Episode 7 of Season 3 - What Happens When You Hit Rock Bottom?

Taren is the owner of “Sweet Petites Desserts”.

Let’s dive into Taren’s interview.

Being a 3rd generation baker, cooking came second nature to me. My grandmother imparted the love and skill of baking into me as a small child. Although I love to cook, it is a gift that I seldom shared outside of friends and family. Shortly after being was married, and while I was 7 months pregnant, I was laid off from my job at IBM. Being that far along in my pregnancy made it almost impossible for me to search for a new position, so I decided to stay home with my baby. After staying home for two years, I returned to Corporate America in a sales position, which I hated.

During my search for purpose, God spoke to me through a friend. Over dinner one day she said,” You should sell your desserts.” Being a programmer, I am a numbers person, and in my head those numbers just did not add up. It seemed too extreme, but she was truly the voice of God. I wrestled with that concept for 30 days. During those 30 days, God revealed to me how all of my life’s experiences would be an asset to me in building my business. I developed my plan, wrote my vision, and have not looked back. As an entrepreneur, I knew that I was going to always think about what’s next. I knew I would have to keep things fresh. I knew that I was going to have to offer something that no one else in the city was offering, because people always go to what they know.

I call Sweet Petite Desserts a family business, even though I am a sole proprietor. Five years ago, I hit rock bottom Neither me nor my mentor realized that my bakery was considered a destination spot. Even though I was located less than a half block away from two restaurants, no one would walk to the bakery for dessert, especially during adverse weather. I would go weeks without a customer. After a conversation with my landlord, God moved. My landlord, who is a major stake holder in the revitalization of the Over The Rhine neighborhood, took over my marketing, and started to drive traffic to my bakery. They believed in me to the point that they allowed to me stay in the building for one year totally rent free. They also paid for my utilities for that entire year. That was my defining moment and it was a sign from God that I was right where I was supposed to be. When you are on the right path, many doors will be opened for you, just be obedient to the instructions that God places in front of you. That also let me know that there is enough for all of us. There is no need for anyone to covet their neighbors’ dreams.
I have five steps that I take to push past fear:
1. Define what fear is to you. Fear is not failure, is not always negative, and should not be scary. Fear can also be a warning to protect you. I like to channel fear from a curiosity standpoint. I want to see what is on the other side.
2. Don’t fear the process. You have to go through something to get somewhere. Embrace the process and learn from it.
3. Know who you are when you are getting ready to birth something. Do the work to birth the dream, because you know at the end you are going to have something beautiful.
4. Be sure about what you are doing. Are you trying to work a get rich scheme? A hobby? What is your why? Do your best and allow God to do the rest.
5. Look at fear as fuel, and not something to stop you.
Once you make a decision, live with it. Don’t carry that dead weight around with you. Let things go. Stay focused to your path. Recognize fear, but always ask why you are here. Deal with it, and keep it moving.

If you are ready to expand your business, let’s schedule time to chat.
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