Discovering My Purpose: From Mom to Entrepreneur

MY JOURNEY AS A BAKER

Tiffany Yale

4/10/202410 min read

It all started when my three older child started public school. Suddenly, I found myself with more free time on my hands than I had ever had before, especially since I was homeschooling before. While I cherished the moments spent with my children, I couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness when they were no longer at home all day. It was during this time that I began to reflect on my own interests and aspirations.

I have always been a creative person, and I had a knack for turning everyday objects into works of art. Whether it was repurposing old furniture or designing unique decor pieces, I found joy in transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. Despite my efforts to find fulfillment in these hobbies, I couldn't escape the nagging feeling that I was settling for less than I deserved. I knew deep down that there was more to life than just being a mom, and I was determined to find it. As I delved deeper into my creative pursuits, I realized that I had stumbled upon my true passion: entrepreneurship.

With a newfound sense of purpose, I embarked on a journey to turn my passion into a thriving business. I had attended university and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting, where I gained the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as an entrepreneur. I spent countless hours researching the market, identifying target audiences, and developing a brand that would resonate with customers.

As I launched my business, I faced numerous challenges and setbacks. There were times when I doubted myself and questioned whether I had made the right decision. However, I refused to let fear hold me back. I knew that if I wanted to truly fulfill my purpose, I had to push through the obstacles and continue to pursue my dreams.

Over time, my business began to gain traction. Customers were drawn to the unique products I offered, and word of mouth started to spread. What started as a small venture has quickly started to grow. Maybe one day it will become a successful enterprise, allowing me to not only support myself but also create job opportunities for others.

Today, as I reflect on my journey from mom to entrepreneur, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and fulfillment. I have discovered that my purpose extends beyond being a mother; it lies in using my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to make a positive impact on the world. I love that it also sets an example for my children to see that they can create their own future if they have the will and determination to do so.

So, if you ever find yourself yearning for something more, don't be afraid to explore your passions and pursue your dreams. You never know where the journey may lead you and what incredible opportunities await.

I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. I took the time to reflect on my passions, my strengths, and my values. I asked myself what truly made me come alive and what kind of impact I wanted to make in my family, and in turn maybe impact the world around me.

During this process, I realized that my love for baking had always been a constant in my life. From a young age, I had found solace and joy in putting ingredients in a bowl and creating a delicious masterpiece, expressing my thoughts and emotions through food. It was a form of self-expression that allowed me to connect with others and make a difference.

Looking back, I am grateful that I didn't settle for a life that didn't align with my true passions and desires. I am grateful that I had the courage to explore different avenues and to follow my heart. By refusing to settle, I was able to create a life that is rich in purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

Granny Bird's, named after my beloved great-grandmother, has become more than just a business venture. It is a way for me to honor her memory and share the joy she brought to my life through her delicious baked goods. I can still vividly remember the warmth of her kitchen, the sound of her laughter, and the love she poured into every recipe.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I dove headfirst into the world of baking. I have never taken culinary courses or attended workshops, but I have spent countless hours experimenting with different flavors and techniques. I wanted to create a bakery that not only offered delectable treats but also evoked a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

Granny Bird's has quickly gained a loyal following in the community. People are noticing my bakery not just for the mouthwatering pastries and bread but also for the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The rustic feel, reminiscent of my grandmother's kitchen, creates a cozy ambiance that invites customers to remain loyal and indulge in the simple pleasures of life.

As word spreads about Granny Bird's, I am starting to receive requests for custom orders and desserts for events. From custom cakes to delicate cake-pops, I am pouring my heart and soul into each creation. Every cake is a work of art, meticulously crafted and personalized to reflect the unique stories and personalities of my clients. I bake my bread the old fashioned way, by hand, and each loaf comes out with a warm, airy texture, and just the perfect amount of tart sourdough flavor.

But Granny Bird's is more than just a bakery; it is becoming a hub for the community. I have hosted baking classes for children and adults, where I shared the secrets and techniques I had learned over the years. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the joy on people's faces as they discovered their own passion for baking.

I am optimistic that as the years go by, Granny Bird's will continue to thrive. I may expand our menu, introduce new flavors, and even open a brick-and-mortar location. But no matter how much I grow; I will never lose sight of my roots. The spirit of my Granny Bird will live on in every batch of cookies, every slice of cake, and every loaf of bread that leaves our oven.

Today, Granny Bird's is not just a bakery; it is a testament to the power of following your passion and honoring the legacy of loved ones. It is a place where people come together to celebrate life's sweet moments and create lasting memories. And as I stand in my kitchen each day, I envision watching families one day visit my shop, while friends laugh and share stories over a cup of coffee, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that has led me here.

As Granny Bird's grows, so do my ambitions. I will work to expand the menu to include a variety of pastries, breads, and cakes, each made with love and attention to detail. I will strive to source only the finest ingredients, many of them local, ensuring that every bite is a taste of perfection.

As word of mouth continues to spread, soon people from neighboring towns will be making the trip to experience the magic of Granny Bird's. I anticipate the goal of opening a shop downtown, eager to share my passion with an even larger audience. To bask in the warmth of friendship, to host celebrations and make memories a lasting impression.

But it's not just the delicious treats that will keep customers coming back. It is the personal touch, the genuine care and warmth that I pour into every interaction. I make it a point to connect with each customer on a personal level, to be approachable and welcoming. Whether it was a birthday cake or a loaf of bread to brighten someone's day, Granny Bird's will become a place where memories were made and celebrated.

As the business flourishes, there will be a time to give back to the community that has supported me from the beginning. I have a desire to start a program called "Baking Dreams," where I mentor aspiring bakers. It is my way of paying it forward and inspiring others to follow their own dreams. For now, I will focus on the sweet beginnings of where I am at in this journey. Goals are good to keep momentum going, but doing too much, too soon, is a good way to burn out. I will embrace the step stones of steady growth ever looking forward to the future; to be encouraged that hard work comes with great reward.

Today, I want Granny Bird's to become not just known for delectable treats, but also for my commitment to making a difference. I want to eventually host regular events, from baking classes to fun activities, bringing people together and creating a sense of community.

Looking back on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to pursue my dream. It hasn't always been easy, but the fulfillment I find in every day at Granny Bird's is priceless. I am living proof that with passion, hard work, and a little bit of faith, dreams really can come true.

Embracing Your Passions

My journey from mom to entrepreneur taught me an invaluable lesson - never give up on your passions. We are all created with unique talents and desires, and it is up to us to embrace them and pursue them wholeheartedly.

It's easy to get caught up in the daily routines and responsibilities of life, but it's important to take the time to explore our passions and discover what truly makes us come alive. Whether it's baking, painting, writing, or any other pursuit, our passions have the power to bring us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.

Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. You never know where your true passion may lie. It may take time and exploration, but the journey is worth it.

When I became a mom, my life revolved around taking care of my children and managing the household. I loved being a mother and it brought me immense joy, but I also felt a longing for something more. I had always been interested in entrepreneurship and had a passion for creating and building things. However, I was hesitant to pursue it because I didn't have any formal training and I was afraid of failure.

One day, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business. I knew it would be challenging, but I also knew that if I didn't at least try, I would always wonder "what if?". So, I began researching and learning everything I could about entrepreneurship. I followed blogs, read books, and sought advice from successful business owners.

As I started my business, I encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks. There were times when I felt overwhelmed and doubted whether I had made the right decision. But through it all, my passion for entrepreneurship kept me going. I realized that even though I faced challenges, I was doing something that I loved and believed in. And that made all the difference.

Over time, my business has begun to grow and thrive. I discovered that my passion for creating and building was not only fulfilling for me, but it also brought value to others, especially my children. I started to see the impact that my products and services had on my customers, and it fueled my drive to continue pushing forward. I have started to see desires unfold within the hearts of my children; they too are exploring what it means to become an entrepreneur. What a blessing it is to see this!

Through my journey from mom to entrepreneur, I learned that embracing your passions is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When you pursue what you love, you tap into a source of energy and motivation that propels you forward, even in the face of challenges. Your passions give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that cannot be found in any other pursuit.

So, I encourage you to take the time to explore your passions and discover what truly makes you come alive. Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Be open to the possibility that your true passion may lie in a completely unexpected place.

And remember, the journey to embracing your passions is not a straight path. It may be filled with twists and turns, ups and downs. But as long as you stay true to yourself and never give up, you will find fulfillment and joy in pursuing what you love.

Living with Purpose

Discovering my purpose beyond motherhood has brought me a newfound sense of fulfillment and joy. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and share it with others through Granny Bird's.

If you're feeling a sense of restlessness or a longing for something more, I encourage you to listen to that inner voice. Explore your passions, try new things, and never settle for a life that doesn't bring you joy.

Remember, you were made with a purpose. Embrace your passions, chase your dreams, and live a life that truly fulfills you.

Living with purpose is not just about finding a career or a hobby that brings you joy. It's about aligning your actions and choices with your core values and beliefs. It's about living intentionally and making a positive impact on the world around you.

When you live with purpose, every day becomes an opportunity to grow, learn, and make a difference. You wake up with a sense of excitement and enthusiasm, knowing that you are living a life that is true to who you are.

Living with purpose also means being mindful of how you spend your time and energy. It's about prioritizing the things that truly matter to you and letting go of the things that don't align with your values.

For me, living with purpose meant starting Granny Bird's. Baking has always been my passion, and I wanted to share that joy with others. I wanted to create a space where people could come together, enjoy delicious treats, and feel a sense of warmth and community.

But living with purpose doesn't have to mean starting a business or making a drastic career change. It can be as simple as volunteering for a cause you care about, pursuing a hobby that brings you joy, or spending quality time with loved ones.

Ultimately, living with purpose is about finding meaning and fulfillment in all aspects of your life. It's about being true to yourself, following your passions, and making a positive impact on the world around you.

So, if you're feeling a sense of longing for something more, take the time to reflect on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Listen to that inner voice and take action. Embrace your passions, chase your dreams, and live a life that is true to who you are.