31/05/2026
I honestly don't know where to start writing this, or even whether I should be writing it at all...
Rach's Bakes has grown bigger and faster than I ever imagined. When The Cake Shed opened back in October, my dream was simply to share my baking with people and hopefully make them smile. Then along came Olive earlier this year, and things have gone from strength to strength.
Every single person who buys a cake, visits the shed, books a celebration cake, stops by Olive, or takes the time to leave a lovely comment has helped make this dream a reality. I will never stop being grateful for your support. Hearing how much you enjoy my bakes genuinely makes my heart burst every time.
But behind the scenes, there are still only 24 hours in a day.
Alongside Rach's Bakes, I still work four days a week in a school that I absolutely adore and that will always have a special place in my heart. I'm still a wife, a mum to two amazing boys, a friend who loves spending time with her besties, and someone trying to keep on top of a home and everyday life.
Lately though, I feel like something has had to give.
I know hard work and sacrifices come with starting a business, and I expected that. What I didn't expect was how quickly it would take over every spare moment. I feel like I'm constantly chasing my tail, always running late, always on the back foot and never quite catching up. Sleep has become a luxury, and surviving on a couple of hours here and there isn't making me the person I want to be.
So, why am I telling you all this?
Because this weekend has really got me thinking.
The Cake Shed has been very quiet. After spending hours and hours baking and preparing stock, it's heartbreaking to see it sitting there untouched. I completely understand that people are away, money is tight and cakes are a treat rather than a necessity. That's life, and I truly get it.
But it has made me wonder what you want from The Cake Shed moving forward.
Do I continue opening every weekend?
Do I bake smaller quantities and once it's gone, it's gone?
Do I open every other weekend?
Do I open once a month and make it more of an event?
You are the people who have made my dream come true, so I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts.
What works for you? What would you like to see from Rach's Bakes and The Cake Shed going forward?
Thank you, as always, for supporting me, my family and my little business. It means more than you'll ever know. ❤️
