Valentines Day, was madness. I don't think we were ready for it. We looked back this morning to see com parables of last year to this year... and we were up by 3x as much. We felt it, our bodies felt it and so did our employees.

We kind of loved it all in the same time. Friday and Saturday were just pure craziness, and then Sunday we all just reflected about how awesome it was- but we feel like we are delirious. Sunday we thought would be dead- was not. It was a fantastic weekend. More fantastic then most. Although this might catch flack - I really do enjoy working weekends.

I have three kids and not seeing them on the weekends is the worst, being late or not being able to bring my daughter to dance almost every single Saturday, and not being able to bring my boys to the movies for getting all A's on their report card- I feel like if I am not at the bakery  Thurs- Sun (I am there everyday...) all day then something can happen, a cake will get made wrong, too many phone calls will get unanswered. Or I just need to feel like it is running more smoothly.

We have a great staff.. all 8 of them, plus myself and Jeremy. It is crazy to think we have grown that much- but we are still in the developing stages I feel. In a year from now I want to know all our debt is paid which luckily is not much, all our equipment is bought and we have a routine for things on how we want them to run.

Lets be honest, most businesses are opened in two ways- with a backer, (an investor) or without one. We did not have one this time around. When we opened our store we have -221.00 in our account. No lie.

We had all equipment to buy, piece by piece. Craigslist, other bakeries going out of business, and just in all honesty skipping out on paying a bill or two of our own to get a fridge, or an oven, or mixer. Jeremy and myself have a great support system outside of the bakery - some who work or frequent there (my dad is like the mascot I swear.) and they helped us when needed. This might get a little deep, but its life.... we had a choice of paying our employees, and getting supplies a few months ago and not having heat for our house.  My dad came in and was a saint. We have three kids, we will never let them freeze - but yeah we don't get to draw a check every week like many think. There is no savings, or plan B (or C, or D) yet. We are in that growing phase.

It is hard, and a few months ago I had a couple weeks of a low point- of crying wondering what we were going to do. My husband who is the optimistic one- told me to go into work the next day and look around at all that we have accomplished, to look at our house, our kids, our cards, our dogs and all materialistic items we have. Look at all those- and realize that no matter how hard of a time we were going through, we are still very fortunate to have what we have. He is so right. He is so amazing. He makes me realize as much as I think other businesses have it better, they probably don't

Every single day- we have people telling us how lucky we are, how popular we are getting, etc.. and it is really surreal. To know that we started from NOTHING. Gave up everything, and I mean everything to push this company. We have no investor, we have no partners, we have each other to keep it going. We eat, breath and (hardly ever) sleep this company. I am proud of myself, now after getting through that rut I was in, and proud of my husband, our staff, our storefront, and everything we are going to do.

This is so sappy, but it is true. I never dream about success, I work for it. To quote Bright Eyes (whoa...) I would rather be working for a paycheck then waiting to win the lottery.

 

January is almost over... THANK GOD!

Not that we do terrible in January, but I mean hey- I got my hair cut and colored for $50 bucks, have gotten so many sales at local stores  and signed up for a gym with nothing down. January sucks just a little bit for everyone- and well when you are selling sweets, and everyone is on the "New Year New Me" kick it ain't helping!

But hey it is always someones birthday, anniversary, a reason to thank someone, and well music. We expanded- and we have a stage made thanks to Jeremy's friend Baby Alan ( I actually don't know why he is called Baby Alan, other then his real name is Alan, and the Baby part I forgot....) and thanks to Santa bringing lots of Guitar Center gift cards to Jeremy we have a PA System- so we have been having a lot of local bands from New England playing. And not because they come and bring a lot of people who buy cupcakes- but so far, everyone has been insanely talented. Music I would put in my car and sing really loud to talented.

So we have a lot under our belt, but it all ends up in some way tying with cupcakes. We are clever like that.

Another reason why I am not a fan of January, besides it being my birthday month and well- I am a Debbie the Downer on my birthday- but I always end up sick and so do my kids. All three, and if I am lucky all at the same time. It makes it so much easier if one is sick at each time, then it is just an on going cycle of puke, tissues, sleepless nights and doctor visits.

Also speaking of my age- this article from Connecticut Magazine came out-
http://www.connecticutmag.com/Connecticut-Magazine/February-2015/40-Under-40-Class-of-2015/

Top 40 under 40. I made the list. I have no idea how, but it is pretty awesome, and what was more awesome reading the other 39 peoples bios and why they were on the list. It is crazy to see so much talent. My good friend, Kate from KSJ made the list as well and she is just amazing and the poster girl from Hustler. She is non stop, and pushes her product- doing her website, making new inventory, making flyers and promoting and doing shows almost all weekend. Totally well deserved, she is amazing and so is her work.

Also I can't even believe I didn't post this. 

Personally, This is Hardcore is our favorite fest to do.

Why? Because its an out of state trip, which makes it exciting.

It isn't too far to make it a pain in the ass. 

This year Corin came and let me tell you - it was an amazing time. 

I wish we filmed all the shit that can go wrong in a food truck fest, in a road trip, in a work trip- in our day at Hardcore Sweet pretty much... 

We get to the hotel- they didn't book our hotel.

Do you know how hard it is to find a hotel that isn't booked during this weekend especially at 4am.

It was hot. Its end of the July, and when your AC was ripped off the week before your cupcake truck- let me tell you shit just is not fun. You are stressed your product will melt, that you made too much, that you forgot something (which lets be for real we did.) 

But one thing I can say is my husband went to this fest with reservations and excitement all in one.  Jeremy as he puts it, is on "hiatus" with his band. He left, he let them do whatever they need to do to put out another album. 

It's hard, I feel like I see my husband sad, and hurt- I hurt. Not to be a sentimental sap, but damn this was the one thing he dedicated himself to before he was married, so it hurt him to see his band play without him for this first time. It was like a band aid. Who knows how permanent it is, whatever his choice is - I support. Personally the reasons why it happened are his- they are silly, and I get his anger and why he just wants to be happy and not be near anything, anyone or any situation that is negative. He is so blessed to have some great friends, a lot that are now good friends of mine, and

Thank God my husband is a loyal guy. He is so optimistic and humble.  He at least got to do some filming at This is Hardcore- this is something him and a friend of his Mike worked hard on.

Jeremy is so proud of this video, and that makes me proud of him - he found something to be dedicated to- and I see the excitement he gets from making this mini documentary.

Ok, GO WATCH!

Okay, Okay I am such a liar. I can't keep up my end of the bargain on the blog. But then again - this is probably only for me, like a therapy. 

I need to get better at this, post, document, and look back and laugh at all the shit we have to do and hopefully smile in a year when all these sacrifices we are doing now will be in the past! 

Luckily we are getting an amazing crew. We are doing so many great opportunities. Too many opportunities are thrown our way, and unfortunately we have to turn down.

We have been asked to have our truck at every single event throughout the state, and we are so booked and with one truck we can only book up so much.

Hardcore Sweet is in high demand in LA- We were just asked to do the SOA series finale party, and the AMA's and a few other events- we just can't. We have small kids who have schedules, and a very small work crew, granted are amazing, but just not all are the most reliable. It happens.

Meeting with Mo, the owner of the Pin Shop this week gave us a huge perspective to running a business. This guy- is just one of the most nicest, kind hearted people we have come across, and his words of wisdom really do stick. This is someone who busts his ass all day, every day- and runs businesses.

He said, it takes a rare and certain type of person who can write their name on the front of the checks. Not everyone can do that- not everyone wants to. Most just want to come in do their minimal and get paid. 

It is hard, it is so hard to write so many checks out- make sure vendors are paid, employees are paid, rent is paid, and wait to take a check in 6 weeks after everything clears and you have a weekend. It is like a gamble sometimes - we have 3 kids and it is really stressful- lets hope we bust our ass hard enough to make sure we have enough money to treat the kids to ice cream this week, to pay the electric, hell - to have gas to get to our own business. 

We kind of laugh now, especially with local business owners, who know the crap shoot of owning a business- especially one that has NO, we mean ZERO capital. Every piece of equipment, we buy outright on sale, on Craigslist or through someone going out of business. Granted we have no debt (for the most part) but man it is a struggle. A struggle I don't think many families would do or even attempt. Sometimes I think we are crazy. 

Then I get an email from a bride, or someone with an allergy, who thanks us- who comments on how they would never go anywhere else- and it makes the stress worth it. It makes us push. Hustle. 

We have a motto at the bakery, and no we don't take credit for it but whenever we get overwhelmed one of us usually looks at someone else and shrugs and says "CAN'T STOP, WON'T STOP" 

So that is what we are doing, not stopping. There is no much planned, and in the works and for someone who can't even keep what they get people for Christmas a secret- this literally hurts me, but it'll be worth it! :)

There is so much to update, and so little time.
I have about 8 minutes until the pre heat button starts singing bright and early, and about 6 more minutes until my coffee goes from blistering hot (the way I like it) to luke warm.

I will try to type fast. A lot is happening, a lot has changed, and a lot well has just been the same- which is always great.

Personally, Professionally, this is MY blog- Myself along with Jeremy own Hardcore Sweet, and we luckily
"own" three beautiful children and a beautiful dog which are more important then Hardcore Sweet.

There I said it, there is actually something more important then work. I see other businesses around the state, and see that some owners do not have kids, and I see how many more events, product and what not they are banging out... we can't. We have limits, big ones. I have three young children that pretty soon, I am going to blink and they are going to be asking to drive my Escalade...Who am I kidding, that will never happen.

No way will I let them drive that car! Haha! :)

I know as a new business, branching out and still branding ourselves it will get easier.
As far as the craze with everyone wanting to own a bakery in Watertown, here is my take.  We did research before we settled in Watertown. Here is why we did
1- We wanted to be close to Waterbury still, our roots, but closer to Litchfield/Torrington area where a lot of our customers are from and where we started at MSMP.
2- There was only another bakery here, which had a TOTALLY different spin and menu then we did (breads, pastries, wholesaling, etc...)
3- We loved the industrial feel... as a cupcake "factory"

Now since we moved in there are I think... 4 or 5 total... in Watertown. My take- I don't care!
It's like pizza, people are going to have their favorite. Do I think that is a lot of bakeries in a smaller town- yes. However, it just makes me want to step up my game more.
Some are different then what we are doing, others are trying to do the exact same thing. Good for them.
I hope we all walk away with not working 100 hours a week and a million dollars.

My only note would have been do a little more research and open up on unclaimed territory- other towns that need a bakery. That is what we will be doing... for our 2nd location of course!

Talking to Jeremy about it- his take "well (so and so) bakery does has the same names as some of our cupcakes, who cares imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and walked away.
Stopped. Came back and said "If I hear that bakeries start naming cupcakes after hardcore bands, that's when I will snap and go in and talk to them!"

Oh my love, always sticking to his roots! Ha Ha!

Speaking of which, Redscroll Records was a hit again this year for Record Store Day!
It makes me think of this persona and labels people put on others.

Can I just say "Hardcore Kids" who come in our shop are some of our best customers. Always friendly, welcoming, patient if they need to wait for more vegan to come out. Supportive. And do not mind the price ticket of $15 for a six pack. They add on vegan soap, and a hot rod bag to their order with no problem.

These people are maniacs. And we love it! 

It makes us get ready for This Is Hardcore. Only a few months to go and we will be in Philly doing 18 hour days, sweating our bags off in a tin can truck.

Besides random events booked out all fall, a lot of people are getting married! It is awesome! 

We are also doing a lot of classes-

One coming up we are PSYCHED FOR... Lucky Taco class part 2 on CINCO DE MAYO!! 

This is going to be awesome. Tequila, Cupcakes and the best tacos ever.
They did just win Best of Hartford 2 years in a row!! So proud of this couple.

Not only are they great vendors we have worked with, but friends- and really hard workers who get the whole balancing kids, home life, bills and working hours until you look like a zombie. 

Go like their page and see why they are voted the best. 

Honestly, Dave has me hooked on coleslaw, or their housemade coleslaw. 28 years old and NEVER would touch that mayonaise soaked cabbage. He has shown me the upscale freshness of a delicious  addition to tacos.

https://www.facebook.com/LuckyTaco

Sign up for the class too... May 5th! 

http://www.hardcoresweetcupcakes.com/#!upcoming-classes/c1r49

I promise I will update more. 

Ha. I even laughed out loud after I wrote that.
But seriously, I will try. 

I swear I thought I would be better at this blogging thing.
I swear I am doing ten million things a day, and then I think "oh this would be good to include in the blog" 

Alas, it never happens. As much as people think we are a big operation, we aren't. Some might say I am a control freak. Some people bein my husband.

I have no shame in it. I have to say, since opening our own space, the response has been overwhelming. And guess what, I take that personal. This is something I gave up everything for. So if someone gives us rave reviews, I take it personally. If someone gets pissed about a price, or their cupcakes, or anything that people can nit pick, guess what I take that personal. One great form of advice was from Dan at John Bale, do not put your emotions in business. It's true you can't. 
In nursing though, I did the same. I'm a sap sucker deep down inside. My bitch Italian attitude hides it very well, but I do, I'm too emotional..and probably why I work so many hours. If something is wrong- its on me.

So what do we have coming up... Valentines Day is coming, and probably the business time of year .we are getting ready though. Slowly. 

I think during blogging I am going to start showing you some tips that we do in the bakery, and some of ur favorite items we like to we. Like cocoa...I can't even describe the difference in cocoa, and how much of a difference it makes in your baking. That extra $2.00 between the fancy brand of cocoa you can not pronounce vs. the store brand is WELL worth it. If you have it! The color, smell, and richness it gives is so different...it's scary! If not, I like to add a little bit of espresso or strong coffee to bring out the chocolate flavor in with a less expensive cocoa powder. Try it!


Another topic i am going to hit upon on this post is our location. We love it, like I mean really love it. It's a big enough space, it's affordable, it's run by the nicest family, an awesome manager, and full of many many many incredible businesses with more coming in. The signage, I get it people! We have no front sign. It is happening. We like to do everything by the rules. Everything has to approved by the town, the building owners, certain colors, sizes and material are all factors. And we are in a really really old building... We have to wait to drill into those bricks. You come in the store, shake your head that couldn't find me. But in reality you did. And we thank you for that.

We are working on it. Really. We sell ot almost every day, shy deeds if cupcakes and orders go out with an actual sign who knows how may more. The word of mouth with these newly devoted fans and our amazing ones who have been with us since day one on a truck have been great abut spreading the word and directs! 

Another blog post will be up soon...I swear. Rig now on an iPad you can't do too. Inch. Ate you can and I'm old fashioned and I like a desk top. Not even a laptop. And I'm determined to get one for the house again. We have iPads, laptops and net books here, but my desktop was brought to the business and as much as I like my bakery, I like seeing. My kids, hearing them laugh and hearing all about their day! Trust me I can't even go into the guilt this momma feels, to go from astray at home mom (an amazing me at that , tootin my own horn!) to abusiness owner that took off instantly and working 16 hrs most days, is agony most days. Heartbreaking.  Bunny is going to be three tomorrow. THREE!

My heart :(  she's sick, and the boys haves snow day on my day off !!! On that note, I am spending the day getting goofy, and fighting the last of this crappy cold.. Busy weeks ahead of us with exciting news around the corner to announce. 

XO

So yes we won Cupcake Wars!
It is a reality. It was an accomplishment, that happened because myself and Jeremy earned it. Noone else.

Was it possible without help- without a doubt, our parents, our friends and our families, and our trustee taste testers... it helped us get to that level.

John Bale Cafe, was our "incubator", a term they like to refer to themselves as, personally- it reminds me of eggs.. chicken... whatever, but it is really the same concept. We grew and built our business in their facility, used their resources and took our ideas, our blood, sweet sweat and lots of tears into this magnitude if a Cupcake business that we reached. We can't thank them enough for putting up with us for a year, and I know they are so happy that in just a year, we out grew and now are on our own farm... see what I did there?! Haha. Our farm is really a factory- the Old Pin Shop in Oakville, and damn does it feel good to be here.

Honestly, it is night and day. The businesses are cross promoting, welcoming and well, just really nice and supportive. It makes us realize that our choice was the right now.

YES I know I said we put "Connecticut on the Map"
YES I really do mean it.
YES I do know other companies won on Cupcake Wars.
YES I respect those companies.
YES I stand by my damn statement, that luckily everyone LOVED and quote when they come in, It's actually cute.

Here is the thing, those interviews are like 6 hours long, and they edit it, and they kept that part. Honestly I don't even remember say that. And again, honestly I was upset that they didn't keep my quote of  "For all the T Ball games I missed, Bed time stories I couldn't read, and dinners that were take out and not homemade- this is for you, the three biggest fans I have, my loves, my children."

THAT, That is what I really wanted to hear. I had it envisioned that they would be at our party watching it for the first time, and watching me cry and see that I am sorry for everything for the past year I had to miss out on. That is what I wanted.


We are a small business, a very very small business. We  have such respect for every other buisness, because trust me- we KNOW how hard it takes, the hours, the money and the dedication to keep it running.
To hear negative talk through the grape vine, because remember we do live in that small state that "we put on the map" so it is really upsetting to see these companies we respect try to tear us down and pick us apart.

Tell me the reason.
Because it is NOT ok to try to tear down the hard work that myself and my husband have done. We have given up every penny, and then some to start this business, we work 18 hour days regularly, and we refer people to all other local businesses if we can not take a job, especially to the companies that we know are talking negative about us.

It is sad really. Childish, and really at this point kind of comical.
Get over it, and give it up, seriously. People talk. Small businesses talk. And the only way to keep a float is helping one another.

Thank you for all the support, it makes us feel that it was worth the move and the sacrifice to keep this up.
As far as the Cupcake Wars post.. that will be up soon.

We do not broadcast about the show, because as much as it has helped us, launched our business we want to be known for our logo done by Dominic at at Brass City Tattoo and our crazy cupcakes that are always fresh. The cupcake wars logo and winner title, is really just our added bonus on our resume ;)