I am an 18 year old diabetic. I love to bake (especially cupcakes), but the only problem is they don't exactly fit into my diet. I'm sure many people feel the same.
One thing I would really like to do is open a bakery with both a regular menu and a menu for people with diabetes, watching their weight, etc. I know this sounds far fetched and will be tons of work, but I figured if I started researching and such now that maybe a few years down the road I could pursue this dream. If anyone has any info on opening bakeries or small businesses please let me know. Thanks!
By ashley
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
If you think you can avoid temptation, go to work in a bakery that specializes in a wide range of baked goods. Unless you can't leave the goodies alone, work there several years and really learn everything you can.If you can't leave the stuff alone, don't follow through with your plan in exactly that manner. You can still develop a recipe or two until it's perfect and then try to market either the recipe, or sell it to a food company, etc.
Take a bookkeeping class for small businesses. It's different in that it's a compressed class; check with your Small Business Administration office nearest you, and ask if they are offering it anywhere.
Meantime start reading up on what diabetics need nutritionally. [Because diabetes runs in my family, I add 1 tablespoon brewer's/nutritional yeast to everything I bake-everything. It's loaded in b vitamins and trace minerals which help metabolize carbs]. Diabetics also need fiber. The more the better: slows down digestion of food, therefore blood sugar doesn't get a jolt.. So when I bake in goes fiber however I can add it: nuts, seeds, grated carrots, bran, whole wheat, chopped apple, etc. I don't have diabetes yet.
Read and learn everything you can about all subjects involved: business skills, baking skills, nutrition, diabetes, etc. You will learn more working for a baker than going to baking school; trust me on that one.
I would suggest going to cooking school to become a chef. Healthier eating includes vegetables and fruits not starches. I've also found that when you take out the sugar from foods such as candies or desserts, the carb count increases anyway.
Good advice all. But, you don't really have to wait. You can get a provisional license to cook in your home, if your home is clean and has no pets. If that is not the case, you can ask a school or church to let them be your kitchen. It's called a "Commisary" and because they are already licensed, you don't have to be.
There are literally 1000's of recipes out there that have no sugar. Most of the ones I have call for unsweetened pineapple frozen juice concentrate.
I would experiment in your home till you have a dozen perfect recipes. Then, look up the local farmers markets in your area, get a tent awning, some nice tables, and some inexpensive plastic shoe boxes or carriers at the local Dollar Tree.
Give samples, play up that all your treats are sugar free, and while you will start out slow, you will soon learn what flavors people love and which ones they don't buy. This might take you a year of sales, but you are young and this means you have the energy, the creativity and the drive to succeed.
Working at a bakers, or taking a course through your local college will help. Being a chef is not the same as being a baker. Bakers can also make cakes, breads, candies and so much more that is all sugar free. Why learn to cook fancy meals when all you want to do is bake?
Check out any apprenticeships that your area may offer, or find a mentor that is close to retireing, and might take you under their wing??? People love to teach, and if you are a good learner, you may be the perfect match for each other.
The Library has a wealth of books on cooking, so be sure to visit often.
I googled "sugar free baking" and got more than you can shake a spoon at!!
www.google.com/
It might take you a couple of years of trial and error to get going, but you don't have to spend a ton of money or wait for a degree.
My friend belongs to the Farmers Market in Salem OR. Across the isle are often a group of teens who have come up with Cake Balls. They bake the cake, roll them into balls, freeze them, and then pour frosting on them. They have 18 different flavors, sell them for just 1.00 each and sell out every single weekend. It can be done!!!
Good luck!!
I hope you will be the best baker of sugar-free goodies for the rest of the diabetics of the world. 18, my you have lots of time to get a business going . I don't want to be a discouragement to you,but It takes years to start to see a profit. Just knowing that in the the beginning will help keep you on track for the long haul. There will always be a demand for sugar-free treats.So if you find a good recipe that tastes great, it will sell. And if you can find something that is really affordable that will also help. Read, learn ,give yourself time to absorb all the things you'll need to succeed. Then you go for it. Jump in with both feet,well both hands will do. Dream big. Look at Starbucks. I would not have believed that I would ever buy a cup of coffee for nearly $3.50. But once in a great while I do. But it is a "treat". And if there was a sugar -free yummy cookie, scone or dessert that was available. I certainly would buy them.
If you'll email me through ThirftyFun I'll give you a sugar-free cookie recipe to try and improve on. Best of Luck. GG Vi
Thank you for all of your help everyone, you definitely are all an inspiration and gave great tips! I'm off to the library as we speak!
First, find diabetic recipes that you like and refine them until you would be happy to sell them to the public. Second, multiply these recipes by 2 or 3 to see if they do well (most do). Contact SCORE (Service Corps or Retired Executives) a Small Business service that will help you develop a business plan. Start small. Either use another kitchen's equipment to start or buy secondhand as you can. I can't give advice on marketing, but I'm sure there are people who can. Good Luck.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
