07/20/2026
This is the first time in the 4 years that I've been running my business that I have ever received a message like this one and I felt that it needs to be addressed.
It's unnerved me, has deeply upset me, and has made me rethink my entire business model. It has also made me think about how accessible I am and my personal information is, and made me look into adding extra safety precautions and boundaries to my business.
For all of the lovely and kind customers who come to my door (many who have become friends) and all of the positive interactions I've had over the years, it is such a shame that one individual can unravel my sense of peace within my own home and business.
I know that with living and running a business in the most populated area in the country, the odds of coming across someone whose intentions may not be good are higher, but because I have never experienced anything like this before, it has really shaken me.
I am a true introvert and have always experienced social anxiety, especially when meeting new people. Week in and week out, I open my door to dozens of wonderful customers who I thoroughly enjoy chatting with. You've truly helped me come out of my shyness. Running my microbakery by myself can get lonely at times, and I really look forward to customer interactions every week so I don't want those to stop because of this.
However, I am going to have to make some changes to protect myself and my mental health. Off the top of my head: listing a generalised area of my pick up address on my website and on the ordering platform, Tock, and only when an online pre-order is placed then my pick up address will be revealed (this is more so for new customers); limiting where my phone number, email and address are displayed online; adding a Ring doorbell and camera.
I have a question for small business owners or anyone who has a pick up option at their home: What safety measures do you have in place to protect your privacy and safety? I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions and advice if you'd like to send me a DM.
I truly hope that I never have to write a post like this again. This whole ordeal has really emotionally drained me π