Can I introduce you to some wonderful people and a dear story?
Perhaps you’ve not walked through this particular white door before. In that case you’ve not been embraced immediately by the warm smells of sweet flavors baking together, or had the chance to share your latest updates with the familiar faces appearing around the corner upon your arrival. It’s likely too, that you’ve not gotten to quiz these charming friends on your favorite treat from the selection of cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls and cakes created at ‘For Goodness Cakes’. So can I introduce you?
Fantastic!
Susie Myers started a beautiful series of experiences three years ago when she decided to invest a part of her life into building a small bakery. And that decision was not made lightly. For many years, she worked in a doctor’s office, and slowly friends were introduced to her talent of baking as she offered her delicious cakes as gifts or celebrations.
Susie’s boss, Eric began to encourage her to start her own shop. Her response? “I’m 60 years old, I don’t need this kind of hassle in my life.” She recalled praying about it frequently and letting The Lord know that she was not going to pursue it, but she promised to keep her eyes open for opportunities, and if He provided one, she would be faithful to take it because then she would know that He was in it.
One day, Eric came to Suzie and let her know that if she wanted to open her own shop, he would put money behind it. As I had the chance to chat with Suzie, she remembered that, “it wasn’t even as much about the money, but that someone believed in me enough to say it”. Just a few days after that encouraging conversation, she noticed a location up for lease at quite an ideal location. “One thing lead to another”, Suzie informed me, “and now here we are”.
As the details were coming together, she lamented over the confusion of the “business side” and contracts and communication with all kinds of offices. “I’m a baker, not a business person”, she stated, “If I could have gotten out at any time, that’s when I would have done it, but I’m glad I didn’t. When it get’s hard, that’s where you build character and learn”.
The relationships that Suzie has been able to build and bring into this experience, though, are what make it all worth it to her. And the many people she has impacted I think, would not like to consider the alternative if she had not committed to building this space.
This shop fosters the most delightful relationships built, family time spent together, and welcoming of occasional interns. Suzie and her business partners Heather and Abby have worked together to build the most authentic and peaceful environment.
For many years, children’s memories of visiting grandma at the bakery and picking one special treat from the shelves will remain a sweet experience. A bride will continue to be impacted by the women who intentionally took the time to know her, and help her choose the perfect wedding cake. Students will recall patience and grace in joining in a work team that was possibly more like a family.
So yes, Susie Myers and her team build beautiful things— beautiful things of several varieties in their little shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Find them at http://forgoodnesscakesfortwayne.blogspot.com