I guess I just need to vent to people who understand (my co-workers sure don't! ) I'd like to sell some cakes so that I can practice more, but how can I make any money if I am not licensed? I'd have to have a completely separate kitchen, blah, blah, blah. But, how am I ever going to get enough practice in if I don't make any money to pay for all my materials and practice cakes? If I could advertise, I know I could have a lot of customers, but I am not going to intentionally put myself out there with the risk of being fined. Ugh! I just wanna bake!

I think this should be your new slogan:

" I just wanna bake.. is that so wrong? "

I feel the same way... I think most people here would say to stick to word of mouth... You don't feel comfortable even making a cake for a colleage for money? Perhaps, for their child/husband's birthday or something? I work from the house so my only colleages are my kids but I would think that would be ok...

It seems most people here keep it on the down low except for the few that are lucky enough to have lenient licensing states or they have a shop, which of course, is the dream!

Don't get discouraged! Another way to practice the decorating part is to use a dummy... frosting still can be costly, I know, and the dummies are so darn symmetrical (?) and perfect that I feel like a cheater but practice is practice!

I actually sell one 1/2 sheet cake a month to my work (they used to buy one from Walmart or a grocery store). I have also sold two graduation cakes, but no one else has really had too much interest. All my co-workers and my husband's co-workers are my guinea pigs and they always have rave reviews and are amazed most things I bring in (to me it's nothing that spectacular! as I have seen way better here!) but I feel like I could get people to order from me if I could just have a flyer or give them my card or something. I have actually turned down a wedding cake, I am not ready for that yet! At this point, I am trying to learn how to do evrything and I am practicing as much as possible (I work full time). I don't want to go up to someone and say "So, you should buy a cake from me!"

I too started out like you and wondered when I would ever get orders.Now I can't keep up!!! I am not licensed and only go by word of mouth.I have business cards but I don't leave them in places etc..I will give one if asked but I don't put up flyers etc.My clientelle is growing more each year just by the cakes other see at kids parties,events etc..I try and donate for my kids schools,clubs,church.I get alot of business that way too.Keep trying..it takes awhile to get your name out there!!

I am on board with you guys. I want to stand up and shout, "Hey, I'm in business!!!" (Especially when I was in Sam's this morning buying supplies. I walked by the bakery, just to check things out. I was NOT impressed. I ask myself how these "cookie cutter" cakes can be okay with folks, and they continue to buy so many from grocery stores. But you know, not everyone KNOWS that there are different shapes of cakes; different designs that you can put on cakes; etc.) However, on the flip side, the fines and penalties will keep me in check. I'm am in the process of being licensed from home right now. I still have some things on my end that I need to take care of... Anyway, continue to donate to businesses, churches, schools, non-profit organizations in your area...word of mouth spreads. You're not really advertising this way...although, I guess that we are rather skirting the whole issue...you're donating. It takes time... Good luck!!!

Amy