In September of 2019 I invited family and friends, potential clients, and both new and loyal customers alike, to a Mili’s Sweets tasting and anniversary party. I was about to walk into my 10th year of doing business as Mili’s Sweets. It felt good to invest in myself and celebrate this special time. I chose the last weekend of September, because I would be actively booking for the new year, and I wanted to dedicate that joy to a beloved fan of my work: my dad.
and their daughters, at my 10th anniversary party on September 29, 2019.
I took my time on all the details to host, and put together a lovely little menu of free tasting-samples. I created two un-stacked cake tiers that I would cut into for my guests, and I was so excited to also share the newer work I do with floral design via my newest venture: Glorified Hobby florist services.
The best part was, I would be surrounded by a lot of love and support. I especially needed it that day, and it felt amazing.
At this event, I put focus on the love and passion that I have poured from myself and into this small business, with my family as my number one support. My husband, our kids, and my mom, have helped me to make Mili’s Sweets happen and possible, since before I signed up to do this, on March 8, 2010.
And then there is my dad. On this September weekend, we would also celebrate the anniversary of his death (from cancer). Instead of focusing on the sadness, I chose the wonderful distraction of this work, and to be with my sweethearts who are proud of this tiny, woman-owned business. Their love is my real success. I would choose his birthday of January 11 (2019) as my first day of doing business as a second wedding vendor (florist via Glorified Hobby). This was something I’d been wanting to step into and had to courage to take the leap.
Dad was always a biggest fan of my work. He was so excited and authentically-thrilled to get to taste or see anything I ever made. His joy was constantly present. Since the time I began developing my recipes and working only my skills to be an excellent baker – way before I was good enough to be a professional, he was felt in my cheering section.
More importantly, Dad was one of my best friends. We loved to just hang out together. He would be the first in-line to support any one of the many fundraisers I hold via Mili’s Sweets. He would also be a first person to like or comment on any of my work-related social media posts. This never went unnoticed. I can’t put into words how much I miss those little pieces of my life. Even though I feel that I carry my dad in my heart, the silence can be toughest part.
When the actual date of my 10th anniversary arrived this year, I honestly didn’t feel much like celebrating. It was not appropriate or possible. That week in March of 2020, the Coronavirus had already struck as a reality for the world, and my personal friends in Europe, and it was a new and serious concern in San Diego County. Businesses began closing for quarantine. There was fear, and an eerie feeling, because no one was totally informed about what could be expected. No one yet knew what we were dealing with. It was a very strange and uncertain time. I’m so very happy I was blessed enough to keep these small businesses going through that time.
Thank you for sharing in this time with me. Please take care! With love,
