A First Person Account of How a Hobby Became a Small Business During the Pandemic
As the world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us found ourselves with a lot of free time on our hands. The initial days were spent binge-watching TV shows and trying out new recipes, but as the days turned into weeks and then months, I realized that I needed something more productive to do with my time. That’s when I turned to my long-forgotten hobby – baking.
Baking had always been a passion of mine, but with a hectic work schedule, I rarely had the time to indulge in it. However, with the lockdown in place, I found myself with ample time to experiment with new recipes and techniques. I started baking for my family and friends, and their positive feedback encouraged me to take it a step further.
I began posting pictures of my baked goods on social media, and soon enough, I had friends and acquaintances asking if I could bake for them too. At first, I was hesitant. Baking for my loved ones was one thing, but baking for strangers was a whole new ball game. However, with the encouragement and support of my loved ones, I decided to take the plunge and turn my hobby into a small business.
The journey of turning my hobby into a small business during the pandemic was not an easy one. With limited resources and no prior experience in running a business, I faced many challenges. But I was determined to make it work. I started by creating a social media page for my business and advertising my products through word-of-mouth. To my surprise, I received an overwhelming response, and orders started pouring in.
With each order, I learned something new – from managing inventory to pricing my products. It was a steep learning curve, but I enjoyed every bit of it. As my business grew, I invested in better equipment and ingredients to improve the quality of my products. I also took online courses to learn new techniques and enhance my skills.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was sourcing ingredients during the lockdown. With limited options and restrictions on movement, it was not easy to find the ingredients I needed. But I refused to let that stop me. I experimented with different ingredients and substitutes, and in the process, discovered new and unique flavors that my customers loved.
The pandemic also brought about a shift in consumer behavior. With people staying at home, there was a surge in demand for home-baked goods. This worked in my favor, and my business started to grow rapidly. I also started receiving orders for customized cakes and desserts for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. It was heartwarming to be a part of people’s celebrations, and it gave me a sense of purpose during these uncertain times.
As my business grew, I faced another challenge – managing my time. With a full-time job and a growing business, it was not easy to juggle both. But I was determined to make it work. I started waking up earlier and utilizing my weekends to fulfill orders. I also roped in my family to help me with packaging and deliveries. Their support and assistance were crucial in the smooth functioning of my business.
The pandemic also taught me the importance of adaptability and innovation. With restrictions on social gatherings, I had to pivot my business model and offer delivery and contactless pickup options. I also started offering virtual baking classes, which turned out to be a huge hit. It not only helped me generate additional income but also gave me the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world who shared the same passion for baking.
Today, as the world slowly returns to normalcy, I am grateful for the pandemic for giving me the time and opportunity to turn my hobby into a small business. What started as a way to pass the time has now become a source of income and a passion that I will continue to pursue even after the pandemic. It has also given me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction to see my customers enjoy my baked goods.
In conclusion, the pandemic may have brought about many challenges, but it also presented us with opportunities. It taught us to adapt, innovate, and find new ways to thrive. My journey of turning my hobby into a small business during the pandemic has been a rollercoaster ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It has not only helped me discover my entrepreneurial spirit but also taught me valuable lessons that I will carry
