It is official. I put in my two weeks notice at my full time job and I’m getting ready to leave the corporate world for baking. This is something I have been considering for months, and have decided it’s time to take my love of dessert more seriously (well, as seriously as dessert should ever be taken.) Once I decided this was the path I wanted to go down, things started to fall into place. I called the Polka Dot Cake Studio to order a cake for Andrew and as I was placing the order with the head baker, Marissa, she said “I have to go now and interview someone.” I hung up the phone and immediately knew I should have asked more.
Within 10 minutes I called back and Marissa asked me to come in to see the bakery. I had to stop myself from running over to the shop that second since I was so excited. I went to Polka Dot Cake Studio this past weekend and spent an hour in the kitchen making Passion Fruit filling. So far so good for me, and I am excited about helping out at this great bakery. To keep my rent covered and the technical side of my brain challenged, I will continue to consult as an Information Architect. I feel incredibly lucky to have so many great options and am excited to start this next phase of my life. It still feels strange for me to say out loud “I want to be a baker,” but it is quite a relief to get out. I feel like my secret identity has been revealed, and I’m finally able to pursue my love for dessert during daylight hours, not under the cover of darkness after a long day at work.
As Andrew wrote in the “About” section, Lovescool was started to find out what it takes to start something new. I now know the answer to this question is a complicated one. It requires some crazy mix of passion, bravery, planning and sheer luck. It also takes a few encouraging words, and I thank my family and friends for their support, and all of you for your great comments along the way. I have a lot to learn and I’m not sure where this journey will take me. My ultimate goal is to own my own cafe/bakery one day, so I’m starting out with that in mind.
For now I’ll focus on the adorable cakes at Polka Dot and continue researching the seemingly unlimited number of great desserts available in the world! Stay tuned…
Thanks Andrew for telling me to just “do it.”
You are awesome. Live the dream!
Hi Kelli,
sounds really great! Seems like destiny has some “sweet” plans for you - I’m curious for some detailed stories about your experience at the Polka Dot Cake Studio (funny name btw). All the best, love your blog
Congratulations! I think this is fantastic.
Very inspiring! I remember my dreams…..thank you.
p.s. Your site is just so rad!
yay!
Many best wishes on this amazing endeavor!!! Sounds like you’ll have fun. Hurray for doing what you love!
Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it! I hope you’re all able to do what you love too.
That is a very inspirational tale.
Someone please answer this question posted a while back on the “Starting your own chcolate business article…
“…I have visited his store [Jaques Torres] in Brooklyn and loved it, i also bought a couple of his cookbooks and use them all the time! I had tried this idea once before and found that the chocolate stuck to the ballons and when I deflated them, my bowls crumbled with the balloon. Is there something that I should use on the balloon to prevent this? Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea!…”
Hi, I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and I must say CONGRATULATIONS on your big decision. What a sweet life!
yay! best of luck!
That’s AWESOME, congratulations!
Go for it!
Congrats, Kelli. I’m very happy for you. Looking forward to trying your cakes next time I’m in town.
Congratulations! The thought of you at Polka Dot, which is one of my favorite bakeries in the city, makes all the sense in the world.
Excellent!
Sweet dreams do come true
Go girl! The dessert world will get better because you’re in it. Hopefully by the time I get to visit the States again, I can eat dessert at your very own bakery.
All the best,
lori (fellow dessert lover who just started her own dessert blog as well).
Congratulations, Kelli! Just coming out of lurking to say that I love, love, love your site, and am so happy that you’re able to do what you love. Can’t wait to read more about it!
That’s a fantasy as ethereal as powdered sugar. I wish you much luck — the kind with the rainbow sprinkles on top. Congrats, Kelli.
Congrats and best of luck!
I’m sure you’ve already heard of him, but here’s a story about the guy who quit his job as a lawyer and founded Cakelove Bakery and Love Cafe in DC.
Link to Story
Thanks Jacqueline, you’re filled with good information! I haven’t heard of this story (Warren Brown, founder of Cake Love) before and I’m glad you sent the link. I’d like to say I’m original in my plan to leave the corporate world for baking, but I know I’m just one of many that has had the same dream. I’m always glad when it works out for someone like Cake Love did. I think (I hope) there’s enough room in this world for us all to pursue our love of baking.
Awesome!
Is there something akin to “break a leg!” for bakers? How about “break an egg!”?!
Good Luck!
I hope to be as inspired as you are someday! You’re a role model…
Way to go, Kelli! It’s always great to hear of someone taking steps to live their dream. Look forward to posts about your experience. And for Sophie is post #9 above - Google “tempered chocolate” and find the instructions for tempering. Baking911.com has some info on the use of balloons too.
I think you’ve started a new saying Ivan. I love it! Thank you.
I’m a little late to this party but I simply have to say MAZEL TOV! I’m so excited for you, and a little jealous, too. What fun you’re going to have! And Polka Dot is a great place to start.
Okay, so I’m way late joining this bandwagon. But I did want to say that it takes a certain amount of courage to leave the cushiness of corporate America to pursue your dream. Way to go, Kelli! Polka Dot Bakery has got a new asset in you!
Kelli,
I am sure you are kicking some….over there! Best Wishes!!
i just found your blog and have determined that you are my baking hero!