08/29/2020
Saturday, August 29, 2020
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. ECL 3:1
This goes out to all of my customers, fellow venders, friends and family,
I pray this finds you and yours doing well. I wanted to take a moment of your time to share my heart. All together, we are facing a truly unprecedented season in our lives. The global coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of us- our families, our businesses, our communities, and our way of life. 2020 is certainly one for the books.
First and foremost, my heart goes out to all of you who have been impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly. My thoughts and prayers are especially with those who are sick and I extend my heartfelt wishes for a full recovery to all impacted. My heat breaks for those who have lost loved ones, or like myself have someone dear in a nursing home that we cannot see or touch. I am truly inspired by the selfless healthcare workers around the world who are on the front lines working tirelessly to care for people in need. I also fully support our emergency responders and law enforcement working to keep us all safe. I encourage you to count your blessings if your occupation is defined as an essential one and you are blessed with job security.
June came and went. Not my usual wedding season to be sure. It did however mark the 15th Anniversary of Piece Of Cake! I never dreamed that from my kitchen, equipped with a laptop, mixer, oven and head full of dreams that I would be where I am today. Well, okay...maybe not today, but lets say where I was in February!! As I’ve said many times before, I am nothing without all of ya’ll. You are my business, all 3400 of you! I have often remarked that I am glad folks don’t order cake for death, disaster, disease and divorce. That statement revealed itself loud this year as celebrations were snuffed out by COVID mandates. As I am going through my calendar and all upcoming orders, I am praying over each entry. This has been such a challenging year, has it not? I have some news I wanted to share with you. I must confess, I am a non essential small business who has been deeply affected by COVID!
After talking with my family, I (we) feel this decision is best for our family. I will no longer be accepting any new cake orders. I’ve got a full schedule between now and New Years and multiple other orders confirmed through July 2021 and then I am backing away from baking for a time. How long?
I don’t know! I am not a quitter and I am not feeling sorry for myself. God blessed me with this business at a time when I needed to be a stay at home mom and contribute to the budget.
I now struggle daily to find the supplies necessary to do my work, sometimes, I find myself traveling to up to 8 stores in a week to discover empty shelves which is leaving me grabbing for items and brands that do not represent the quality and brand that you or I expect from my kitchen and the increase in the cost of my supplies has decreased my profits and raised my anxiety. Even the boxes and boards have doubled. Lots of last minute cancellations that left me unemployed on days that had been booked for quite some time and so so many events that had to either be canceled, postponed or downsized, and some even requesting refunds. This has not been a steady income or a good time for me or my business. I must find something more steady as we hunker down to face the unknown fall/winter flu/COVID season ahead.
I am feeling weary and worn. I am simply burned out! I really need a break. I am hopeful to explore pursuing some opportunities in other areas. If you have a cake booked, have paid a deposit and received confirmation from me, you are golden. Please do not panic!
* I do plan to keep my May/June & September/October wedding seasons for 2021 open and I am accepting bookings at this time.
You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
May God richly bless each of you in all you endeavor to be and do and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of all your families best moments, entrusting me with such an important part of your celebrations and all together just making your lives and mine a little sweeter.
Warmest Regards,
Chandra Beck Holland
Piece Of Cake!
