09/28/2024
I have wrestled with this post for weeks. I start and stop it daily. And I've put this off for far too long.
How should I start?
It is with a sad heart....
It is with a joyful heart....
I know this will disappoint many of you....
I am really excited about my future....
It seems pointless to say that the state of our economy makes buying groceries difficult. I know that many families are struggling because we are paying more than double what we used to pay to feed our families. But as I need to ALSO buy groceries for my baking business, you can imagine the financial strain. My profit margin has taken a huge hit, and honestly, I am only willing to raise my prices so much.
My sales have been very low for months, and I can't even say that that upsets me. Everyone is being careful about how they spend their money. And I know full well that buying from me is a luxury, and not a need.
In short: our economy has made it impossible for me to have a lucrative home-based business.
As I have come to terms with this decision to "close down" my business, I have also been praying hard about what my future career could be. God has had a calling on my life for as long as I can remember: children. I went to college at age 18 studying Special Education. Once I became a mother, my focus became raising my children in a happy, healthy home with a mother whose sole/soul purpose was to put their needs above practically everything else. And so was born The Sweet Darlin' Baker. It was the perfect way to do what I love, make money, and most-importantly: make my own schedule that would allow me to still take care of my family. Now that my children are older, it seems to be the perfect time for me to pursue the calling God placed on my life when I was still a kid.
I am putting my focus and energy into Children's Ministry. I am so excited to pour into the lives of children and ask that you do your best to join me in that excitement.
It has not been an easy decision to stop baking. I have been your Sweet Darlin' Baker for SEVEN years! The relationships I have built with you over the past seven years are truly invaluable to me. You have not only shown ME love, but you have shown love to my kids and even my dog. Oh, mercy, you guys LOVE my dog Porter! He loves you too. I have attended funerals for your families, welcomed new babies and grandbabies, mourned the loss of your pets, prayed for your sick or struggling children, received and gave "I love yous" every pickup week, and so much more. This has always been more than just baking, so you can imagine how difficult this has been. I will miss seeing you guys more than you know.
I don't want to give any false hope of my return to SDB shenanigans. But there is the possibility that I will still work my magic for special occasions and holidays. My Christmas market has always been the highlight of my year.
So, today, it's "bye for now." Please send me a friend request to my personal page so we can keep up with each other. I would also love for you to share your thoughts below or maybe share a special memory you share with me.
Thank you for helping me grow. Thank you for your loyalty. Thank you for sharing my goodies with others. Thank you for loving me and my family. Thank you for letting me be your Sweet Darlin' Baker.
❤️Mandi
