A couple of months ago I decided to add another small business to my repertoire, Dove Chocolate Discoveries!
Have you heard of it?? It's only 5 years new and WOW, I must say that aside from my own baking company (Garden Party Bakery) I have to say I am impressed by how they handle business from the corporate.
When I signed up on Halloween, I was not sure what I was really getting myself into. I know I love to bake and I love MOST things chocolate (honestly, can I just say, I'm not a fan of mocha- that to me is more about COFFEE- and I don't like coffee!)
Anyway, I signed on because I can get a nice discount for myself on the chef-series chocolate- dark, milk and white! And I knew I could use that in my baking- after all, who doesn't like CHOCOLATE! Okay, well, I do know a couple people who don't. One of those people is my very own daughter! And often times, if I hadn't given birth to her, I would truly wonder if she was really mine ;) LOL
In getting further into the realms of this "little business" of Dove Chocolate Discoveries, I have learned a few things. Like with cake design folks, chocolate is a community! I have met some fantastic women who are very involved in this business. They are full of inspiration, motivation, and love for what they do! Which in turn inspires and motivates me.AND since getting involved, I have seen the wonderful things the company does for it's people and customers. Recently, there was a shortage of a particular item (let's just say shortage is an understatement- they ran out!) The company sent each individual who ordered that item another item to replace it. But, no, that's not all they did...they replaced it AND then when the product came available, they shipped it to the customer, even tho, they had already sent a substitution!
They have various promotions and incentives for its direct sales consultants as well. At this particular time there are a number of ladies and gentlemen who will be going to Punta Cana on an all inclusive trip that they worked for and earned! I am sorry to say it does not look like I will be one of them- but, next time for sure!!
Dove Chocolate Discoveries is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to add a little extra (or a lot) to their household income. There are individuals who have gone from having no income to 6 figures! I want that to be ME!! There are people who use this business to raise money for vacations, new cars, to pay for college for their kids...everyone has their own personal reasons for becoming an independent chocolatier.
If you are looking for something more in your life- come on over to the sweet side! Join my team. I would love for you to be inspired, motivated and to love what you are doing, too!
www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/debbiewarnock is where you can go to view the catalogue, read about others who have taken on the challenge of building their business and the opportunities that can be yours as well!
Until my next chocolate tasting party (YES, there is such a thing and if you are interested in having one, let me know!!) I will bake...I will bake the Dove truffle brownies, I will bake the white chocolate Meyer lemon cupcakes and I will munch on the cinnamon-dusted milk chocolate covered almonds (which by the way, if I had opened these before my first tasting party, there would have been none to enjoy at the party!) Then I think I will make a Dove chocolate cake with Dove dark chocolate ganache layered on and add some chocolate butter cream frosting made with Dove cocoa powder!! Oh those are going to smell luscious while they bake..yummy!!!
Today, I wish for you success, love and CHOCOLATE cake!! (or any other flavor that is your favorite- I do them all!)
Sincerely, The Garden Party Baker and Dove Chocolate Discoveries ~ independent chocolatier ;)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, December 4, 2011
To share or not to share, that is the question!
Yesterday I posted a picture of a cupcake on a favorite Facebook page. Today as I was going through all the comments I was asked for the recipe. Well, as a bakery owner I have to question whether to share or not to share.
I don't mind saying "Oh, I used a recipe from ...." if I used someone else’s recipe. (ie: Martha Stewart, Paula Deen, Warren Brown, etc) But if I created it (or altered another recipe or it was an old family recipe of a friends) I prefer not to share right away. What if one day I decide to write a book? Right now I am trying to build my baking business and feel if I give away all my recipes, why would someone come to me for the product when they can bake it themselves.
I love searching books, magazines, and the internet for ideas and inspiration. I like to alter and create but honestly, I'm no chemist so I use the basic recipe and add or subtract to my liking and then ask others to taste test!!
One person said they are a professional chef and was told by their instructor to share their recipes. What if every chef at every restaurant made the same dishes? Why would you go to that one special place where the chef creates the most luscious tri tip steak and presents it in a manner that is so appealing your mouth waters when the plate is set in front of you?
I believe that if it’s something I enjoy, I might ask; “What’s in this?” I’m certain they would tell me but I feel likely that they would not sit down and write out the recipe for me. Any of you chefs out there, please correct me if I’m wrong, but, would you please tell me the recipe for your favorite dessert??
I don’t mind sharing, really!!! I will loan you my pans, some of my equipment, my recipe books (and I own A LOT of them!!) I will even let you borrow my kids (although, they are of the age that they may say differently – sorry bout that!) I will show you how to create any craft idea I may have, I will make suggestions for using items you have waiting to be turned into something fun and fascinating even, I will bake you whatever you’d like, I will gift those things to you even, but, give you the recipe- not likely!
I make these great coconut macaroons. Every year I make a couple dozen for a friend as a gift for his birthday (which just happens to be the same day as mine) He LOVES them but has never once asked me for the recipe!
I also make amazing spaghetti sauce and I have told many people what I use in it. I can honestly say I can’t tell you what the recipe is because I do not measure when I make it. I add until it looks “right” or smells like it’s done.
Am I being selfish for not giving away my trade secrets?? Or am I protecting my business and any future assets? After all, one day I want to be just like Martha (well, I’ll pass on the prison thing but I’d love to have books, magazines, TV shows, a few homes and lots of traveling as a part of my legacy.)
PS- do you need a place to store and transport all those mini cupcakes you created for the holiday?? Try a clean egg carton!! Perfect fit and even after closing won't squish the frosting unless it's piled really, really high!!
Sincerely,
The Garden Party Baker
I don't mind saying "Oh, I used a recipe from ...." if I used someone else’s recipe. (ie: Martha Stewart, Paula Deen, Warren Brown, etc) But if I created it (or altered another recipe or it was an old family recipe of a friends) I prefer not to share right away. What if one day I decide to write a book? Right now I am trying to build my baking business and feel if I give away all my recipes, why would someone come to me for the product when they can bake it themselves.
I love searching books, magazines, and the internet for ideas and inspiration. I like to alter and create but honestly, I'm no chemist so I use the basic recipe and add or subtract to my liking and then ask others to taste test!!
One person said they are a professional chef and was told by their instructor to share their recipes. What if every chef at every restaurant made the same dishes? Why would you go to that one special place where the chef creates the most luscious tri tip steak and presents it in a manner that is so appealing your mouth waters when the plate is set in front of you?
I believe that if it’s something I enjoy, I might ask; “What’s in this?” I’m certain they would tell me but I feel likely that they would not sit down and write out the recipe for me. Any of you chefs out there, please correct me if I’m wrong, but, would you please tell me the recipe for your favorite dessert??
I don’t mind sharing, really!!! I will loan you my pans, some of my equipment, my recipe books (and I own A LOT of them!!) I will even let you borrow my kids (although, they are of the age that they may say differently – sorry bout that!) I will show you how to create any craft idea I may have, I will make suggestions for using items you have waiting to be turned into something fun and fascinating even, I will bake you whatever you’d like, I will gift those things to you even, but, give you the recipe- not likely!
I make these great coconut macaroons. Every year I make a couple dozen for a friend as a gift for his birthday (which just happens to be the same day as mine) He LOVES them but has never once asked me for the recipe!
I also make amazing spaghetti sauce and I have told many people what I use in it. I can honestly say I can’t tell you what the recipe is because I do not measure when I make it. I add until it looks “right” or smells like it’s done.
Am I being selfish for not giving away my trade secrets?? Or am I protecting my business and any future assets? After all, one day I want to be just like Martha (well, I’ll pass on the prison thing but I’d love to have books, magazines, TV shows, a few homes and lots of traveling as a part of my legacy.)
PS- do you need a place to store and transport all those mini cupcakes you created for the holiday?? Try a clean egg carton!! Perfect fit and even after closing won't squish the frosting unless it's piled really, really high!!
Sincerely,
The Garden Party Baker
Saturday, November 12, 2011
An Adventure in Blogging and Baking
I have baked for many years and NOW I am adding a new ingredient - BLOGGING!
I want to share what I have learned. I want to inspire and inform you of the fun that baking and blogging can be.
I want to share my experinces- good and bad, so that hopefully you will find something useful to help you.
It is my intention for you to be able to experience products and ideas in baking, that you may not have tried before.
I love to share my thoughts and hope that you will find this blog both entertaining and helpful.
Please bear with me as I make my way on this blogging journey. I'm sure there will be some challenges for me (I'm not exactly what you'd call a techo genius!!) But I will give it my best shot and if I find something that I think will help you out through this experience- I'll pass it on.
In the meantime, I hope you have a great tomorrow.
I want to share what I have learned. I want to inspire and inform you of the fun that baking and blogging can be.
I want to share my experinces- good and bad, so that hopefully you will find something useful to help you.
It is my intention for you to be able to experience products and ideas in baking, that you may not have tried before.
I love to share my thoughts and hope that you will find this blog both entertaining and helpful.
Please bear with me as I make my way on this blogging journey. I'm sure there will be some challenges for me (I'm not exactly what you'd call a techo genius!!) But I will give it my best shot and if I find something that I think will help you out through this experience- I'll pass it on.
In the meantime, I hope you have a great tomorrow.
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