| I usually write to you about all the amazing things happening at Sheer Ambrosia—our accomplishments, milestones, and the exciting steps we’re taking to grow this business. But today, I want to pull back the curtain and share a side of entrepreneurship that doesn’t always get the spotlight. Because while building this bakery has been a labor of love, it definitely isn't always sunshine and rainbows.
A few weeks ago, I experienced one of the most challenging setbacks since moving into my new commercial bakery. Here’s what happened:
For the past several months, I have been working long hours planning and preparing for a huge three-day event called The Family Christmas Gift Show taking place at one of Utah largest venues, The Mountain America Exposition Center. Late Tuesday night, on November 12, two days before the first day of the event, I left the bakery after pulling the last of 13 pans of baklava from the oven to cool. Part of that was for the event, another 80 pieces was a donation to Habitat for Humanity the next morning, as I just joined their board and wanted to make a good impression at a big event they were having, and then some was for regular clients. When I returned early the next morning, I walked into what can only be described as a scene from a disaster movie.
My bakery is located in a mixed-use building with commercial units in the front and residential low income apartments behind. While I’ve formed good relationships with many of the residents, the building has its challenges, including a mix of mental health crises, substance abuse issues, and other unfortunate situations.
That night, one of its troubled tenants allowed two homeless men into the building. A fight broke out, and one of the men took a fire extinguisher off the wall, smashing it into the floor. The extinguisher exploded, covering the hallway in a thick layer of yellow fire-retardant powder. Worse, the powder found its way into my bakery through cracks in the door and air ventilation system.
I had to throw away all the baklava, about $2,000 worth, scrub every inch of the bakery, and start over from scratch. It was all hands on deck and what followed was a whirlwind of cleaning, remaking, baking, and cutting samples late into the night to be ready for the Christmas show event the next day. I was so embarrassed to call Habitat for Humanity and tell the CEO that I couldn’t follow through on what I’d promised her, but she was more concerned for me. She was even one of the incredible friends who came to help me late into the night to cut samples for the first day of the show the following day.
Beyond the immediate cleanup, I had to file an insurance claim, report the incident to the Department of Agriculture and Food, and consult with poison control and the fire department to ensure the bakery was safe. The property manager is taking steps to address the situation, and I’m working on doing what I can to prevent anything like this from happening again.
But that wasn’t the end of the hurdles. Shortly after this incident, another significant setback hit—that three day Christmas gift show...well, let's just say it was a huge learning experience in knowing who my clients are.
Through it all, I’m continuing to appreciate that running a small business means facing the unexpected head-on. It’s about perseverance, problem-solving, and refusing to let obstacles define my journey.
To my incredible customers: I share this not for sympathy, but to give you a fuller picture of what it takes to bring Sheer Ambrosia’s baklava to your table. Every piece of baklava we create is the result of resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Your support means everything. When you choose Sheer Ambrosia, you’re not just purchasing baklava; you’re supporting a dream, a small business, and a whole lot of heart.
Thank you for being part of this journey, through the ups and the downs. |
