Friday, October 23, 2009

Prahran Market, and My (Current) Product List

Gingersnaps

I have news.

This Sunday, if you happen to be in Melbourne, come see us between 10am-3pm at the Prahran market. In truth, this is our second week. We started last Sunday, and why did I not announce it on the blog? For the simple reason that I was not willing to let people who know me from my blog see me cower under the table while James does all the selling/interaction with customers. No, really. I was really going to do it.

Pistachio, almond and rosemary biscotti


Banana and peanut butter cookies

I think I have been pretty realistic with my expectations on this little venture; I expected it to be labour intensive and stressful. I know not to expect to make a tidy profit for at least the first few months. But what I didn't expect was how vulnerable I felt, having my ideas, my hard work, my creations displayed and scrutinised by possibly everyone who walks past my stall. It has made me feel a bit guilty for charging above-market prices for a packet of cookies, but I am fortunate to have James----someone who is not too personally involved in the products to help sell them---- and for me to be able to gather together just enough faith in the quality of my products, and the amount of work that I put into recipe development, packaging, labeling etc. to be able to justify the prices. After all, what I charge isn't a secret---the price list is out and open on the blackboard on the stall table, so if people have a problem with it, they can just choose to walk away.

Seville Marmalade Thumbprints


Classic chocolate chip

I love what I do now---but the question is whether or not I will be able to keep that feeling up in the long run---when demands (hopefully) grow, and the repetitive nature of this business finally caught on to me. But I guess this is where I am in the position, as owner of the business, to make things interesting and challenging for myself. I haven't talked much about my ideas for the business in this space, but one of my main focus is to use seasonal ingredients to develop and create artisan-quality products. This would mean that I would not have a set product catalogue for a period of more than six months at the most, which also would mean that I have to perpetually find new ways to successfully incorporate seasonal produce into my recipes. Sounds far-fetched? Maybe, maybe not. I don't know if this would work, but seeing that I have nothing to lose at this point, I'm ready to give it my all.

I promise that I'll tell you more about the business in the coming weeks, or whenever I can scrape around enough time to blog. In the meantime, I've been working pretty much non-stop since 9am this morning (it's 1215 am now), so I can't wait until my head hits the pillow as soon as I finish this.


I'll see you there?

15 comments:

Dolce said...

Well, congratulations to you on taking that big step ahead! I am very far away from Melbourne but will keep my fingers crossed for you. And I am sure that even people who mind find your products expensive will change their mind once they eat them...

Y said...

Can't wait to visit Melbourne now! :)

Jill @ Jillicious Discoveries said...

Congratulations on your new venture! It looks like you have several great products and a good area to sell them in. I totally understand the challenges of a new business. I have a baking business and it is constantly changing and evolving. :)

Julia @Mélanger said...

I will so have to come by when I'm next in Melbourne - hopefully early next year! :0

Penelope said...

I live in Kalgoorlie, but am coming to Melbourne in two weeks for the very first time - what providence! I am also staying in South Yarra, so this sounds like a perfect outing! I will definitely stop by!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I wish I could come buy some cookies from you but alas, wrong side of the planet. Maybe someday.

Mallory Elise said...

ahk! the cookies look so great in professional bags!!!

you better have a full shop by the time i get to Melbourne! (which...ps. is looking more and more likely in the near future)

Pity said...

i wish you the best in your new melbourne adventure, you are going to be fine! with such lovely and delicious cookies and biscuits, cheers from london

ice tea: sugar high said...

Love the packaging! A big congratulations are in order for finally opening your own shop! YAY! Can't promise I'll stop by this Sunday, will try next Sunday. Can't wait!

Cannelle Et Vanille said...

that's so wonderful christy. congratulations on starting your new venture!

Two fit and fun gals said...

what a big step to take - best of luck to you, and congrats :)

if i were in melb i'd defo come past - but unfortunately i'm in syd

Kaylovesvintage said...

they look wonderful
you know there are not many cookies stalls at the market here in the Netherlands, guess you find them more in the Uk

Anonymous said...

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Asilice said...

Wow lucky me, I just discover your post on Sunday morning and I'm leaving in South Yarra. Will come to Prahran market now and hopefully see you, with the new coffee "market lane", that would be definitely a nice trip...
See you soon,
Alice

Christy said...

Thanks everyone for the comment, I really appreciate it. You are too kind!! And Alice, thank you for coming to see me today. It was lovely meeting you!!