Shortbread 2.0: We're baaaaaaack!

I'm baaaaack. 

I thought I had said good bye to Vermont Shortbread Company.  I thought I was done with 80 hour work weeks and juggling full time work with running a part time business.  I thought I was ready to pass my baking business on to someone who would love it and nurture it.  That was two and a half years ago. 

I didn't sell.  I couldn't. 

It occurred to me recently that most of my decisions around the business were made out of fear and panic.  And understandably so.  I was a single parent, proudly not collecting any money from my ex and in way over my head with a house, mortgage and six acres of land.  I was terrified 99% of the time. 

I'm not scared now. 

As I've explored new ways of communicating, thinking, being (and found a full time job in corporate America that I love - go figure...), found new relationships and a new (but old) voice of my own, I've been able to move to a "what if" place that I couldn't have possibly embraced even a year ago. 

What if... I didn't have to work 80 hours a week? 

What if... I could pay others to do the work I don't want to do? 

What if... I moved the bakery out of my house? 

What if... I made limited batches of shortbread (in the way that I know good food should be prepared) and maintained slow and steady control over growth? 

What if...I was very clear about what needs and desires in my life and business were negotiable and on which ones I am not willing to compromise? 

As I read my list of what ifs, I realize that they not only apply to the possibility of shortbread 2.0, but to the possibility of Ann, version 48, release 1. 

(Sorry about the corny software references, can you tell I was a technical writer for 20 years?) 

And so, Vermont Shortbread Company is back.  I am relicensing the bakery and gearing up for a limited edition run for the holidays.  

Slow food. 

Slow entrepreneur. 

Quality.

Love. 

Balance. 

Join me for the adventure.  I'll be blogging about it here and writing about whatever suits my fancy at www.annzuccardy.com. 

Comments

[Becky Cortino]

Great to have you baaaaaaack Ann!
Glad for your update and to hear your Shortbread 2.0 plans.
Isn't this what business and life are all about?
All the best!

[Tara Burner]

Love it!!!! there's a lot of "what if" going on lately with many people and it's a good thing....and 're-inventing' ourselves, letting ourselves be who we are supposed to be on our terms and not making decisions based on fear, etc.... and ya know once you're up and going I'll start buying as gifts again! :) Best to you!!!

[Jeanne]

So we have to wait until Christmas????

[Kate Powers]

Oh Ann, I am so excited for you. Funny, I am relaunching my coaching business in very much the same way but different circumstances. Can't wait for the holday release!

[Becky Allen]

Ann, I'm so glad to have found you on FB and am absolutely delighted you're sharing your process--I love it that you're writing and that I can read it. Many blessings on all your endeavors!

[Kara Cleaver]

Excellent Ann. Good for you!