To say the years go by fast may be cliche, but seemingly true. Close to four years ago, the opportunity came for my side business of Cottage Baking, to become a store front Bake Shop. To say I was naive is an understatement. But I had a dream and a plan. Matthew, our family and I worked night and day to make the old musty bar into my little bakery.
Within months of being open we started having growing pains. Certainly we learn something new each day, but that first year had many challenges. I knew in my heart , being a woman of faith that this little bakery business would thrive, and sometimes that meant making tough decisions. However with all of the challenges a core of confidence in our bakery and my baking has resulted.
The growing pains of our tiny kitchen sent us looking for a future home for Fluffing Feathers in Manchester. The long story short is that while we were praying for a larger kitchen and our own home for the bakery, the perfect shop went on the market. The only problem was that bakery was in Phelps and not in Manchester. I really wanted to stay in Manchester. There are few businesses in Manchester and the community was excited for us to be there and extremely supportive. So, as most of you probably know, we purchased the bake shop in Phelps and have continued to operate both bakeries . I have spent almost all of my time at the Phelps location for the past year and a half. Amy (aka, my right hand) and I have been stretched to the limit. Not to mention my amazing Sweet Matthew, who has been beyond incredible through this entire journey.
I’ve been having a blast at the Phelps location. We have the large kitchen and the equipment we need. The community of Phelps has been wonderful. Even the way the sun will shine into the bakery just gives me a high. My son, daughter in law and grandchildren live in Phelps, so now I feel like I’m part of their community. The grandchildren are able to come and work with their grandmother, and my lovely daughter in law works on her day off from her real job as an RN at Clifton Springs Hospital. The struggle has been trying to keep up with the volume and man power it takes for two bake shops. So again, tough decisions have been made. We will be closing our Manchester location. Our last day of operation for the Manchester location will be January 20th of this new year.
Its bittersweet but also with excitement that I invite you to come to visit us at our Phelps location. We have been blessed to be able to purchase this bakery and make it our own. Its really just a few minutes down the road from Manchester. Phelps is a quant historical Village that is growing and has some great eateries, breweries and more.
Amy and I are looking forward to be working together again side by side bouncing off each others creativity . We have exciting new ideas and bakes for this New Year. This past year we purchased a beautiful Commercial Italian Espresso Machine and offer a variety of Espresso Drinks as well as Chai Tea drinks, Frappes and Smoothies to compliment our bakes. We will also be extending our hours at our Phelps location for your convenience.
It’s a New Year and a New Adventure. Happy New Year to You and Your Family. xoxo
Lisa
Fluffing Feathers and Flour Bake Shop
We hate to see you go from Manchester location but Phelps isn’t to far away. You need to go where it is feasible for you and your family that location is bigger for your growing business. Maybe a delivery service with a minimum purchase for people that can’t get to you.
That will definitely be considered in the future. Thank you so much.