Fresh Start

May 4, 2019May 5, 2019 Floured ApronLeave a comment

Change is good. I think. No, it isn’t. It can be good. It can also be difficult. I’ve made a lot of changes over the past couple years. My family has as well. The world around us has changed, we’ve changed and life changed. Many of you have gone through changes and the magnitude of some of those has been great. Days come and go and sometimes life’s events can enhance or take away our joy. Today’s post is about sharing a little of my personal side and a fresh start.

As many of you know, Floured Apron was a big part of my life. I poured my heart and soul into it and I loved it. I loved it when I was exhausted, trying something new, messing up, doing well and every moment in between. That journey took me to many unexpected places and events and I’ve made some incredible friends along the way. That being said, I felt pretty lousy the day I watched Rosie leave, while Carrie sobbed in her room for hours. It was something she was such a part of as well. It hurt the day I told everyone we were making changes and I wouldn’t be selling baked goods any longer. People were kind and told me “good luck.” All that time I spent building something, just to have it quickly go away. The truth is, it hurt and it left me feeling lost. I also felt like I failed. I didn’t fail, I made choices. They were definitely the right ones! I knew in my mind and heart that I wasn’t a failure but I also knew I wasn’t the same. My priorities, at that moment in time, were the right ones and I looked forward.

I tried to move on. For goodness sake, it’s cupcakes and a camper. Geez. I got involved at Carrie’s new school and focused my life on other things. Our new house has a small kitchen with an older oven. I didn’t feel inspired or motivated to bake. Sometimes a batch of cookies, a cake or pan of brownies would be made for family and friends. Most of the time, they’d burn or cook unevenly. I’d say, “I’m just not going to bake.” Well, the not baking part made me a little grouchy!

Something in me was missing. It was you and it was baking which was my outlet for love and creativity. I missed baking for people and seeing them (YOU) every Saturday morning in the beautiful dew covered Howe Meadow or at weddings and graduation parties or at other markets like, Wildroots. The smiles on faces and stories I got to hear. Going to visit the other vendors and learn about their weeks. Spending time with Carrie and watching her make connections that fulfilled her–and me. I hold all of those moments and memories close to my heart and wouldn’t trade them for the world! It was a privilege and a dream job.

When we moved, I thought I had to give it all up. It just seemed easier to walk away. It wasn’t. The feelings I had didn’t keep me from living life and doing all the things I needed to do. I just took a strange approach to “leaving” Floured Apron and didn’t take time to think about how I’d feel without it. If it couldn’t be the way I wanted, I’d just not have it. I’ve always had a vision and a dream for how I want it to look someday. I realized one night that I can still share my passion and love of food and baking AND I can do it through Floured Apron! This doesn’t sound like a big revelation. It’s baking. Who cares? What’s the big deal? Well, it doesn’t matter how big or small something is, if it positively impacts our lives. If it moves you, do it. If it brings a tad bit of joy to your heart, do it. If it makes you feel more complete, do it. It doesn’t have to be perfect and Instagram photo worthy. Life is real and we only get one life. There’s enough bad going on in the world and even when we feel these small joys and pleasures don’t matter much, let me tell you, they do. Let’s all find a little something that makes us feel good. Something that brings back our spark. Think about a time you did something you loved. Imagine incorporating that back into your life. I will tell you that since I’ve decided to write and share baking again, my mood has improved and my heart feels more full. You should try it!

I’ve decided to get back to simple and get back to my mission when I started Floured Apron. I want to BAKE PEOPLE HAPPY–including myself! Find your happy place, friends! In the meantime, I’ll share a little of my world with you and be here to encourage you along the way!

From the heart,
Shannon

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Week 4: Exceeding our goal AND a sneak peek at Rosie!

March 20, 2015March 20, 2015 Floured ApronLeave a comment

Hello! Wow! At this exact minute, Kickstarter site shows 40 hours remain on our campaign. Yikes! We did it, everyone! I’m so excited and overwhelmed and can’t wait to get out there and bake my heart away! Our progress went quickly and all the support and words of encouragement have made this such an amazing experience!

Today, I went to visit Noah at American Vintage Camper. I have been dying to see Rosie and want to share all the details with you! I didn’t really know what to expect but I’m happy with where she is and the plans for the next couple weeks! Noah told me she will get her beautiful black and white floor tiles today and he’s ready to start covering the exterior and she’ll head to the painter late next week. I am in the process of ordering all the equipment so Noah can install all the good stuff! We are really rolling!

This is Noah, the master builder! (sorry it’s a little blurry)

Here’s Rosie! This is the service window side.

I had to climb in and get my picture! Oh my gosh, so amazing! This will be super fun!

Here’s a view of the other side. We’ll have a little door on this side.

Here’s one more from a different angle of that side.

Seriously, how cute is she? I can’t wait to see the next phase and share it with you! I’ll be putting together all the Kickstarter reward info and thank you pages over the next week along with finalizing details for community events I want to be part of. I am so happy you are part of this, thank you!

From the heart, Shannon

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We did it (on wonderful timing, too)!

March 11, 2015 Floured ApronLeave a comment

If you didn’t hear the big SCREAM last night at 10:45 then you are just finding out that WE HIT OUR GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is incredible!! Thank you for all you’ve done to make this happen! We are truly blessed to have so many generous and kind people in our lives! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Want to hear something really neat? If you watched our video or if you’ve read our story, you know my grandma was a big influence in my life. Well, today would have been her birthday! What a way to pay tribute to someone who touched so many with her cooking and baking! This dream is about to become a reality and it’s all because of you! I’m truly touched!

The campaign will stay active until our end date of 3/22/15. Please keep sharing and let’s see how far we can go!

Floured Apron Kickstarter

From the heart, Shannon

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New reward level and incentive added!

March 8, 2015March 9, 2015 Floured ApronLeave a comment

We made a slight change to the apron giveaway! We’ve made a new reward level for a LIMITED EDITION apron!

We’ve connected with a local seamstress who is custom making some adorable aprons for us! We’re really excited to wear them the first day we introduce Rosie to our community!

Our goal is just within reach!

Thank you for your support and please keep sharing–we’re almost there!!! From the heart, Shannon

Floured Apron Kickstarter Campaign

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Week 2: Beyond amazing + Rosie’s sweet name!

March 6, 2015 Floured ApronLeave a comment

It’s the end of week 2 and we are 89% funded! See our pan filling up? I am so excited! No, I’m WAY past excited! This has been a magnificent ride!

I am surprised every time I see a new backer. It’s remarkable that many of the backers are people I know, people I haven’t seen for many years and some are people I haven’t met. What continues to blow me away are the number of generous, kind hearts out there and it’s an incredible feeling to be part of this Floured Apron family! It’s not just the financial generosity. It’s everything from the sweet texts, Facebook and email messages to people I run into and give me a hug and say, “I’m behind you–this is so neat!” to all those who’ve given their hard-earned money. I will NEVER forget this feeling as long as I live. It’s difficult to put into words. Please know I’m touched and enlightened by every single piece of this adventure. Okay, enough sappy stuff…let’s move on…

Rosie. I’ve been asked many times how we came up with that name. She just looks like a Rosie, doesn’t she?

During the initial discussions with the craftsmen at American Vintage Camper, I mostly talked about what I wanted to do with the camper and what style I was fond of. I was crystal clear on the design and size and function. It wasn’t until I stood inside a model of one that I realized the camper was so much more than a hunk of wood and metal.

I gave my new friend at AVC a check, we shook hands and he began building. I got in my car and started the 2 hour drive home. I was full of excitement and fear and every emotion in between! It dawned on me that this camper would be part of our family (totally crazy!). As I drove, I realized I wanted a better name than “this camper bakery thing”. I thought and thought and thought. I had a few ideas and then the name Rosie came to me. It had some meaning, so I held onto it for a bit to make sure that was the best name. I wanted to get this right.

We are big Cincinnati Reds baseball fans and Rosie Red, one of the mascots, has been a long time favorite! We have baseball caps adorned with her stylish autograph, we seek her out at games to say hi and grab a hug and just think she’s super classy and really fun! I mean, look at that cute skirt, those eyelashes and that big smile! Love her!

The roses on our logo were intentionally part of the design. We love roses for several reasons.

To pay tribute to our Cincinnati roots and the meaning and fondness for roses, Rosie seemed like the BEST NAME EVER! It’s sort of retro, it’s cheerful and lighthearted. All good things.

I ran the idea past the Floured Apron leadership team (Casey, Hannah and Carrie) and they were on board immediately! It was unanimous that our new family member would definitely be named Rosie! YAY!

I can feel myself beam every time I say her name! Try it…Rosie! You have to say it quickly with a little pep in your voice…Rosie! I bet you’re smiling!

Until Rosie is up and rolling, let’s keep making progress to our funding goal! Thank you, again, for your unconditional support and please keep sharing! Here’s the link. Let’s make the next 15 days count!

Floured Apron Kickstarter Campaign

From the heart, Shannon

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Week 2 (almost): AMAZING!

March 5, 2015 Floured Apron2 Comments

What an AMAZING week! We are 57% to our goal (a little ahead of the two week mark)!

In the last update I shared so many kind words from many of our backers. This week I’d like to share a private message I received from one of our new backers:

“More than happy to back floured apron I didn’t get to tell you but your frosting is the only frosting I’ve ever had that tastes like my grandmas, which made me really happy. Super corny but I jut wanted you to know!! I was honestly so excited and taken aback, sure do miss her! I had the blueberry lemon and I can’t remember what the other white one was I think raspberry in the middle! “

This captures the true essence of what I love about baking and why I am so excited to get out there and share with as many people as I can!

Bake people happy…Rosie can’t get here soon enough!

Thanks to all of you for your support! I know we can reach our goal! Please keep sharing and please know your generosity means the world to me! xoxo

From the heart, Shannon

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Week 1: Happy Campers!

February 27, 2015February 27, 2015 Floured Apron1 Comment

Today marks one week since we launched our Kickstarter project. We are 31% funded! Woo hoo! If you had told me a week ago that I’d spend every single day in tears, I wouldn’t believe it. Happy tears. Tears of gratitude. Tears of tremendous joy. Thank you is not enough!

Friends and family and people I don’t yet know have touched me this week in many ways. I am going to share what is probably too much info. What the heck? We are all human and I find life to be one big learning opportunity so, here goes.

Since moving my oldest daughter to college in North Carolina and, immediately after, moving the rest of us from Cincinnati to NE Ohio, I have struggled. I felt lost and alone and wondered what my purpose was in this world. I had feelings of sadness that I wasn’t prepared for. We faced many challenges moving into our house, I missed my daughter terribly and I had no idea how to restart my baking business in an area where I didn’t really know anyone. All of that coupled with trying to adjust to not working at the corporate job I’d had for my entire adult life, left me confused and, for the first time in my life, not certain about anything.

That was a little over a year ago and those first several months were filled with many not so happy tears. My plan was to establish and run Floured Apron in our new location. Unfortunately, I had no idea how hard it would be to start over! Fortunately, all the things I was trying that weren’t working, lead me to ideas that I hoped would work.

I realized I’d have to approach the model very differently than the home based model I was doing in Cincinnati. So, I picked up some courage and got out there. I introduced myself to people and shared my baked goods. One connection quickly lead to three more and, before I knew it, I was starting to envision a plan.

The plan was that I had to get the business out of my home and into the community. Storefront? Food truck? I spent weeks researching and analyzing all the options. I was looking at food trucks online and found a picture of a camper that was renovated into a darling camper that was used to sell baked goods. My obsession began! I knew I had to have one and that it was the perfect way to share Floured Apron with others! I wanted it but had no idea how to get it since money was already tight.

I agonized over the decision to build a camper/mobile bakery thing. That decision meant I’d need to make a significant financial commitment. I had feelings of guilt and was full of turmoil inside. How could I do this? How can I justify us not taking another vacation or saying no to doing things we want to do, just to focus on my business? I, me, mine…It wasn’t just about ME and MY business. The work and development of Floured Apron was a family effort. This wasn’t just my dream. It was our dream and what I realized was we all took joy from the business we built. How amazing would it be for two young girls watch their mom do something different? Take a risk and pursue a dream. Fail. Succeed. Many valuable lessons could be learned from this endeavor. This hard decision would impact all of us and all of us were excited and proud to move ahead!

Once I decided I had to take this next step or I’d need to give up on Floured Apron once and for all, I prayed and spent weeks mapping out all the pros and cons. Many things happened over this time. I’m being completely honest with you, I received multiple, random signs that I had to chase my dream. It was as if someone was following me around telling me to do this. I was seeing vintage campers everywhere and I wasn’t even looking! I saw them on greeting cards, wallets, key chains, posters. I was at a shoe store in the check out line and there was a pair of socks with campers on them just staring at me (now, I own them!). Okay, I got it, let’s do this!

I pulled the trigger and drove to meet with Noah at American Vintage Camper near Columbus and handed him a check, shook his hand and took a big deep breath.

From that moment, I have constantly second guessed myself. After last Friday, the second guessing has completely gone away. I know this is my path and this is one of the many purposes I have on this earth. I didn’t launch Kickstarter to get compliments and wonderful things said about me; that was not the objective. I wanted to raise more money and generate awareness for the business.

I had no idea that I’d get something much more important and meaningful in return.

At this one week mark, I thought it would be great to share all the fantastic things people have said. The many prayers I prayed and the outpouring of encouragement are what dreams are made of. Dreams are wonderful but they are also difficult. It takes a tremendous amount of courage and passion to do something that feels so right but presents you with many obstacles and loads of stress. I now understand why people give up. They don’t give up because they are failures or losers. They give up because life is hard and it will knock you down. People can be mean and their negative words or lack of compassion and help can destroy those dreams. People can also be giving, kind and unselfish and can make your dreams come true. That’s what is happening for me. I’m blessed, I’m touched and I’m completely in awe of the generosity and love so many have shown. I am privileged to follow this path.

If I fall on my face, I will do so with a big smile! I can’t thank you enough for showing me that people are good and they want goodness in this world. I promise I will spend every minute with Rosie sharing the kindness you have so graciously shared with me. Check out all the lovely words that have been shared with me via Facebook, texts and emails. If you’re so inclined, share something nice with someone. I’m living proof that kind words and actions can truly transform a heart and soul.

From the heart, Shannon

I’m excited for you to realize your dreams. It’s ok to be scared and to be nervous…I know I was back when and even still today. Just keep believing in yourself. You’ll have 1001 obstacles…each challenging your commitment to your dream. Stay steadfast in your approach and desire to win and you can overcome all of them. Leverage mentors during this process. They are incredible assets. You’ll do this!

You are very welcome! I love seeing your posts and I am a big fan of your business. Good luck Shannon and thanks for the note! I hope the family is well.

Shannon was such a huge part of my life when I was younger, and this is my way of saying “thank you” for being such an inspiration, to me and one of my good friends Hannah. Shannon and Hannah taught me kindness, happiness, and invited me into their mother/daughter love. I am truly greatful for both of them! Good luck Floured Apron!

GREAT JOB Shannon Brooks Keibler!! So excited for my Sister-in-law!! Everything she makes melts in you mouth. Please share and support her NEW ADVENTURE!!

“Bake you happy.” I love it! I love you and I love Rosie! So cute. I love the video.

Shannon…..such exciting news! So happy for you. I miss your delicious cupcakes….they are amazing.

Please check out my cousin Shannon Brooks Keibler’s Kickstarter for her bakery going mobile! Not just because she’s my cousin but she makes some of the most amazing Baked Goods I’ve ever eaten.

I am so proud of you! You have followed your dreams, you are so inspiring and I love you all so much!

could not be more excited for Shannon Brooks Keibler! She is an incredibly talented baker and everything she makes is divine! Couldn’t think of a better person to help reach their goals and dreams!!! Excited to see how Rosie comes to life! Check out her Kickstarter video here.

Check out my sister-in-law’s campaign! I’m so proud of you, Shannon!

Working with Shannon has been a great learning experience and opportunity for me. So glad to finally see her KickStarter for Rosie the mobile bakery. Check out her amazing story and make a donation to a local business with big dreams for 2015!

So happy to support Shannon as she takes her dream to the next level! Can’t wait to see pictures of your bakery, camper style!

I am so excited for my friend Shannon! Please watch AND share AND donate!!

I’m so excited for you Shannon!!! I wish you could be mobile in Cincy. We miss you guys…& your delicious treats!

Good luck!

Congrats to you Shannon! I know this is such hard work. Good luck with Rosie!

Loved your video good things come to those who work hard and have love in their heart

I LOVE that video!!! It’s amazing. what a totally wonderful, one-of-a-kind idea! honestly, that video is charmed. way to go shannon!

Great video..all I want is a cinnamon roll right now.

Awesome story. Best wishes for your business may you find health, much fun and prosperity!

Just read it…how fun is that?! Good for you!

This is awesome Shannon! I am excited for you.

Blessings on your endeavor Shannon

Love it!! Will you make a trip back to cincy with Rosie?

Yay!!! this is so awesome!!!

We want to support your business! So happy to help my friend!

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Floured Apron is going mobile!

February 21, 2015February 21, 2015 Floured ApronLeave a comment

You may have heard the news! We are taking our home based business to the next level this spring!

Meet Rosie (pictured below), our vintage inspired mobile bakery and the newest member of the Floured Apron family. Now we can share more of what we love with the community we love! We are so excited!

In the meantime, we are trying to secure additional funding for the equipment we need. We hope you’ll consider helping us get Rosie to her full potential.

All the details are available here: Kickstarter

Share it with EVERYONE and, most importantly, come see us this spring! Stay tuned for updates on Rosie’s progress and her grand introduction.

From the heart,

Shannon

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Sweet Thanks

November 30, 2014 Floured ApronLeave a comment

Hello friends! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! November flew by for me and I can’t believe tomorrow marks the start of December! I filled many orders on Wednesday and spent Thursday morning at the Aurora Turkey Trot. Casey and Carrie participated in the Mashed Potato Mile and many others turned out for the 4 mile run. It was a beautiful, snowy morning and I was thrilled to have an opportunity to sell goodies at the event!

This time last year, we were just settling into our house after a challenging move from Cincinnati to NE Ohio. I didn’t know which end of me was up! A year later, I’m happy to share this has been Floured Apron’s highest sales month ever! Woo hoo! I am touched by the tremendous support of people who have trusted me with their baking needs and many who have opened doors of opportunity. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough to express my gratitude.

Honestly, I have considered giving up on this business many times, especially, since we moved. It has been challenging to start over and build a customer base in an area that was completely new to me. There have been many tears, confusion, frustration and several agonizing moments over business decisions. What keeps me going on this business venture? I think it’s a combination of meeting new people, making great friends and fulfilling my passion for baking. Countless supporters push me to be better and try harder. Thanks to them, the difficult moments pass and I get to keep doing what I truly love!

Motivation comes in many forms. For me, it’s receiving phone calls or emails sharing positive feedback. It’s a wonderful feeling to know I’ve brought a little joy to someone’s life because that’s what sharing food is all about to me. It’s rewarding and fulfilling on so many levels! This year, I’ve been fortunate to be part of baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, rehearsals, shopping events, small business events, baking classes, 4th of July festivities, Halloween parties, office parties, races and Thanksgiving. Countless pumpkin rolls, pies and cupcakes consumed my November and I couldn’t be happier!

Thank you SO MUCH! I hope your support continues because we have amazing plans for Spring and I can’t wait to share all the details! I’m taking the pursuit of my dreams to the next level and I want all of you to be part of it. You’re going to LOVE what’s next! In the meantime, bring on December! I’m excited to spend time with my daughters baking our favorite holiday treats, decorating the house and simply hanging out! Enjoy this magical time of year with friends and family and thank you for all you do to make Floured Apron the best it can be!

From the heart, Shannon

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Sweet and Sticky Caramel Love

September 26, 2014 Floured ApronLeave a comment

Things have been pretty exciting lately in my little Floured Apron world! I conducted my first baking class and it was wonderful! The theme was “Falling for Cupcakes” and I featured my Pumpkin Patch and Caramel Apple cupcakes. This class was a dream come true for me because I’ve always wanted to share my passion for baking with others. The women who attended were fun, enthusiastic and so supportive. I can’t even explain how fulfilling and rewarding this was!

The prep for this class was the perfect opportunity for me to start my annual caramel making. As I was making it, I decided to snap some photos so I could share. I remember the first time I tried making caramel. It was a disaster because I had no idea what I was doing. Now, I’m kind of addicted to the process and, of course, the final product! These pictures aren’t the best because I was trying to take them while I was making it but you’ll get the idea.

Start by heating the sugar and water in a pan on medium-high heat. Stir constantly! The sugar will burn (trust me).

Keep stirring. You will see some of the sugar begin to turn brown. Keep stirring. I promise it will liquefy!

As the sugar dissolves, you will see it transform to a beautiful golden brown liquid. Keep stirring.

Once the sugar is dissolved, add butter and vanilla. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in heavy cream.

Once the cream is whisked in and you have the gorgeous color, set aside to thicken for about 15 minutes then refrigerate. It is an absolute must to keep a small spoon near the pan, as it’s cooling, so you can test the temp. 🙂 YUM!

I love to pour my cooled caramel into jars. They make great gifts and I keep plenty on hand this time of year so I can make Caramel Apple Cupcakes whenever the urge strikes (which is pretty often). I also like to eat a spoonful every time I open the fridge. It’s fall, right? I gotta do it! Look at this cute jar full of deliciousness.

One of the best things about having homemade caramel around is our Caramel Apple Cupcakes! These cupcakes are the perfect combination of everything fall…cinnamon, apples and caramel. They are a mouthful of gooey goodness! When you finish eating one, you are a sticky mess and it’s wonderful! Did I mention these are filled with caramel? I could just drink caramel so the more the better for these little beauties!

Caramel Apple Cupcakes are available to order now. Please contact us if you want some for your fall festivities!

Here is the full recipe for the caramel. I’m going apple picking next week and I can’t wait to make more caramel and apple concoctions! I’m on a pumpkin kick too, but that’s another post! Yay for fall!

From the heart, Shannon

Caramel
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon water
12 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temp
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 cup heavy cream, at room temp

Pour the sugar and water into a large sauce-pan. Heat on medium-high heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely liquefies. After sugar has dissolved, add the butter and vanilla extract to the saucepan and mix thoroughly. Once the butter has melted and the butter and sugar are completely mixed, remove from heat and using a whisk, slowly whisk in the heavy cream until you reach a beautiful golden brown caramel color. Set aside and let cool and thicken for 15 minutes at room temp. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to thicken further before using.