Hey guys!
I’m writing this after a 13-hour shift at work today. The pace is definitely picking up in my full-time job as we edge closer to year’s end — and at the same time, I’m just under five weeks out from the official launch of Kacie Jae’s!!
This past month has been full of progress. From receiving my beautiful mailing boxes and new bakery equipment, to refining my baking methods and locking in all ingredients for the big bake, it’s starting to feel very real.
Last weekend I baked my largest batch to date in the Preston bakery space. The time invested in perfecting the process is paying off, though it wasn’t without its hurdles. One flavour needed a complete redo the following day after an ingredient mishap — a stressful moment, but a valuable learning curve.
With the launch drawing closer, I’ve definitely felt the weight of my growing to-do list. After a timely session with my mentor, I was reminded of the most important skill any business owner can cultivate: prioritisation and avoiding burnout. My plan now is to brain-dump every task into a spreadsheet, then categorise and prioritise them. This shift in structure will help me keep focused on what moves the needle forward — while accepting that the to-do list will always hum in the background.
In other exciting news, I’ve been in touch with Yo-Chi about a potential collaboration. After sending samples, their team gave fantastic feedback and expressed openness to collaborate. With Yo-Chi being such a strong, established brand — and the perfect complement to my granola — this could be an incredible opportunity to kickstart momentum.
I’ve also been hard at work preparing for markets across Melbourne. My marquee is being printed, permits are finalised, and I’ve already had one application approved. I can’t wait to start connecting with the local communities. Logistically, fitting market gear into a small car while living in the CBD will be an adventure — but it’s on the list to figure out.
Overall, September has been filled with challenges and discomfort — but also growth, learning, and progress. With every hurdle comes a chance to raise my own standards, acquire new skills, and keep moving forward. One step at a time.
Looking ahead, the next month is going to be huge. I have my Christmas campaign shoot, my custom baking trays arriving, my final test bake, and then the official production day. OMG!
The next blog will be written on launch eve — and I’ll have so much more to share. I’ll also be arranging early-access details as a thank you for following along. I love checking in with you all each month.
Until then,
Kacie J xx
