My 3rd Annieversary!
August 27th 2020 marks my 3rd Annieversary:)
It feels like I have been doing this for decades in the best way. I finally found my footing, my passion and am pushing through every challenge to keep this business alive. I am reflecting on what has happened in just the last 12 months for me personally and my business. Thank you for being here to support me. It means the world to me. Honestly, Covid could have taken me down very easily. I run this business alone and have no financial support or loans. I had to think smart and quickly to figure out how to continue this business and just like I have been since the beginning, I am pushing myself creatively, and doing my best to take this one day at a time. Every day has different challenges and some days are a huge struggle.
It is overwhelming to do this all alone, but I would not have gotten where I am today without pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and trying new things. The non-baking stuff is always a battle, because I would rather be baking, but it is necessary. I am gaining confidence and doing my best to keep on keeping on.
Here are some highlights in just the last 12 months.
# of classes from on August 27th, 2018= 10 # of class as of August 27, 2019= 90, # of classes as of August 27th, 2020= 303
I was featured on Cleveland.com on September 2nd, 2019 in the West Shore Sun September 5th, 2019 featuring my holiday classes and on August 24th, 2020 to promote my virtual baking classes.
Had my first ever dessert published in Cleveland Magazine- Xmas ale flourless torte- December 2019 and have another dessert being featured in October of 2020.
I was featured on New Day Cleveland - October 22nd, 2019, December 16th, 2019 and May 2020.
Filmed a segment with my parents, aunt, students and friends for New Day Cleveland - that aired December 16th 2019
Was featured on Taste buds with Jen Piccaiano to talk about Mardi Gras and King cake- February 25th, 2020.
Finally got to teach my dad a baking class and found out he is amazing at making cream puffs!
Finally got to teach my mom cinnamon rolls with my sister, my aunt, family friends and my sister’s mother-in-law from Italy. Fun day!
Participated in events for Eat like a kid again, West Side Market after Dark, Thursday Therapy and Prayers from Maria, Holidays for the Hildebrandt, Women’s Entrepreneurship day.
Started teaching virtual classes on March 25th 2020 due to covid
Was featured on Cleveland.com - April 2nd 2020
Was featured in the Cleveland Plain dealer- April 2020
Was featured in Country Living Magazine - April 9th, 2020
Was featured in blogs by several of my baking students (Alicia Hansen- January , Jen Gardner- July 1st, Diandra- June 11th, Christina Belenkly- July 1st- Cleveland daily bites)
Taught 5 kids baking camps virtually to kids in Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, California.
I have had my events featured in Australia, California and am working on an international event in Spain.
I was asked 3 times to apply for 2 different food network shows- came extremely close to being on one of them!
I have taught students in the Phillipines, India, Canada, Hawaii and lots of students in New York and California and all over the United States.
I was featured on Wkyc 3 News on November 16th and on January 23rd to celebrate National Pie day.
I was on Fox 8 live with Stefanie Schaefer to discuss my xmas ale flourless torte on December 4th and had no voice and have plans to return next week!
I had my first student almost cut off a finger in my chocolate class within the first 10 minutes of class (thankfully he was ok)
I burned my hand in class by touching a pan immediately out of the oven that I thought was going into the oven and not coming out of the oven. Not smart, but I am ok!
I also burned myself when I helped bake 600 cookies for a private event, they made and scooped the cookies, I had one job to bake them, and I got burned.
I Was featured on Yelp Cleveland on August 19th, 2020.
I officially left working a second job on September 30th of 2019 and have been 100% on my own for almost a year now!!
I was featured on the front page of the West Shore Sun on my 3rd Annieversary!
I booked a tv spot with Fox 8 news for Tuesday, September 1st, on my Annieversary!
As many as there are wins, there are also challenges that have put me right where I am today. People have described me recently has joyful, happy and inspiring. These words would not have described me 4 years ago. I am so grateful to be able to get to do what I love and to push through the challenges and savor the sweet rewards. Your support means the world to me. Every single time you see a heart, send me a message, like a post, share a post, write a review, it truly help me and my business. THANK YOU for being here and for supporting me.
Year 4, I AM READY!
XOXO
Annie