the week after the weekend before..

Ok, the weekend wasn't great.

My fair was quiet to say the least. Disappointing for all involved especially me because I wanted it to be a success, naturally I did, but I was pretty annoyed that people didn't turn up.

Firstly a few stall holders dropped out at the last min. Not good!

Initially the fair was busy, people came in, had a look, bought a few things, but in the afternoon it was so quiet. Sad times!

My husband spent the day handing out leaflets, trying to get people to come in, it worked but not enough people came in, and if they did, they didn't buy anything. 

All the stall holders were disappointed, one, who organises another fair at a different church, was the most vocal. (not to me, but to other stall holders). Only one stall holder, someone I know, said that I should have had a voucher on the leaflets. I guess she might have a point, and I'm kicking myself now, would have been easy to do. oh well, hindsight is a great thing.

i thought leafleting the local area would have been enough, I think we leafleted almost 1000 homes in total, but people aren't interested so that's that! 

oh well, my career as a fair organiser is on hold for now. Instead I'll attend other people events where they have larger budgets to advertise in newspapers and offer money off or freebies.

Also looked at "pop up" shops again, as that's a good way of getting the mobile tea room out there. Also trying to get the website updated so it shows up on Google searches. Fun and games!

No matter what happens though, I'm still trying to get the business off the ground. Its such a good idea, i just need a better website, better photos, more practice on cakes and more advertising. 

Had a few people ask about it but no confirmed bookings yet. One day soon though, one day soon!

In other news, I made marshmallow. At least something goes right! :-)

When something seems like too much of a good thing..

...it usually means its going to be bad.

Free stall in a shopping center? yes please!! I had my doubts, but went along anyway, it was free after all. 

We got there, and straight away, I knew. Today was going to be a waste of time. The stall was in a shopping centre, with "bargain" stores. Not a good start when you sell items which are lovely but more money than bargain stores. (I can't sell an apron for £5, when it cost £5 to buy from a wholesaler!)

Oh well, maybe my cakes will sell? well, no, it seems that most parents now are very health conscious and don't like their kids even looking at cakes. grr! Kids were so slim, they need some treats, its only a small cupcake!!

Its ok, the day was young. Things might pick up in the afternoon? Again, no. The heavens opened and no one was in sight and to make matter worse, the ground underfoot was beginning to become a puddle. (why can't they get drainage right, seriously, its not that hard!)

All in all, the last Saturday was almost a disaster but as usual, my optimistic self didn't let the rain put me off. Nope, I put my "apprentice" hat on and put all cupcakes on a tray, and started walking round the shops, door to door. (if the mountain doesn't come to Mohamed, Mohamed goes to the mountain - at least i hope that's the saying!)

Thankfully the shop staff were more than happy to buy my lovely cakes and they all sold. (just had two left, which my husband and I ate. we deserved it!)

We then packed up and left, leaving the rain and puddles behind. Lesson learnt! If you have any doubts, just say no!

Going solo..

"Sorry, you can't sell your cakes, I already have someone selling cakes " "oh ok, no problem.. I'll just set up my own event that way I can sell what I want! so there!"

Ok, I never said the last bit, but I thought it. After all, what does it take to organise an event of my own? Simple really, a venue, money and advertising. Why let someone else control my selling opportunities? So I found a venue, lovely church hall, good location, car park, tables provided, paid the deposit and started to advertise it. Within a couple of weeks, 9 tables sold. Not bad considering I've only used social media to advertise so far. (Twitter is slowly becoming my best friend, its amazing!)

So its not all plain sailing, people say they want a table but don't pay or they call and ask a million questions only to then not get back to you, but its fine. First event is small scale, not too much of an outlay and keeping it simple. Should be fine right? well, I hope so!

Also raising money for charity too. Had an email about a Charity doing Tea Parties as a fundraiser and if I was interested in promoting it for them. I said yes, and then coincidentally I get an email from a theatre company asking if I can promote their play in exchange for free tickets for a charity raffle. why, YES! perfect!

its funny how a "no" has turned into something positive, but that's just how I am. I don't like other people controlling things for me, especially something like this. Why should I have to prove my cakes are good? (yes, seriously, they asked me if they can sample my cakes before I can sell at the market. The market in a school playground in North London, its not exactly the Ritz or Great British Bake off!) So that was that, I've now become an event manager (which has always been a dream job of mine anyway) and I hope to have even more events in the future. 

before then though, back to reality. Cake course work is due in soon, only 5 more lessons to go, its gone so quick! Currently working on an Alice in Wonderland cake, so far, so good. Will share once its ready.

Latest cake below. Crown was made using modelling paste. 

Pop up shops and more

Pop up shops and more

The last few weeks have been busy! Firstly I was at Enfield's pop up shop for two weeks, selling cakes, tea and coffee as well as gifts. 

It was a mixed couple of weeks. Sometimes quiet, sometimes not so quiet. All in all a good experience. Not in terms of money (I had to take off two weeks unpaid leave from my day job) but in terms of meeting people, growing my business contacts and finding out for myself first hand how hard it would be to own an actual tea room.

Let me expand, firstly you have to bake, of course you can get ready made stuff but that distracts from the tea room appeal. Then once that's done, you need to make sure the shop is clean, coffee machine is ready, kettle is full. Then you wait for customers, they come and go, leaving a mess, (even though they try to be tidy, cake gets everywhere and coffee always seems to drip). So you clean again, then refill the coffee machine and kettle. All good, but by the end of the day, you can't help but be tired. (Especially when you are used to a desk job like me) You can't just go home and rest, nope, its back to baking and the cycle continues! It would have been great if the profit was high, but due to location, clientele and general low profit margins in cake and drinks, the money isn't great. Sigh.... my dream just isn't meant to be... 

Or is it a case of the dream needing to change? yes, i think that is the answer. Firstly, my day job is OK. it pays well, doesn't stress me out and people bring me tea, hurrah! Secondly, I don't really need a shop, after all "sugar tea room, the mobile tea room that comes to you" that's my slogan so that's what I should concentrate on. I need to expand that more, do parties, get involved in local community projects and just build the actual mobile tea room! Who knows, maybe i should buy a caravan and make it into a tea room? (maybe save that one for when I have a drive/garage lol)

So onto the next event, North London Wedding show. A chance to showcase my mobile tea room to North London brides. (All of which love the idea, but I could tell some of them were thinking "i can do that too" grr) 

Either way, it was good fun. Got to make more contacts, got loads of good feedback and got to hang out with my sister, which was actually very fun. (she's a make up artist so more relevant for her).

Onwards to the next event, craft market in wood green. Again, another good experience. All cupcakes sold, a few gifts sold too and generally a good day. (There again end of the month). 

Then back at Spitalfields Market. Busy as always but the high cost of stall hire makes it not worthwhile, so not doing that one again anytime soon. (Maybe save it for the summer when its super busy!)
A few photos to finish my entry for today. Enjoy and thanks for reading! (if you do read this blog, please comment! xx)

Weekend events

Weekend events

Sugar Tea room - At a market near you! (Well, if you live in London its near)

The last two weekends have been hectic! The first one, was spent at a two day fair in Essex, where it was quiet to say the least. Not a good experience, so won't be going back there in a hurry!

The second weekend outing however was much more successful. Old Spitalfield market was host to a great market, with people selling there home made goods. From cakes to jewellery to hand creams. Was a dynamic mix!

I knew London wouldn't disappoint, after all, its the best city in the world and being a proud Londoner I knew it would't let me down!

Below are just a few pictures from the day. My favourite was the two girls below who were very happy to have their picture taken! I do like happy customers!

My next event is at Enfield Town's pop up emporium, Tuesday 18th March for two weeks! Very excited! Then back at Old Spitalfield market on the 5th April. 

Come visit me xx

 

latest cake - Mickey mouse

Mickey Mouse Cake - by me

The below Mickey Mouse cake was made for my 3 year old nephew. As always it took a long time to make, but was worth it for sure! He was jumping up and down when he saw it lol (and all the other people there were pretty impressed too)

The inside of the cake is a butter cake with jam and butter-cream. Had to make 4 cakes to get the height but thankfully managed to bake two cakes at the same time. I also made the head out of cake and buttercream - basically a giant cakepop! 

I think the finished effect was all worth it and i'd do it again for sure. 

Next cake to be added soon. 

Latest cake by Sugar Tea Room

Lego cake

The above Lego cake was made for a police officer who loves Lego. it took a long time to make, but was worth it for sure! I made all the pieces individually using a handmade mold (yes, I know i could have bought a ready made mold but alas delivery times did not allow that!)

The best part was the inside. pretty cool and a great surprise for the birthday boy! Mickey mouse cake is my next project, watch this space!