V.ince V.aughn Is Here...

How exciting, I'm reporting this live - lol.

So, I'm in my office at The Cupcake Gallery working on very important things, when a lady comes in and talks to me about removing my sign for a movie shooting. I look outside at all the mayhem and I ask myself how I missed all this commotion. I guess that's what happens when you're baking your heart out all the time.

Anyway, so I asked the questions that you guys want to know! So, they're doing a shooting for a television pilot. Seems as though the big V was here a few days before as well scoping out the place. I asked what kind of show, and they couldn't give me details - but the guy who had the ladder and removed my sign told me "it's supposed to look shitty in the picture." Wow, that's a blow. So, they use Wilson avenue for that purpose? Hmmmm...

Anyway, the guys are here until Friday shooting. And yes, my lovely sign that I had designed when I first opened The Cupcake Gallery is now history. They say they're paying for a new one. You heard it here first - I want my new sign... especially since I had to front the money for it.

What's this recap without photos? You know I've got photos...here you go!

How Do You Dream?

Twice this week I've been asked the same question. Coincidence? Probably not.

"How do you dream like that?"

It's rather simple. I just never envision things in "the now." If you filter dreams through what your current status is, is that really a dream? Or is it an analysis? There's a distinct difference between the two.

One of the things that most people do is stop dreaming. The moment you stop dreaming is the moment you begin dying. The longer you stop dream, the harder it is to revive you.

Dreams are important. You must dream.

Here are a few simple steps that I take to dream:

1. I stop. In order to start to envision a better life, a better world, a better you - you've got to remove yourself from it. You can't do that if you're still moving about. As Asagai said in "A Raisin In The Sun," - "Just sit a while and think..."

2.Let go. How can you dream effectively if what you're envisioning is tied to conditions? You've got to dream the goal first - and worry about the details later. That's the whole purpose of dreaming. It's about going to a place that doesn't exist currently. It's about seeing a life that you don't currently have yet. It's about seeing the nice bank account that really isn't there yet. Who cares about HOW you'll get there - or WHAT you'll do to get there. First just get an idea of what THERE looks like. Dream about THERE. In order to do that - let go. Clear you mind of all of the conditional stuff that you think you need to be tied to...let go.

3. Dream BIG and OFTEN. Dream are just that - dreams. Why put a limit on them? If you're going to dream, it minus well be big, right? Dreams are one of the many things that you don't have to limit - they're unconditional. The only thing preventing you from dreaming big and often, is you. Remove you from the equation, or rather what prevents you, and then you're free to dream the unthinkable. You're free to dream what you could never imagine. You're free to dream what you've never been able to physically see. And do it often. It's like with anything in life, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

What do I dream about? A few things...

being successful. owning a farm in Kentucky. growing my empire to a $60 Billion company. virtually having my hands in all things food related. the beach. having a dog. the range rover. olive green exterior and cream interior. the auxiliary port so I can play my ipod. lake shore drive in the summer. my loft. the 1.6 million dollar one. my first investors meeting when I give them their dividend checks. it's going to be destination. i'm gonna call them up and e-mail them their travel itinerary. it's going to be miami. could even be puerto rico. i see it being tropical and palm trees. tear. i see them crying when they open the envelope. the tears aren't tears of joy. they're tears of relief. stress leaves. worry leaves. satisfaction replaces it. accomplishment makes them smile. the three most important women in my life. they've worked hard their entire lives. i need to have them on my farm house mansion for a weekend. just the four of us. maybe my assistant too. we're cooking breakfast. no matter how rich, they're still helping. they help cut potatoes. we look around and there's no onion. how can you have smothered potatoes and onions for breakfast with no onion? one of them takes a basket and goes out to the farm. red onions. yellow onions. vidalia onions. we've now got onions. the hugs. they smile at me. never have to say a word. i know what that means. i love them too.

Just a few things that I dream about...

-Darius

Black Versus White: An Issue of Race?

So, I promised to share all of my ups and downs of getting this million by thirty with you all. I did...and I'm going to keep my word!

So, read - and weigh in...what do you think?

We're getting ready to shoot our first commercial for our product on March 7th. I specifically casted for an "all American White woman between the ages of 30-40." A Black woman who received my e-mail had a few choice words to say...and she e-mailed me. Here's the transmission:

From Black Woman on Tuesday, 2/23 at 1:48 PM:

Darius,

Thanks for sending me the email regarding this commercial. I am however extremely disappointed that you have determined that only a Caucasian women can represent a typical American Family. I am an African American women who could represent the typical American Family just as good if not better than anyone. Maybe you should consider not only changing the verbiage but also consider opening up the casting of the roll to ALL RACES since that is what being typically American should be all about.

From Darius on Tuesday, 2/23 at 2:00 PM:

Dear Black Woman,

Thanks for replying. I’m sorry you feel this way. The essence of any marketing campaign is to ensure the products looks and feels like something the audience has a demand for. If I were primarily running the commercial in urban areas (Chicagoland area) alone, then I agree with you. However, I’m not. The heavy rotation of this commercial will be seen in the likes of Peoria, East St. Louis, Rockford, Urbana, and other areas where African Americans aren’t predominate.

I have financial goals relative to this project and it’s my desire (as well as the desire of my investors) that we take the most appropriate steps to meet those goals. By casting a typical WHITE American family, I’ve done that.

If you have any other concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to me.

Enjoy the remainder of your day…

From Black Woman on Wednesday, 2/24 at 6:05 AM

Hey Darius

Thanks for your prompt response, however, I still disagree. I watched Paula Deen not because she represented what a typical "American was, I watched her because she cooked liked my mommy who was raised in the South. I know you are probably are an educated marketing specialist who knows about demographics and that you have to satisfy your investors, but at some point when does common sense and fairness become a part of your board meeting agenda.

By casting a typical WHITE American white female, you have discriminated against me and other women of color as well who are proud to be typically American.

Let's agree to disagree but you should consider running two commercials.

You enjoy the remainder of your day as well.....

With warmest regards from a TYPICALLY AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

From Darius on Wednesday, 2/24 at 9:50 AM

Dear Black Woman,

Let me preface this response by stating that I’m not racist. I love all people. I celebrate what makes us similar and I don’t focus on our differences. I use that as opportunities for learning – and it makes for a great culinary experience as well.

You confirmed by thanking me “for sending this e-mail” that you did in fact directly receive this last e-mail. I used the same mode of communication when seeking potential investors. This means that you received those earlier e-mail messages as well. Had you taken the opportunity to potentially become an investor, I’d have every right to take the time and entertain your thoughts and ideas. After all, you’d be a shareholder, so this company is yours as well.

Ms. Robinson, I’m selling cupcakes. That’s what it is – a cupcake. How many African Americans do you know that eat cupcakes on a regular basis? Please take a moment and think about it. How many African Americans do you know that go out of their way for a simple cupcake? Not many. The demographic of my average customer is a white woman, with kids, who stays at home while her husband works. She typically has a dog and she takes her kids out in the day time for a stroll in the neighborhood in a stroller that costs no less than $300.00. Does that sound like your typical Black woman? If you’re unsure, then ask yourself how many Black women in your neighborhood are married, stay home with their kids, have a dog, and take their children out for a walk in the day time for a stroll in the neighborhood in an expensive stroller?

How many?

I’m sure you’ll agree not many.

If that is the case – then why would I profile a product to a certain demographic without ensuring it looks and feels like a product they’d use? This is a business. My main goal here is to increase revenue, not let it jump out the window. Would you buy a product that didn’t LOOK like something you’d use? Profiling a product to a demographic of people and it looks NOTHING like what they’d use is downright stupid. It’s foolish. That’s common sense – anyone knows that. I’m not a marketing professional by any means. I’m a brand new entrepreneur that was thrown into business ownership by accident – and I’m glad I landed on my feet. In fact, I’ve got a degree in a completely different area of study – Biblical Studies. So, I’m using common sense as my team and I build this marketing campaign.

As I bring this to a close, let me ask you this question. Is it not enough that a 28 year old Black man owns the company? Is it not enough that 100% of our current investors are Black? Is it not enough that 98% of our potential investors are Black? Is it not enough that we’re using a Black-owned bank? Is it not enough that we’re using a Black-owned accounting firm? I firmly believe in circulating dollars amongst minorities and African-Americans. However, we do not live in an all Black world. If you owned a company and did business to Blacks only, where would your revenue percentages stand? I don’t understand your issue to have a product consumed by 27% of African Americans and 86% of Whites represented by a minority. It just doesn’t make sense.

Finally, the deadline for investing is approaching. It is set at March 1^st. For $2,000.00 per 1% share, you have the option to own a percentage of this company. That means that as your CEO, I have every right to listen and electively choose to heed your advice. If you’d like to become an investor or would like to hear more information, please contact me and we can set up a call of Skype conference to discuss. This will ensure a medium will be presented in which to listen to and act upon any concerns that you may have.

What Am I Doing?

Okay - so you'd think life would have slowed down a bit, right?

Not so!

Let's see - so, after my investors meeting a few weeks ago - I've still been busy meeting with potential investors. I know I vowed that this would be a one stop kinda deal - that I'd have just one meeting, but I'm not sure you can really do that. Well, not yet. I don't think I'm in that position and I'm really in need of capital funds - so...let the meetings begin.

I just got a message, looks like I've got yet another one on Sunday - lol - gotta love it.

I've been reading too! Yup - The E-Myth Revisited - it's a good book so far...missing some cultural elements - but it definitely gets you to thinking.

Besides that - I've been trying to get back to my first love - cooking. Been doing a lot of that too - that's really work as well. Instead of just chillin' and going out for dinner, I decided to cook up a bunch of stuff - from Italian to Moroccan - recipes are gonna be posted on my food blog - www.everydaycookin.com.

Besides that, I've been dreaming. I dream a lot. It makes me feel good. Dreams inspire me. Ever took the time to just think and imagine what life COULD be like? That's what I've been doing. It's contagious too cuz I've got others doing it too.

Oh, and then I've got a 9-5, right? The Cupcake Gallery. I'm working on getting it to be "the prototype store." That's hard to do when you've opened up under capitalized - whew! But, we're on our way. I've experienced a few bumps in the road with that too - maybe during the next post I'll talk about those.

All in all - we've set our target date to start business on April 1, 2010 - that's just a few short days away. Maybe we'll plan some sort of party or celebration to commemorate the beginning of that phase of life. Hmmmm - we should, right?

-Darius

Catching Up A Bit

For starters, I'm reading "The E-Myth Revisited." Every small business owner needs this book. It WILL change the way you think about business - no doubt.

Investor's meeting is DONE! WHEW! I finished it and it was a great meeting. The hard work I did for the presentation totally paid off.

I feel like a real business dude too. Here's how. So, I had another presentation to do and it was totally impromptu - I ran through the initial presentation with ease. I guess when it's your product you better know it inside and out, right?

Things will be getting back to normal for a while now. I don't start collecting investment money until March 1st - so the planning will begin then. For now, I can focus on me - focus on cooking and focus on working out. Oh, and reading too!

Right now...we just sit...and wait.

-Darius

It's My Anniversary!

You can't TELL ME what God won't and can't do.

Oh, by the way, if you're atheist or don't believe in God, um...you probably don't want to read this post.

--

Here goes!

One year ago...to the day...my life was changed and I didn't even know it. God has a way of bringing His will to pass whether you see it coming or not. Best thing you could ever do is just go with the flow - because what The Master wants WILL come to be.

Here's a link to my old blog post...a year ago - before I ever knew what was about to happens: http://everydaycookin.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-do-you-do-in-your-spare-time.html

A year ago I had a "spare time." *in my preacher voice* How many of you know it wasn't spare time? God has a way of orchestrating time perfectly. I came home from work and decided to make red velvet cupcakes...out of the blue. You do know things happen for a reason, right?

Why cupcakes? Who knows! God did. I wanted to try something new. It was new to me, but God had it in His plan all the while.

I had a few friends come over and taste them and at that point...that's how it started. Now, don't think that in one year we go from baking our first cupcake to opening The Cupcake Gallery and there were no bumps in the road. MY GOD were there bumps in the road.

Let's look at the bumps shall we:

- I put these cupcakes on Facebook and Twitter...and I started getting orders. A few here and there...

- I sold my FIRST dozen to a co-worker for 12 bucks. I packaged them nicely with cellophane and ribbon and come cute box. I didn't even charge her enough. I damn near paid her for the cupcakes I made. Thanks Maria! I miss you!!!

- Orders started coming in...before I even had a logo or website or a plan for that matter. But because I had been dibbling and dabbling in business ventures before, a few solid hours and this was solved. See, all that prep work God put me through allowed for me to handle this situation with NO PROBLEM.

- The peoples wanted more. I remember getting phone calls and e-mails and people would ask me for the other flavors I made. Can you believe that for three months ALL I COULD MAKE was red velvet? I know...horrible. I sat down figured out a plan in like 2 hours...then started working on more flavors and a website.

- Before you know it...I had a business. It was illegal - lol - but nevertheless, I had a side hustle.

- Somewhere around April/May - I was done. It was too much for me. Seriously! I told my barber that I was officially done. The orders were too much. The people were too much. The demand was too much. I was done. He talked to me...honestly. LOL - next week, I was back making cupcakes!

- June 15, 2009 would come. It was a Monday. I remember it well. I got to work and found out I had been laid off. Somehow I didn't necessarily feel distraught. I think it was knowing I had a few more pay checks, some severance, unused vacation pay, and 401K coming along. So, I was straight. No worries here - right?

- Depression set in. Not big time - but enough. All I wanted to do was lay around the house. That was it. I didn't want to shower...I didn't feel like doing anything. I'm a fighter though - by nature - so that didn't last too long.

- I got a plan together and got excited. I figured if cupcakes were the thing - then, let's open up a joint. I stopped baking completely for about 6 weeks cuz I had a plan to work.

- I had to raise money to open a real cupcake joint. That was an experience in an of itself. I had about 40 people who expressed interest one way or another. In the end I had raised 9,500.00 with another 3,000 out of my pocked. That initial meeting was August 1, 2009.

- Let's just say trying to find the right location took FOREVER. But I found it...and it needed work...it still needs work...it's not where it should be...but it's better than it was! Freezer was there. Refrigerator was there. Convection oven was there. Counter space was there. It was up to Chicago Health Code! I'm glad I wasn't too busy looking at what wasn't in order to realize what was!

- November 7, 2009 - 10 Months after making my first cupcake ever...I opened the doors to The Cupcake Gallery! It was amazing.

To see what's happened in just one short year is nothing short of amazing. Only a merciful God could make this possible. I'm totally grateful and am in a praise mode for looking back over the last year of my life.

I think there's something to be said about preparation. It's key in anything that you do. Lots of people have their idea of how they will achieve success in life - I don't see movement though. I don't see progress. I see no preparation. How can one achieve, less he prepare? That's what I did and when opportunity knocked, I answered...ready to receive.

If there's anything in your mind that says you can't, you have THE power to speak over it and tell it, you can. Anything your mind sees, you can achieve. As a matter of fact, go after what's in your mind versus what you eyes can see. This way of thinking brings new dimension to your actions. You move ahead with clear vision and that's what eventually becomes your reality.

I'm looking at the last year of my life...God's hand is upon it like never before. As I journey on this next year and embark upon new challenges, I pray His hand continues to guide! Listen, now that I know and have experienced what's possible with preparation and God's providence, look out - you ain't seen nothing yet. This next 365 days will be exciting and challenging...but all worth it in the end!

Keep Dreaming,

-Darius

Sweet Lord...It's Been Busy

So busy...yup - that's the life of a pre-millionaire...right?

I do wish I could just win the lottery. That would make this all go so quickly, wouldn't it?

Let's see - here's a recap of the last three weeks:

• Finished a 2nd draft of the business plan
• Finished the 1st draft of the marketing plan
• Databased (that's a word - lol) all of the TV media outlets in the state of Illinois
• Formed at met with an advisory board - good stuff.
• Met with current investors
• Started communications process and unveiled the new plan w/the public (my e-mail subscription list, my 2 Facebook lists, and my 3 Twitter accounts)
• Sent out press released to major media outlets
• Completed drafts of the packaging
• Got samples of shipping boxes and frosting containers
• Relaunched www.everydaycookin.com
• Fired my complete staff @ the bakery - so I'm working 14 hours a day now

And it's only the 18th of the month. LOL. We must keep trucking through though, right?

And the saga continues. Wanna know what's the special announcement - check out my food blog - http://everydaycookin.com/?page_id=244

-Darius