Hi Friends! Last year around this time, I made it my goal to publish a blogpost every week—at the minimum once a month. I love writing my thoughts out and also feel it keeps me connected to you. I love when people come into the bakery and tell me they read my post and we have something to connect about. Well I totally succeeded through April and then somehow 8 months zoomed by and my ritual has completely fizzled.

I blame May.

Not only is May absolutely wild at the bakery with all the events and orders going out, but this past May we still had two locations and in my personal life, a cancelled wedding. There was family drama and stress and something had to give. The oven guy is still mine and I love him but we postponed our nuptials until things settle.

In August, we shut down our first location. That came with so much transition; loss of staff and tons of extra work. It has been such a blessing and the best decision, but it definitely took grit to move everything and get all of my staff situated at one spot. When you have a skilled baker used to working in a kitchen for 6+ years, it’s quite a task to change and get a groove in a new space—using a different oven and tools in new places. It has taken a few months but I think he’s finally in a good groove.

I think we’re all finally in a good groove.

The small staff still with me have all been with me for a good while and I love them so much. The decision to go down to one location has taken a tremendous mental and physical load off of me and even financially, it has proven to be the right choice. We are starting our 6th year in business and by Spring, we will be cash flow positive. I will talk more on that later for those interested, but mainly just want to say, I couldn’t be more grateful.

If you have sensed that maybe I’ve been a little distracted or distant, not fully able to give my all to serving you/creating new flavors/publishing posts/or any other thing that have made this business what it is, please know I’m coming back in 2026 with fresh energy, ideas and a ton of love for you and this business!

SWEET bakery is a dream in my heart that God gave me and my life goal is to steward it well. It’s an absolute joy and privilege to serve you all every day.

Thank you for being with us on the journey!

If you have any ideas, requests or things you’d like to see this year, please send them my way at info@sweetbycaralinn.com. We’ll see you back after our break on January 8th.

Love Always and Happy New Year!

‍