THE POWER OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS!

The Heart of LJays Bakery

Family: Something I Can't Live Without

I would not be where I am today in my baking career without the help of my "baking family". When I refer to my baking family, I am referring to all the individuals who have encouraged and supported me every step of the way on this crazy, but greatly fulfilling business venture. A lot of the influential people who make up my family happen to be related to me by blood, but then there are others who are simply friends, work colleagues, teachers, or mentors. 

As I have dived into my bakery business, I have realized that I cannot do, what I do, without the support of my loved ones! I honestly don't even think I would have pursued this passion to the extent that I have it if it weren't for people reassuring me that "I can do this". Because of this fact, I am beyond grateful for my support system and the positive impact it has had upon LJays Bakery!

Support Comes In All Different Forms!

As I reflect on the various ways that people have supported me over the years, I have come to understand that almost everyone has aided me along my journey in an entirely distinct fashion. Let's take a look at a few examples of what I am trying to get at.

• BRANDING: My cousin Reagan has supported me in COUNTLESS ways over the years, but most recently she helped me through designing my bakery logo. (She is the one pictured with the bag at the top of the page) Reagan's artistic ability and creativity are next-level! Her attention to detail and willingness to aid me in a busy time of her life are things that I will be forever grateful for! She absolutely nailed my vision. Take a look for yourself!

• LOYAL CUSTOMERS: I have a large group of people who never fail to financially support my business. They are the first ones to contact me for holiday orders and are always promoting my business to all their friends. I attribute a large amount of my bakery growth to them!

• BAKING ASSISTANT: My wonderful baking assistant, also known as my mom, takes the cake for my biggest business supporter. She helps me complete huge orders, locate creative inspiration, bag and seal all my cookies, take Instagram-worthy photos, and SO much more. My mom has taken a part in every single one of my projects and I wouldn't want it any other way!! THANK YOU, MOM!

Notice a resemblance?!

• CAFFEINE SUPPLIERS: One of the biggest ways I have been supported during the cookie process is through the constant delivery of Starbucks coffee from my brother, dad, aunt, cousins, and many others. Starbucks is definitely the way to my heart! It is truly crazy how a cup of coffee can re-energize me and re-inspire me when it comes to cookie decorating. A small act of thoughtfulness like this is something I appreciate beyond belief!

• COOKIE CONSUMERS: These are the people who continue to willingly eat my product and push me out of my comfort zones.  I mean I had never made a ginger snap cookie before this last summer, but I'll try to do just about anything to put a smile on a friend's face. (They were a hit, or so they said!) Nothing makes me happier than seeing individuals delight in the desserts I create. Because of this, cookie consumers become one of my greatest forms of support. They provide reassurance that my cookies turn out just right because a girl can only try so many of her own cookies before they don't taste good anymore! Or before I should start making my way to the gym!

These are just five examples of how people have supported LJays Bakery. The list could go on and on! The main takeaway is that when you start up a business, people from all walks of life will help and support you in their own way. 

Say "THANK YOU" again and again!

Let your support system know that you appreciate all that they do! It is pretty evident that they constantly make a drastic impact on your life, so thank them for that. Being appreciative and having an attitude of gratitude is something that my parents have fostered within me since I was really young. A handwritten "thank you" note can go a long way. I would rather be overly grateful than act like I could care less if people showed me support. My baking family is so special to me and I want to show them that each and every day. You don't need a business to show others that you are grateful for them! Tell, text, or call someone today and let them know how much you appreciate them and all they do for you!

A Quick Glimpse At My Support System:

My favorite part of every blog post is the pictures, so here are a few photos of some of the individuals who make up my baking family💕

*Blurry picture? Click on them to make a clearer image!

My Grandma rocking her new bag in the produce section!

Collages! (Pets are great supporters too)

One Final Note!

LJays Bakery is bigger than just me. All of you hold a very special place in my small business and I can't thank you enough! I have come to cherish my baking family and hope you feel the same way toward your loved ones. Hold on tight to the time you have with them and make it count. Say thank you and demonstrate your appreciation towards them. A life without my support system is a life I don't want to ever live!