Post-Market Clarity
The Hustle Behind the Scenes
Ahh, the bliss of a few days off after a big market will never get old. Putting my feet up, watching a comfort show, and eating a pint of ice cream (don’t judge me) while decompressing after a whirlwind of a few intense days is golden. And it’s in those moments, minutes and days that I get to reflect on the highs and lows of running a small, home-based bakery at a very large market.
Are the Late Nights Worth It?
100%, without a doubt, they are! To see everyone enjoy all of my hard work, chuckle with me when we share a memory, or light up when you find that treat that speaks to your tummy’s soul—there’s nothing like it. BUT I’ll be the first to admit that these late nights I put myself through could, for the most part, be avoided if my hamster-wheel brain could organize itself a bit better. You’ll notice as these blogs go on, the theme of chaos is likely to run through them like a freight train. I’m workin’ on it, promise!
I think it sometimes doesn’t dawn on folks that when you’re a food vendor at a market, most of your items can’t be made way in advance. If you’re a maker of non-perishable items, you can start building your collection of goodies six months out if you want! But as a baker? I can prep a few things a week before - think pancake mixes, dehydrated sourdough starter, or plain sugar cookies that freeze well. Everything else? It’s a baking marathon crammed into a few days. That’s how those up-’til-5am nights happen. My goal for this year? Get. It. More. Together.
Lists, Lists, Baby
Oh, the pure joy my heart feels when I make a list. It’s the most effective way for me to get my brain untangled. I’m definitely a visual kinda gal, so seeing everything written down in some sense of order helps big time.
Brain-dumping tasks onto paper gets them out of my noggin and into a space where I don’t have to mentally juggle them all day long. I like it quirky, so there’s a little spark of joy in colour-coding and crossing off items with bright markers because hello, FUN!
Organizing into categories like “make”, “bake,” “order,” and “create” helps get that hamster on the right wheel for the right task.
At the end of the day, all the late nights, flour-covered counters, and frantic to-do lists are worth it. It’s a little chaotic and a lot unglamorous, but I’m learning to laugh through the tired eyes and celebrate the wins - like crossing off the last thing on my list or seeing familiar face qeued up to try a treat. So next time you stop by my table, know there’s a whole lot of hustle and maybe a few 3am dance breaks baked into every item.
