05/02/2025
Grab a cupcake and join me for a REAL and RAW chat! π
Four Creations will remain, but I have to make some changes. Iβll start by saying this post is not necessary; I could make these changes quietly, but I have never been one to move in silence just to make my life easier when I know others could benefit from a show of strength on this topic.
Mental health is so real and I am incredibly vocal about it - there is no sugarcoating or rug sweeping this topic with me. There has been a recent shift in my mental health - and not in a good way. If I have learned anything in the last 20 years of my struggles, it is that I have to respect my broken brain when it screams for help - that scream is currently deafening.
I opened up my computer Monday after a weekend away with my husband (first one in over 2 years) and saw over 40 new order requests. I closed my computer and had to breathe my way through an impending panic attack. THIS is the grim reality of being a small business owner that struggles with mental health (and is one minor inconvenience away from a grippy sock vacation on any given day π)
I am so grateful, donβt get that confused, but I am so overwhelmed. Iβd like to say itβs embarrassing, but this is just my reality and I know I am not alone. I wonβt hide in the shadows and allow that stigma to overtake me. I wonβt allow the many fears to dictate how I move and share my journey. Iβll continue to be vulnerable in hopes that even one person speaks up when they are struggling.
I have spent no less than 60-100+ hours every single week in my kitchen for the last almost 2 years. What started as a way to ease my anxiety and depression has recently become the primary source of it. My babies need more of their mama than they are getting and I have felt torn down to tears over it more times than I can count recently. I am only one person, my babies need me actively present more than anyone could ever need cake. Try as I might, there is just not enough of me to go around - admitting that is just as terrifying as it is freeing.
I am not closing down, I absolutely love what I do! However, I am resetting boundaries, refocusing priorities, and limiting orders going forward. Iβm bringing myself, my husband, our children, and our home back to the forefront. Iβm conquering the fear of saying βnoβ. If I canβt accommodate your order, I will point you in the direction of other wonderful and honest local bakers as I have been doing for months!
I am beyond thankful for so many loyal and amazing customers who have become part of the Four Creations family! I hope everyone can understand that this new path is based wholeheartedly in respecting my ever evolving mental health journey as well as the mental health of someone closest to me; their journey is not mine to share, but I need to be present for them as well.
I encourage everyone to take a look at their own mental health journey and see what seemingly terrifying changes your brain may need you to make so as to live a more wholesome life. You are incredible and so much stronger than you think; youβve got this!
π€π€ - Kayla