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!