Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Patience

Oh, the things you learn along the way.

This week I've been in the process of obtaining all of my licenses and permits necessary to begin business in the spring.  My biggest hope was to be approved by the local Farmer's Markets to kick off my sales, but I'm finding that's going to be a bit more difficult that I had originally realized.


Starting a business is seeming to be a lot like writing a novel.  You start with a goal in mind, but the whole dang thing evolves in ways you never imagine it to.


I found out yesterday that one of my Farmer's Markets does not allow the sale of coffee whatsoever.  That was a shock.  And today I discovered that my main Market, the one in my home town, has an extensive waiting list for vendors.  Not to mention the fact that my Stroopwafels have to be made with 100% home-grown USA ingredients, and they prefer they all come from Texas too.  So months of perfecting the Dutch Dark recipe thwarted.  I'll have to put that one on the back burner until I can get my shop.


It's back to the drawing board.


In a way, though, it's okay.  I was going to have to experiment again once I receive my commercial Stroopwafel Iron, which won't happen until February I'm sure.  I have the experience, know how long to let the dough rise, know when the sauce is starting to caramelize just right.  It's a nice challenge, I think.  But it does worry me a bit.  I was hoping to generate enough sales this year to buy my Espresso Machine by the middle of Fall and continue into the next stage of my business, but if I'm not approved this year at the markets I'm going to have to wait until the next season.  It hurts, but I understand.  I'm growing a business from a seed.  As much as I want to climb my old oak tree, I'm just going to have to be patient.


The Some-Day Cafe will have to wait.