Dear 2019,

Oh dear, 2019, where do I begin??…… I will say this, I am more confident, smarter, a better baker, a better human and not ashamed to be proud of my accomplishments.

I have worked extremely hard to get where I am. This year, I made sure I took some time for myself, said no to things, said yes to LOT of things. I took a big leap and left my security blanket of sorts (I no longer have a part time job). I have spent the last 3 1/2 years trying to figure out how to run a business. I have finally made progress and feel like the tides are changing for the better.

Running a business never gets easy, but I am always learning and growing. I started this business with no business background. I run it alone. I wear many hats and it is extremely challenging to say the least.

I will continue to learn and grow every day of every year and I will continue to make mistakes. So will you, we are human.

I will continue to be the real, cheesy, flighty, badass baker that has allowed me to become a badass teacher to the best students ever. I will always laugh at pretty much anything and everything, I will continue to hang with my favorite people and continue to travel (as often as possible).

I will continue to base my restaurant choices and travel choices primarily by the carbs and desserts for as long as I possibly can (and the company of course).

My goal for 2020 is to work smarter, not harder. November and December 2019 were completely amazing, but honestly I barely had time to breathe, sleep, eat and rest.

I am grateful to have had some amazing things happen in 2019. Some of my highlights include:

  • I was named the 5th best Pastry Chef in Cleveland by Cleveland Scene Magazine

  • I was featured on Fox 8 with Stefani Schaefer

  • I was on New Day Cleveland 2x

  • I got to film a cinnamon rolls class with my parents, my aunt, my friends and my students and it has already aired 2x.

  • I continue to get my butt kicked in fitness (most Monday’s) by Beth Henry

  • I made desserts for one of my best friends and one of my students weddings

  • I made it to Nashville and Sacramento for the first time

  • I was on Channel 3 for the 3rd time

  • I was featured on Cleveland.com for the 3rd time

  • I had my first published dessert in December’s Cleveland Magazine

  • I had amazing assistants in my classes this year- Jenny, Dana, Tonia, Nicole, Hope, Fiona, Krissy, Sophie and I am sure I am missing a few people.

  • I taught 99 classes this year which is more than triple my first year.

  • I have the best fans and supporters EVER!

  • I have laughed, cried, pushed through challenges and accomplished things I never have even dreamed of.

  • Friendships and relationships have grown in the best ways possible.

  • My computer skills have slightly improved

  • My eating habits have not wavered

  • My love for baking has blossomed even more.

  • My appreciation for my family and friends has grown.

2020, bring it on!

xoxo

Annie

Ann LoParo