was wonderful, relaxing and I enjoyed spending time with my kids.. All that stuff. But as someone who doesn't really like her job I find that during my time off I spend my free moments stressing over the fact that I HAVE.TO.GO.BACK instead of just enjoying myself. Every moment is coloured with a melancholy. I have been halfheartedly looking for a new job, but I am not sure I want to stay in this career at all. I partly think I should just stay put till I find my passion, my thing. And the thing is, I think I may have come up with an idea.

A few weeks ago I was reading a post on Brene Brown's blog and she wrote a post about Chris Guillebeau and his new book "The $100 startup". Very spur of the moment I clicked on the Amazon link and bought the book. Without even thinking, I just did it. And of course through the awesomeness of Amazon it was on my desk 2 days later. That night before bed I read the first two chapters and my mind was spinning. So many ideas, so much inspiration. After putting it down I couldn't even sleep. The idea that I could be my own boss, work for myself. Do something I love. It has been something I have dreamed about for years but never dared consider. I always thought that I would have to wait till we had less no debt, till the kids were older. But while reading these first two chapters I was inpired. Why couldn't I start something, do it WHILE I work. Use the little bit of extra income to pay off my debt faster And then, just then, we might be in a position to accept the loss of my salary. But what if, dare I even think it, what if the loss of my salary didn't hurt as much, because I already had a business going on the side. And I could focus on it, grow it. Oh man, I am so inspired.

But did you read that paragraph closely. If you did you will notice that I only read the first two chapters. In true ME fashion I am spooked. There is light at the end of this dark tunnel and instead of facing it head on I am averting my eyes. I am scared. I look at the book (now sitting in my living room) and my heart races. I want to pick it up. I want to keep reading it. I NEED to keep reading it.

With that being said, even with just these first two chapters read I have come up with an idea. And I have given myself a deadline. I have to start working on it in the next two weeks.

MY idea. OMG you have no idea how difficult this is for me to type. What if you all think I am crazy, the idea won't work. I'll never make a living. Why would anyone ever buy what I am selling. ~breath~ I am just going to put it out there. Be honest, tell me what you think. I can take it.

I want to bake. To start I want to bake healthy snacks, muffins, cookies and the like. Sell them to parents who want healthy snack food for their kids lunches but don't have the time to prepare them themselves. The parents who like me cringe every time they drop $3 on a box of Bear Paw cookies or store bought granola bars. And by healthy I mean banana chocolate chip muffins with cauliflower in them. Granola bars with spinach. But they will taste good, the kids will eat them. Happily eat them. Sneak the good stuff in there. I already have ideas for other products but I need to start working on recipes. I need to slow down with the ideas and just start baking. My soccer league ends in two weeks and my deadline is that I will create a sample box for each of my teammates. So they can sample, give me feedback and hopefully a few will become/refer customers. 

Phew, now it is out there. I am in tears, scared to death. It isn't that I am afraid to start. I am afraid of what this could become. Could this actually be the thing that delivers me into a life where I love what I do. I want this so bad. That is why I am so afraid.
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14 comments:

  1. I find it's the success that scares me more than failing.

    Your idea is awesome and I think it will do really well. Someone at BlogHer was telling me about a community industrial kitchen, that small food businesses could use to make large batches. That's what you need.

    Just close your eyes and jump!

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  2. Do it Chantal. That is amazing that you have thought of something you want to do. You have to try it.

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  3. You can do this. It *is* scary. Risk is scary but can be so rewarding. Failing is such a scary word/thought but if we try something, put our heart into it and do our best, can we ever really fail? Success comes in many different forms, and just starting is more of a success story I think than not starting at all.

    Start baking, trying recipes like you said and get a real feel for it and let the creativity flow. You CAN do this.

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  4. So first of all, JUST YESTERDAY I was thinking to myself "how can I get healthier school snacks for my kids when not only do I not have time to cook but I don't want to do it". Honestly. Yesterday! They get bear paws and cheese strings and granola bars and juice boxes. End of story.

    So... #1 I think it is a FABULOUS idea. I think it could do REALLY well and I would buy your stuff.

    #2 It's going to be a lot of work. It can be totally manageable, but just know, it's a lot of work. With something like this you could start out pretty slow but if you're wanting it to replace your entire income, you'll want to put a lot into it.

    #3 Start baking but start researching kitchens and the like. What are the rules for baking from your home? I don't know if there are any, but I'd want to know.

    #4 I have never read a book about starting a business. I probably should/should have, but I haven't. I've always just closed my eyes and jumped. And I kind of love that.

    Keep me posted. I really think it's a great idea :)

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  5. I think having FOUND something you're excited about and can love and be passionate about is almost the biggest step, Chantal! I think your idea of a sample box is a fabulous one. After getting your soccer team's feedback, what about repeating the process with each of your boys' classrooms? Or even each of the teachers at the school? Maybe with each box you could include a feedback form? And once you get the form back, you could follow up and, as a thank you, give those who took time to fill out the form a coupon for a percentage off their first order?

    With something like this, I think that once you have a customer base, the logistics of ordering/fulfillment/delivery will be the biggest headache (at least it would be for me!).

    So perfect your recipes, get some feedback, and get yourself out there!

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  6. You rock Chantal! You can live your dream if that s what you wnt to do, anything is possible!

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  7. Was commenting here but it turned into a small novel. Will email instead :).

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  8. Have you thought about starting small with some of the local craft shows? I know a couple of people that have sold their baking at Urban Craft and it would help you figure out your market and the work involved and where your prices should be.

    Like Lara said, it's a lot of work and time, but if you're happier then that makes all the difference.

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  9. I think this is a wonderful idea and I hope that you go for it. It is something I would be interested in buying, definitely. Best of luck and keep us posted!

    Now can you help me find my 'thing' that I could make a living out of??

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  10. I've had your baking and I would buy more in a heartbeat. Knowing how much you want this for yourself, now I want it for you too.

    I've been in the place you are; I have wanted to start my own business for years. I will be honest with you and say that the last 6 months I have worked harder and longer hours than ever before and I am loving it. I've just started to reduce my hours (slowly, but surely) at work.

    Everyone needs to do something they love. It's energizing and fulfilling in ways that I'm still figuring out. I've already past the $100 mark, but I am still curious to read that book, especially after hearing about what Chris did at World Domination Summit. Here's the story if you haven't seen it: http://www.cc-chapman.com/2012/the-people-and-magic-of-world-domination-summit-2012/

    Chantal, I believe you will do so well with this. It can be one of the greatest things you've ever done - for yourself and you family. I can't wait to say I'm your customer!

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  11. Don't be scared! You can totally do this. Think of Larabars! Maybe start with one product and take it from there. And you're right, just go for it, rather than over strategizing - but maybe think of it as a hobby so it's not too stressful. A great book to read is Mom Inc. by the ladies @admiralroad. They map out everything you need to know about being a mom entrepreneur - from mom entrepreneurs themselves. So exciting!!! Keep us posted, of course!! xoxo

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  12. Don't be scared! You can totally do this. Think of Larabars! Maybe start with one product and take it from there. And you're right, just go for it, rather than over strategizing - but maybe think of it as a hobby so it's not too stressful. A great book to read is Mom Inc. by the ladies @admiralroad. They map out everything you need to know about being a mom entrepreneur - from mom entrepreneurs themselves. So exciting!!! Keep us posted, of course!! xoxo

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  13. You inspire me! Go. Do it. How wonderful that you have a.ready found YOUR idea. Some of can't even get to that point. You'll never know if you don't got try and you know you'll regret it if you dont! Soar!

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  14. Hey lady - where is my sample? ~Rhonda (supporting you, big hug)

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