Ohhhh 2020....What a YEAR!
2020 started out strong with my in person classes selling out and I taught almost 40 classes by March. Then….. Coronavirus turned everyone’s world upside down and made me have to think fast to reinvent my business. I am single and have bills to pay soooooooo I decided to go virtual. When I started teaching in 2018, I thought I would give teaching a try and I would see how it went, I could always go back to making desserts.
In 2016 I burned out of working in Restaurants and resorts after a decade and I promised myself, I would not let that happen again.
I am a very introverted person, but also a very social person and one thing that I lost when I burned out was connection. I was usually in a kitchen by myself baking or around people that were doing other things. Connection to people and connecting people to my passion and desserts was something I needed to tap into.
When the pandemic hit, I knew I could start making desserts and sell them or I could continue to teach. I knew I had to focus on one thing. The one thing that connects me and lights my badass baker within me is teaching you baking and connecting with you.
I had to quickly learn zoom and luckily had my friends in Sacramento Joyce and Jen, take my first set of classes and teach me zoom. Not only was virtual a new way to teach, but I was now able to teach students and friends that could not take my classes in person due to distance. Sounded good to me:)
My thoughts about going virtual were….”how do I continue to make these connections over a computer and bring the energy that is needed for in person classes over a screen?”. I honestly thought I would teach my in person students on the computer and although I did have several students take my classes online, the majority of my students were not in Cleveland.
I have almost doubled my classes from last year teaching 176 classes this year and 45 topics. My most popular classes this year were Flourless torte and French Macarons. My favorite classes were Funfetti cake rolls classes, Pop Tarts, Napoleons, Oatmeal cream pies, Yule logs, Bagels and Pretzels and Focaccia.
I have taught students in Germany, India, the Phillipines, Canada, Hawaii, Utah, Iowa, Washington, Delaware, California, New York, Virgina, Florida, you name it, I have taught in a LOT of the 50 states and several countries.
I have been featured in Country Living Magazine and Parade Magazine, Cleveland Magazine, the local Newspaper, on local news and New Day Cleveland.
I have received no financial assistance this year except the stimulus check.
I have continued to learn how to adjust and it has been extremely tough. I have been frequently overwhelmed, stressed and kept on going.
I survived having coronavirus during what is typically my busiest time of year and had to cancel tons of holiday orders that definitely put a strain on what is typically my best month of the year.
I hired a virtual assistant who has been SOOO helpful with so many behind the scenes things like setting up gift cards, classes and any question that I could not figure out on my own, she would do for me!! Thank you Debbie!!!
I truly could not get through this year without your support. You may not know the days and times that I am struggling, but you always seem to be there to support me no matter what.
YOU showed up for classes both in person and online, You gifted my classes, shared and liked my posts. YOU sent me personal messages checking in on me. YOU shared your personal stories and families with me, you celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, hosted team building events, signed your kids up for camps, You brought joy, smiles, creating and taught me sooo much. YOU allowed me into your homes virtually, YOU voted for me to be the greatest baker for an unprecedented amount of time and YOU truly make me proud and happy to have your support. I have the best students and fans ever!!!! YOU are Truly amazing!!
THANK YOU FOR STICKING BY THIS BADASS BAKER. I HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN SOON. STAY SAFE!
xoxo
Annie