Just over a year ago I started baking on Instagram and what I thought would happen and what actually happened were two different things. Here are some life lessons I learned (and re-learned) from baking in the last year.
I have been baking my whole life and was taught by my grandmother June (my mother did not get the baking gene in the family). You can read about why I started Ally & June’s here, but here are a few things I learned in my first year of baking on Instagram. Even if you don’t having an online space or even know how to bake I think a lot of these things are applicable in real life. I included some life lessons that I learned from baking.
Curious? Keep scrolling!
Don’t have a lot of time and just want the baking cheatsheet? Here you go:
- Always have extra lemons
- Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth
- Don’t underestimate yourself
- Pictures say a lot (& I discovered a new hobby)
- Learn when to say no to orders (know your limit)
- Just because someone messages you, doesn’t mean you need to answer right away
- Survey your customers
- Know how to work your social media
- You’ll make new friends
- The best part is when the joy on someones face when the orders arrive
Want to know the life lessons I learned from baking? Up next!
Always have extra lemons
The problem is that grocery stores are not always open 24 hours (at least not the province I live in), so if you run out you’re screwed. Other things (like dropping it on the on the floor) can also happen so if you don’t have enough or any extra you might end up stuck. Allow yourself as little wiggle room with things in life, don’t push everything to the limit.
Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth
A friend of a friend sent cinnamon rolls to her friends for Mother’s Day. One of the recipients sent a gift to her friend who just had a baby. That friend told their mom and their mom ordered for the baby shower. The baby shower went on social media and then their friend ordered. One year later I made cookies for their first birthday. Word travels, good and bad. Be the good that someone wants to tell others about.
Don’t underestimate yourself
The night before I launched orders I was filled with worry (that no one would order), fear (of putting myself out there and it would fail) and anxiety (that I was wrong about all of it and it might actually succeed). I told myself if I could get 5 orders this week I would buy some new cookie cutters. I got 13 orders in the first few hours and then was booked for the next 4 months. Trust yourself and don’t be afraid to bet on you sometimes.
Pictures say a lot (& I discovered a new hobby)
There is a huge difference between how many orders I get when I have made something in advance and taken pictures vs. no pictures. Like most things, people like to know what they are getting. If you are baking for others, take the time to bake ahead and take the pictures. When you aren’t looking you just might stumble across what you didn’t know you needed. I ended up buying a DSLR camera 8 months in. Not because my baking wasn’t selling but because I learned that one of my favourite parts of all of this was taking the pictures. It was a new hobby that is relaxing and fulfilling and one I didn’t know I needed in my life.
Learn when to say no to orders (know your limit)
When I started my baking account I was afraid to say no to orders because I was worried that people wouldn’t order again or be upset. I baked from the end of April 2020 until the middle of July before and after I went to my full time job and then I crashed. When I was on vacation and literally slept for a week straight. I then ended up taking 3 weeks off in August still not feeling rested. Lesson? Don’t take on too much because something will always have to give. I ended up missing out on time with friends and family because I was tired and I didn’t feel creative because I was drained. In the end, a few less orders wouldn’t have mattered in return for more rest.
Just because someone messages you, doesn’t mean you need to answer right away
My phone had never had as many notifications as it has in the last year. I was constantly checking messages, responding and sending order confirmations to people that I felt like I was glued to my phone. A few months later I decided to set “business hours” where I would respond to messages, send order confirmations and be “available” to anyone who needed. Don’t give all of your attention to social media, because you will miss what is happening in real life.
“You don’t need to have 50 friends, you just need a few good ones.“
Survey your customers
I thought I knew what my followers wanted, until I asked them! I had recipes, Instagram Reels and promos that I was SURE that people would love and have them completely flop. On the flip side, I also never would have dreamt the success of hand painted sugar cookies, DIY cookie decorating kits or seasonal sample boxes. Don’t assume that you know everything, ask for a little guidance sometimes.
Know how to work your social media
Stop trying to beat the algorithm. Look at your analytics, find out what people like and don’t like and post/share content that your audience wants to see. Big giveaways are great to quickly grow your follower count (I’ve done one and can see how tempting it is), but a slow growth that is full of people who are engaged and show up for you is much better. You don’t need to have 50 friends, you just need a few good ones.
You’ll make new friends
Remember the friend of a friend who sent the cinnamon rolls? Well another recipient followed me on Instagram and sends the sweetest messages and words of encouragement. I haven’t met many of my followers in person but I have seen their smiling faces at the door, get to be a part of their special moments through baking and occasionally judge cookie decorating contests. You might find friends in places you weren’t looking.
The best part is when the joy on someones face when the orders arrive
A long night of baking all goes away when it is delivered and there is so much joy! What I have recently learned is that sharing recipes with others and seeing what others create with them is the most rewarding of all. Giving is definitely better than receiving.
