It may not be exactly one month, but we have completed four full weeks today. And, we did it in a great way... that is to say, we had a very good day. So, I am saying we completed one month (short or not).
But first, remember I was telling you how excited I was that the lines got painted, which means we could put tables on the plaza once we complete some paperwork? Well, that was all because the mayor was a man of his word, and he took action very fast. Today, to my surprise, he came in to the bakery with his partner. I thanked him many times and really reminded him how much it meant to us that he was able to help us, especially so fast.
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The bakery did very well today. I do not know why exactly, but we had good sales and steady customers. I opened the doors just after 8 am and by 9:30 we had a steady flow of people until we locked the doors at 1pm. I am very proud of that.
But, I am even more proud to tell you that we exceeded our goal. We finished the month at 138% of what I had expected. Even with some very tough days we did really well and I am extremely happy about this. Based on what everyone has said about August being the slowest month, I am hoping things will get better. I mentioned before we have not reached the break even point yet, but, I think we are well on our way. Despite the many tough days, hard decisions, and constantly changing to meet the needs of the customers, I feel like we are doing fine.
Today I brought home one of the pan payes loafs I made and to my dismay, I found the very center was not fully baked. This is a problem because I baked four on the same tray and we sold two of them yesterday. Ok, things happen, but I worry that the word of mouth gets around that there was a problem. This combined with the woman who had the same problem a couple of days ago, is not good. I have to have more patience in the oven time and lower the temperature and let them bake longer, especially the larger loafs. It is a learning.
I hear all the time, "it is very difficult in Inca, the locals are very closed about new things." But, I do not see this as a wall, but an opportunity. One person at a time we will help change and evolve the local culture, by building our brand, and providing the best quality service in Inca, and of course, the best croissants...
Speaking of croissants.. I spoke last night with the genius behind my education on this topic and he told me what has happened with them is normal. We all start with a few excellent batches and then something happens and it feels like we cannot replicate that quality. But, to work work work and it will return. He also told me that a woman who works for him, who has been making croissants for five years, had a really bad batch (they looked just like mine). She was upset. I understand. I will not share with you all of the conversation I had with him, but I will just say, he is an amazing guy and I am so thankful to have his help and support, and super kind words all the time.
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Tomorrow morning Sandy will go to city hall to finalize the paperwork for tables. We could, in theory, have tables tomorrow on the plaza. That is almost scary as we are not mentally prepared for this for sure. But, like everything else, we will adapt and work it out. I am most certain that we are going to need help again in the bakery with those tables. I imagine it will be a LOT more to do. Thursday will be the first challenge I think.
I am smiling.. very much. We always have lemonade in life, it is how we look at the glass that determines our actions.
Is there a learning for today or is this just some positivity flowing from me to you and back to me?
Thank you so much for reading my entries... I am not so sure I will continue to post these on facebook after today, so I do hope you are subscribed to this channel to read them.
ps - we had lovely empanadas today
#doeverythingwithlove
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