The Opportunity
Not much of reader? Listen here!
On April 2nd, I got a phone call that changed everything. How exactly? Let’s start in 2024.
January of 2024 -
It was the beginning of a new year, and there I stood- nursing a raw wound from a gut-wrenching breakup, transitioning into a new role at work, and freshly moved into my friend's apartment with one box of belongings in hand and no money to pay rent. My life was messy, uncertain, and unmoored. I had no real plan, no clear vision for my future.
But I knew I had to find my own path.
I took a lot of different ones. I took 22 flights and traveled all over Europe, ran off to Puerto Rico for a mission’s trip, joined an acapella group, and even homed a bunny I bought from a girl in the back of a bar thanks to a sketchy craig list.
Needless to say, I made a lot of decisions—some bold, some questionable—but each one taught me something. And somewhere in the mess, I started to find myself.
From pastry classes in Paris to nurturing sourdough starters in my tiny kitchen, my culinary voice began to emerge, and my direction took shape.
Beginning of 2025 -
The apartment—along with the couch I snuck in—was officially mine. After countless late nights feeding sourdough starters at 3 AM and powering through 12-hour shifts side by side, my roommate packed up and moved to Minnesota. And just like that, I had the chance to start creating a space that felt like my own.
The breakup? Somehow, it softened into something surprisingly beautiful—a more grounded, healthier version of a relationship than I could have ever imagined.
And I finally took a chance and went part-time at work.
Life was starting to click into place. And LoLo’s Cakes? It was gaining momentum, too. Food videos, bake sales, my official website, and custom orders all began to grow and multiply. I could feel something big on the horizon—I just wasn't exactly sure exactly what it was yet.
February 2025-
My first meeting with a small business program at a local community college felt... tentative. I tiptoed around the idea of opening my own bakery, mentioning thoughts of finding a commercial kitchen to begin growing my business. Ten minutes in, I am told a harsh reality: there are no commercial kitchens in this area.
I was disheartened, but my curiosity piqued. Meeting after meeting, I ignore this curiosity and focus on growing my business, hoping the answer will land in my hands through someone else’s efforts.
One night, I’m curled up on the couch, finishing some final touches on a video, when my phone pings with a Facebook message. Flipping it over, I see it's from my mom. She sent me information on a program seeking ten entrepreneurs in my local area, offering an accelerated, free business program (there was a $50 application fee, but that’s beside the point).
After a lot of hesitation and more than a few long talks with my family, I finally applied. I told myself,
“Just give it one year. Go all in. See what happens.”
April 2nd-
I received a phone call.
I’ve been accepted into the program. A 3-month business incubator for entrepreneurs in my town, offering mentorship, financial guidance, legal support—real tools to help people like me bring their business dreams to life.
Did I cry? Maybe. Did I hyperventilate with anxiety and panic? Absolutely.
Stepping into the role of “businesswoman” feels like slipping on shoes way too big for me; shoes that belong to someone else—someone like my mother, not me! I never imagined myself in the business world....and yet here I am. Taking one small step for me and one large step for the panicked girlies out in the world.
So, it’s now May of 2025. I graduate in one month. Curious about what I’ve been up to? Don’t miss next week's post to find out more details.
Spoiler: It might be the end of LoLo’s Cakes as you know it.
Until next time,
LoLo
Crumb for thought: Is there a moment you took a risk or maybe a new opportunity you’re chasing now that has changed everything for you? Let me know in the comments below!