My First Cupcakes

My swirls are almost Magnolia-perfect

Trays of the real thing.

So, I'll smell like frosting. That can't be a bad thing.

I have big news. After being a tad disgruntled with un-engaging freelanced public relations assignments, I have decided to something a little different. I have decided that I really need to turn my baking hobby into a career, so I decided to apply for a job in a bakery. It's a pretty interesting change of pace, to say the least. On New Year's Day I was dreading going back to my freelance gig to stare at Excel spreadsheets all day. After many questions and a little prodding from my roommate Carrie, I realized that I needed a bigger creative outlet. Where am I most creative? In the kitchen. I decided that I could afford to work part time in a bakery and decrease my freelance hours and perhaps someday come closer to having my own business.

And the ball started rolling from there.

The next day while browsing for bakery jobs on Craigslist, I saw a notice that Magnolia was hiring bakers and counter staff for their new location on the Upper West Side. I immediately decided to apply. Magnolia is a famous, high-traffic bakery and I can get good experience working there along with a popular name to put on my resume (future investors may be interested in that.) Plus, many of the bakery's former employees have branched off to start their own cupcake places, so I felt that it was the best place for me.

The following day I learned that my freelance assignment was ending. Now I had time to pursue that new path.

On Monday of last week, with resume in hand, I marched myself down to the new bakery to apply in person. After a couple of brief, yet positive, interviews I was sent on my way with a spring in my step. By the time I reached my home, I was hired full-time as a cake icer and may be trained in baking as well. Needless to say, I was very excited at how everything fell into place with this new venture.

I've already had one day of training, and the above photos show my first attempts at frosting cupcakes the Magnolia way. Which, by the way, is not as easy as you might think. Hopefully it won't take too long to improve my technique.

Even though this whole new venture has fallen together rather easily, I would be lying if I didn't admit any apprehensions. I am nervous about learning the techniques and learning how to work in an altogether different environment. Gone are the days when I can eat, go to the bathroom and leave when I wish. I will also have to get an entirely new wardrobe; I can't exactly wear heels. I will also be making considerably less money. I am worried that I won't be able to make ends meet or ever afford to go home for a visit. I also really like to eat baked goods. I don't want to gain fifty pounds.

But those are not my only worries.

Baking is my solace, my best stress reliever. When I am having a rough day, I use the process of measuring, stirring and creating to calm me down. Will my best relaxation tool become my largest stress? What if after six months I decide that this industry is not for me, what will I do next? I hate that it seems like I can't decide on anything.

Big questions. But I will keep you updated on my progress and everything I am learning at Magnolia. I will even let you know if that sweet smell of frosting attracts any viable suitors.