“Some day.”
That phrase can kill any dream or idea, so stop saying it to yourself.
The time to start doing what you want to do is now. Don’t let any situation or circumstance stop you. I was a Sophomore in college when I started this little website. Now, as a recent college grad it’s my full time business. Where would I be if I hadn’t started back then? Probably in the middle of Idaho working as a morning reporter and waking up at 3 every morning. But because of my work back then, I get to sleep in, bake all day long while I dance to broadway music, and play at night with my friends.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no Mark Zuckerberg with a billion dollar company but this little site I have is enough to provide me with food, a home and a small savings, so I think I’m doing pretty okay. But Mark and I both started in the same place, in our dorm rooms on the computer plinking away. Mark had obstacles like coding and servers while I had storage and lighting issues. His bad days looked like error pages while mine look like cake and frosting on the floor. No matter what you do, there will be bad days and it may be a slow start, but be smart and it will all work out.
The first thing you have to do is find a niche.
What can you do that will make someone else’s life better or more enjoyable? I can make easy recipes for people to follow and post photos to inspire them. Mark could write codes that could connect people. What can you do?
The second thing you need is a plan.
How are you going to make it all happen? I could have just written a cookbook and tried to get published. Mark could have joined with MySpace. Are you going to start a blog or have a store front? Maybe Etsy or Amazon or something else all together?
Third: Get a mentor.
Don’t find someone who is doing exactly what you want to do, because they won’t really want to help you. Why would they want to help someone who could someday be their biggest competition? Find someone who’s playing the same game but on a different field. My mentor was Leigh Anne from Your Homebased Mom, she had a big blog but it was food, crafts, and so much more. I wanted to just do desserts, so we stayed different and we aren’t competitors. She helped me figure all the basics out, without her it would have taken me months or maybe a full year to sort things out.
Fourth: Dream big but be realistic.
Don’t think you need to be some Mr. Zuckerberg changing the world–just change your corner of the world. Even Mark started out small and then grew. If you take on too much, you’re more likely to fail. So start small and then take it bigger. It’s not “Go big or go home” it’s “Do something so you can have a home.” My cupcakes aren’t making big waves, but they’re helping in thousands of kitchens. It’s little, but it’s a change for good and someday I hope to have a bigger impact.
Fifth: Stay driven.
I could give you a list of 50 things, but what it all comes down to is staying driven and smart. Learn about the field you’re entering into and stay passionate.
A closer look at where I live…
My brother was in town a few weeks ago and walked into my kitchen and laughed. He asked “Is THAT your oven?” I replied “Yes.” And he said, “Do your readers know how awful it is?”
I would love a beautiful double-decker oven, but I have to work with what I have.
We hardly ever see our kitchen table anymore…
And cake stands and sprinkles take the place of books on my shelves.
Piping tips get shoved into jars…
When I say “I’m going shopping,” it’s not for a new pair of jeans, it’s for groceries or props.
There is no good way to store cupcake liners.
You can never have enough decorative napkins for photos.
Sharing a fridge with 3-5 other girls can be a maze.
My Costco Kitchen Aid my parents bought me for Christmas in 2007… his name is Big Red and his speed gauge is quite temperamental.
Piles of pans…
I would love to have a fancy photo studio, but poster board and window light will do.
It works quite nicely…
I would love to have a beautiful dark wood table, but this mini table from TJ Maxx for $40 will get the job done.
See?
I graduated in April and have been living in this cute little house with a few other girls. I move out in 2 weeks, but it’s been fun staying here writing my second cookbook.
That’s all. I don’t have a fancy kitchen, or a double-decker oven, or a gorgeous prop room. It’s not glamorous but it all works just the same.
Don’t let anything or anyone stop you.
Really inspirational post! A great glimpse into the realities of a baking blogger.
Thank you for sharing!
You’re right.. I even can make many of cupcakes by my self with unique mix…
Harga Besi WF
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Lizzy,
I am so proud of you and all that you have done and accomplished. You are amazing girl and I can’t wait to see where you go and what you do next. I am proud to be your Blog Mama!!!
AWESOME post…Thanks a lot for sharing.
Just love all you do! You motivate me to keep at my dream! Thanks for what you share! Please keep it coming!
Just started following your blog. Great motivation to see, “it can be done!” I love your recipes and photo tips. Thank you for sharing.
This is such an inspiring post! and let me tell you it’s good for all ages because like the commercial says,,”not everyone blooms in their 20’s” lol!!!! I found you via a status on FB by Your Homebased Mom and I’m following you now after reading this post. You are down to earth and that is really appealing to an audience no matter how successful the blogger is. You are doing an awesome job! Thank you ..”when I grow “Older” I want to be just like you! Lizy
Lizzy,
Thank you for sharing the real life behind the beautiful photos! I would love to start my own cupcake business but have been letting things like not having a dishwasher or a third sink and regulations and certifications to hold me back. I even have a name for my business, business cards, and my product is beautiful and yummy. I only wish I had followed my dream when I was your age!
So inspirational. I always say “Work With What You Have”!!! That is just what you are doing. All the best to you.,
Very inspirational! I have a little cupcake business of my own but no site yet. I think I will start on it today!
Also, thought I’d share this with you: I store my cupcake liners in old Peanut Butter jars. When I eat all the PB, I wash them in the dishwasher and poof! Stack liners in them and they don’t get bent or lost, you can actually see them all, and it’s very neat and tidy!
Hope that helps! 🙂
I have an even smaller kitchen (with the exact same oven) and when I bake I end up using ALL of the counter space plus the space on the stove.
Have you tried using empty Pringles cans to store your liners? You could sort them by color and put a piece of color paper around it to tell you what color is on the inside.
Even if I don’t bake every day, it is a very relaxing hobby & makes so many happy as they really enjoying the sweetness that I get to spread around. I really don’t frost (spread: haha) everything that I bake! What a “happy” blog that you write and photo and share with an ever-increasing following! Keep your dream going: we enjoy every sneak peak!
Correction noted: above first oven photo: “filed” should be “field”?
Jackie, a former attention to every detail R.N.!!
Dear Jackie,
Correction noted: peak should be peek.
LOL, sorry, HAD to… 😉
p,s, There are other grammar mistakes in your comment as well, but I couldn’t be bothered to correct all of them. Have a great night though!
Well your oven just shows that there’s no need for ultra modern and expensive appliances to produce gorgeous cakes (and it’s also credit to your talent as a baker!).
I was very interested in learning a little more about yourself and how you get around cramped space and limited budget to produce great blog posts and pics. I must say I totally relate to the props shopping and the napkin collections to vary the backdrops for photos, I’m doing this too (and also the board sitting on a chair near my kitchen window for taking pictures)!
I wish you every success in your growing business, maybe next you’ll have your own TV show!
Thanks, I needed that!
You are such an inspiring young lady! Your stories are too funny and your cupcakes so yummy. I started baking a year ago and it is great fun, maybe it will even turn into a business. You are right, you are never too old.
Good luck with your new adventures in baking and blogging. Hopefully there is a newer oven and larger kitchen coming with your move…can’t imagine sharing a refrigerator with 3-5 girls and finding the space for ingredients, cake stand and other props!
Waiting, waiting, impatiently for your new cookbook!
Well I’ll let you in on a little secret… My next big book is out in March BUT I have a new product hitting the market this coming October 🙂
ooh! Keep me posted!
I am sure this will encouage many..
Charming to see behind the scenes:)
And I find it is so nice of you to share tips tricks..ideas..etc:)
You have done so well..Bravo!
Lizzy,
From the time you could hold a crayon you have been driven when it comes to your projects! But the sage advice that you have shared in this post is to DO rather than merely talk. It was a crazy thing to get you that KitchenAid so long ago, now it makes sense. So proud of your accomplishments!
Thank you Mama! Love you and your willingness to buy me pounds and pounds of butter each week when I was in high school 🙂
WOW That’s All I Can SAY!
Awesome journey!! Very inspirational!! Keep it up, loving what you do everyday is great!
I have been a quiet reader for a while now, but I just had to comment today to tell you how inspiring this post really was. It is so interesting to be able to see ‘behind the scenes’ as it were, and seeing such success come from such small beginnings will serve to inspire many I’m sure. Well Done, Lizzy!!
Thanks for you comment Daisy! No need to be a quiet reader, I LOVE hearing feedback from everyone!
Exactly what I wanted to say 🙂
I loved coming across your Cookbook in St. George Costco last week. I was excited to see it in person, finally. You are awesome!! Yes, “Just DO it!” is the philosophy I am hearing here, and aren’t you glad you did? I sure am glad you did! Where are you off to next?
I’m off to Oregon for a month to help my sweet mother pack up our home of 18 years and then I’m off to Chicago for a few months to help my parents get settled there. Then? Well, who really knows at this point!
Thank you so much for this post! It came at the perfect time for me and my little project I’m getting off of the ground this week. You are an inspiration!
Love getting a behind the scenes look from my favorite bloggers! Great post!
This was really inspirational.
Just yesterday I was in a funk about my business and where it was (or wasn’t) heading. I am just getting started in both blogging and bakery owning and it’s been hard and stressful and just isn’t where I thought it would be.
Your ‘go big or go home’ section spoke to me because ‘go big or go home’ has been my motto since the beginning and now I realize it shouldn’t be.
Thank you for this! This is so helpful to hear.
I love your blog and please keep up the great work!
How can someone so young be so inspirational! I commend you parents and you! I really needed this wonderful advice as I begin my new real estate career helping retirees find homes. That my niche’.
On top of all this wonderful advice, smarts and being a beautiful spirit, you can bake!
Keep up the excellent attitude, advice and work!
You really do beautiful work (I know we don’t see the failures) but when you get it right, you really get it RIGHT! I also love your stories. Its obvious you also have wonderful writing skills. Keep them coming. I look forward to reading them and seeing your beautiful work in pictures.
Oh, you’ll get to see some failures next Wednesday 🙂
i love this post! it actually is really inspirational! i just might start my own blog! 🙂 i think your blog is absolutely perfect, it really goes to show you don’t need fancy and expensive things to be great at what you do. keep up the good work lizzy!!
I store my cupcake liners in round cylinder vases. I have them sorted by holidays, solids, kids, etc. I have several vases filled with them on my bakers rack. They make for a cute decoration too!
Such a great post, Lizzy! It is so great to see how driven you are. I definitely need a mentor – a goal for the upcoming months for my blog plan. Thanks for such great inspiration. Best wishes to you on your journey!
God Bless!
Love you message today. Thank you for the inspirational words.
Lizzy I am always amazed at how easy you make it all look! I can relate to your tiny kitchen, I always end up on my dining table and during the fall and holidays it is off limits to my boys. Lol and your right expensive equipment and money does not make a baker great, their passion does! I love your first Cupcake book and take it with me often to parties I’ve baked for so they can see where I get all the great recipes from. Can not wait for the new one in March! But I’m even more excited to see what you have in store for October! Any hints? Thank you for sharing your passion with the world.
No hints yet… but I’ll spill the beans soon.
That is awesome. You give me hope! Will be retiring from a “normal” job soon but dream of baking or sewing in my new “free” time. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love this! I’ve been contemplating starting a food blog for about a year. How did you find a mentor? I have many ideas but don’t know what to do first.
Well, I was dating her son at the time… so it worked out.
Lol! I’m married, sooooooo……
Hi! Thank you very much for the boost that this post gives to everyone! I just started my own small business with hand painted customizable magnetic picture frames and will soon be adding hand painted regular 4X6 picture frames. About 2 months ago I graduated college so I can relate, and it is nice to know that someone just like me has been successful and more importantly is having fun doing something they love! I would love for you to check out my store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChelDesigns – Thank you!!
Hi Lizzy,
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been a follower for over 2 years, and have baked many of your cupcakes. I started with the “Cake Doctor’s” book but realized I liked your recipes much better. Not only are your recipes easier to follow, but taste better, too! I have two little boys 6 & 8, I never thought they could get tired of cupcakes, but they have : ( Good thing they go to a family daycare with other kids… guess who gets my cupcakes now! Congratulations on your success, and I look forward to seeing your emails every week. Take Care~
That picture of your cake stands and sprinkles??? Made my heart skip a beat! Do you have any tips for finding decent pricing on cake stands or do you just suck it up and pay the prices?
I don’t pay more than 15 bucks for my stands usually. They send to be about $7 from Tj Maxx, so I just roam the isles occasionally and find the steals 🙂
Thank you… I feel a lot better knowing others are just like me…I will keep my dream alive 🙂
Love your stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I keep cupcake liners in spaghetti noodle containers. They will hold A LOT of papers and it really works well!
The cupcakes pictured with the Oreos- are there Oreos in them?
The homemade oreos? You can find them in the cookie section on my site called “homemade oreos” they are seriously amazing and addicting.
Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing your passion and encouraging us all to follow ours.
*Maybe old pringles containers to hold the cupcake liners? I’d probably cut out the bottom so i could rotate thru ’em.
All the best!
Thank you Lizzy for sharing! Your post inspired me tremendously, And I have always loved your recipes and incredible pics! They’re always gorgeous! Whenever you send out new pics, I save them as my desktop background to keep me inspired to do my baking. Baking is what I love. One day I hope it’s my full time business, so that I can leave the banking industry for good! 🙂 Keep doing what you’re doing! I want to be like you when I grow up!
Thank you, I have learnt so much from you, proving that one is never to old to learn, I keep my cupcake liners in clear jars, that way I can see what I have and they stay clean and in shape.
I have been baking for 51 years, starting when I was 6 years old, I have a company called Caketroll and have a lot of fun seeing the faces of kids when they see their birthday cakes, thanks for the inspiration.
You are truly a ‘girls’ girl. I really appreciate what you have accomplished in such a short span. Really inspires me. Your charm lies in your open hearted personality. I bought your book last month, and am really glad I did. Waiting for your next one. Please keep doing what you do best. Being yourself 🙂
Will you be my blog mamma? I recently started a business and my product is in days market in provo… I just need some direction to where I should go and how to start a blog…
Lovely post!!!! I’ve followed your posts for awhile now and you always inspire! Best wishes in your new place… Where you moving to?
Portland for a month and then out to Chicago!
Hi Lizzy,
I came across your site researching blogs and Court Tuttle mentioned you. I gave up my career to stay at home with my 3 year old. I’m thinking about starting a blog about my new found hobby of painting furniture. I love your site because baking is also a passion of mine. Your photos are gorgeous and I can’t wait to try some of your recipes with my 7 year old helper!
Awesome! Court is great! Good luck with your blog, they are a ton of fun to get going 🙂
Lizzy, you are my go-to Gal, love all of your inspiration, positivity, sharing and amazing recipes!! I am 52 years young and am over-the-top excited to start a business ~~ “…With A Cherry On Top!” Doing small jobs out of my small kitchen (thanks for your pics of your space) and using my RED Kitchen-Air “Ruby” (named after my Grandma) to help with the Oh Soooooo fun baking that I adore doing. It has always been a DREAM of mine to have a bakery and in the past few months not ONE but TWO have opened up shop in Bloomington, IL where I reside. My specialty is actually cheesecakes and cupcakes…..so that’s my niche and I’m sticking to it!! Don’t know you personally but am very proud of the job you have done here and would encourage you to keep up the Fantastic work…….Happy Baking to YOU !!
So happy to hear that Eva! I’ll me moving to Naperville, IL here soon! So tell the Midwest to get ready for me!
Lizzy ~~ I absolutely LOVE Naperville and you will too I’m betting, have good friends there, really cute shops, eateries, etc. What’s on our agenda there if I may ask??
My family is moving there, so I’m just helping out for a few months.
Inspiring post!
I like these for holding cupcake liners. You get better access because of the open space in the front.
http://www.amazon.com/Danielle-Cylinder-Acrylic-Cotton-Dispenser/dp/B000XU49RW
Thank you from france !
Our stories sync up. I started in an apartment with a similar oven and used the counter top and natural window light as well. Man we’re awesome! But you inspire me to keep going 🙂 Congratulations on your success!
I just stumbled on your blog this evening.. I needed this! My oven looks just like yours.. Except I’m old enough to be your mum 🙂 Lost my job, and all these nagging voices (friends and families comments) kept saying: Your cupcakes are so good.. You are so talented.. Your greeting cards are unique… so I decided to become a Cottage Food Industry Producer… Trying to get the idea across to the public where I live is like trying to pull teeth from a local alligator…. Your story was an inspiration to me.. and thank you for that!
Oh of course! I love writing posts like these, my kitchen isn’t glamorous and I make it work!
The first time I saw your recipe book I nearly died, because I am a BIG fan of gorgeous cupcakes. I love this post! And I definitely think in about three years ,when I am in college, I will be experiencing my big dream cupcake business in a small space like you! 🙂 Thanks for awesome recipes and Inspiration! 🙂
I just found your blog. Your cupcakes look delicious and your pictures are beautiful! Great job! (I like to stack my cupcake liners and place in a Mason jar.)
I see you posted this awhile ago, but I just found your blog, and I love what you have to say here (and in other spots). It’s really amazing what you have done so far in your life and you really have a great sense of who you are and what you want. Keep it up! I’m going to try one of your recipes too, btw! 🙂 Thanks again for this great post.
This is amazing! I honestly thought you had some big fancy mansion, and you took your photos in the world’s most gorgeous kitchen. Good job!
I wish 🙂 But no… I do the best with the little space that I have, and it’s honestly so much fun to figure it all out 🙂
Did you have to get any certification(like a food handlers license)? Or do you know if there is any way to get around state regulations (like having to use a commercial kitchen)?
Thanks:)
I don’t cater too much, and when I do it’s for family and friends so you don’t have to get a license!
HI LIKE TO START BUSINESS SELLING CAKES AM IMPRESS WITH YOUR RECIPES
Can I give u a big hug for this???
Thanks, thanks, thanks!!!!
Oh, my pleasure!!
Lizzy,
Thank you for sharing and being transparent! I have really enjoyed your blogging 101 posts and have found them very insightful and encouraging. Thank you for putting these together and being an inspiration!
What an inspiring story! I think every small business starts from someone’s passion. An idea which you need to bring into the world.
That spark will change your life. In ways you haven’t even imagined yet. Thank you for sharing your story with others. It is important that we recognize the benefits and challenges of starting a new business.
p.s – I love that poster board idea. Great tip for people who use photography.
Thanks for your lesson!! It’s a great help
Thank you !! this post really inspired me ! <3
Hi, your write up is inspiring , I have been baking for a while and decided to start a blog to share my ideas.I just woke one morning commenced with it .its not much but its rewarding .
The cupcakes look fabulous though!!!! Great advice too btw!
Thank you for this. I’m utterly crap at baking, but your articles inspire me to get into the kitchen (and they also make me hungry). I love how you’re able to do so much with “limited” resources – a lot of people say that starting a small business is all about being scrappy and resourceful with what you have, and you’ve accomplished that. Best of luck!
Love this! And congratulations on rising above your challenges and building a wonderful business – and taking the time to share your learning and inspire others too!
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We had a same situation as i also started baking at home 5 years ago. Plus, while decorating cake often been interupt by my little kid but passion for the cake takes it all. Thanks for your tips.
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Nice info! Thank you
Wow, thank you so much for such an inspiring article for novice bloggers. I will definitely use your advice to start making really interesting and useful content for my readers. I hope that you will continue to publish this type of content. Andy from
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“Wow, this post is incredibly inspiring! Lizzy’s journey from starting in a college dorm room to turning her passion into a full-time business is truly motivating. It’s amazing to see what can be achieved with determination and a love for what you do. I can relate to her small kitchen struggles, but she’s making the most out of her space and creating beautiful cupcakes. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and encouraging others to pursue their dreams. I’m definitely going to try some of your delicious recipes!”
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What an inspiring story! It’s amazing to see how you’ve turned your passion into a full-time business and made it work. Your journey from college sophomore to successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of following your dreams and staying driven.
I completely agree with your steps—finding a niche, making a plan, getting a mentor, dreaming big yet being realistic, and staying driven are crucial for success. It’s also great advice to find a mentor in a related field rather than direct competition.
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Keep up the fantastic work and continue inspiring others with your journey!
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