
Meet my cupcake team! We all pitched in to make this show all that we could. Sharing ideas, space, and energy with Stephanie Hendry of Ruby Rose (wonderful vintage lovelies) and her husband John, daughter Ruby. We all had a blast and learned a lot about working together in business as a family. Here are a few tid bits I picked up and tucked in my hat to learn from...
1. I once heard Maya Angelou speak on how we treat our family compared to those we see throughout the day. Her exact words are lost to me but what I took, and never forgot, was something like, Do not spend every last drop of energy on customers and co-workers, saving nothing for our families when we are worn out at home at the end of the day. So true and such a challenge to balance it all. Or is it just me?

2. Set clear expectations and, when possible, say it in writing. Creating standard procedures for everyday tasks makes it easier when helpers aren't working every day but perhaps only occasionally. Write up a checklist and keep it in a protective sleeve. Pull out the delegated checklists on the big day and hand each helper their assigned tasks. Assuming they have already learned the task- a cheat sheet couldn't hurt.

3. Assign tasks according to their strengths. One helper of mine will tell me every cupcake is soooo good. The other gives critical feedback on exact specifics on why one test batch was better than another. One helper can snap into hyper drive, staying focused and helping when the cupcake pressure is on. Another simply can't be rushed. Ever. Both are wonderful assets and make a good balance for our team. I try to thoughtfully assign tasks according to both skill and temperament. It's a learning curve for sure.

Being a cupcake team and a wife and mother to the same crew is a balancing act. I'm definitely learning on the job and would love any ideas that have, and have not, worked for you. Please do share your comments!
All photographs are by Richard Fusillo, taken at The Three Speckled Hens Vintage & Antique Show
Templeton, California
Fall 2009