Day 16 - The Morning After

It's about 8 AM and for some reason, I'm awake. I don't like that. I'm going to do a few things but then it's back to bed for me.

I keep getting asked the million dollar question..."how does it feel?"

Yesterday was the official grand opening of The Cupcake Gallery. I'm sure I defied some odds here and there. I'm a Black man that has nothing. Seriously. I was laid off due to the recession and was forced to either sink or swim. I didn't come from money or power or prestige - all we ever had was the ability to think...a lot. I opened a cupcake shop in the middle of a recession. The cupcake world is DOMINATED by non-blacks. I'm getting record hits to my website and rave reviews on all the online sites regarding my cupcakes. I was only open for a week before I got my first celebrity order for cupcakes...and they enjoyed them immensely. We met our monthly goal in only 5 days of operations.

Considering all of the above, I should feel great, right?

Don't get me wrong, I feel good - but I don't feel great. I'm not satisfied. This is going to sound funny, but, I'll try to explain.

My goal was never to open a cupcake joint. My goal is much bigger than that. The cupcake bakery is only 10% of the actual goal. The goal is to be at least a millionaire by the time I'm 30. Because my eye is on that prize, I'm much focused on achieving that goal. Am I happy about yesterday's success - absolutely. But because I've not yet met my main goal, I've still got more work to do. So, I'm happy - but not content - I'm looking ahead and basically eating the elephant, one bit at a time.

I suspect there will be more successes along the way. Success is a bi-product of achieving goals - and that will be great. I will be content once I reach the real goal I've set out for myself to achieve.

I'd like to personally thank my entire Facebook family. They've been great in spreading the word and showing support for this little vision of mine. When I've acted a fool and cut up on Facebook, they've commented and acted a fool with me. When I've needed an encouraging word, they've stepped in and given it to me. I'm grateful for that. Also, my Twitter fam - they're the absolute best. There's nothing like my Tweeps. Who ever thought that so much could be done in 140 characters or less? They make it possible and we have a great time while doing it. My personal thanks to everyone who RT's my stuff and a special shout out to @JamalHBryant - the man encourages me more than I think he'll ever know. My Uptown community has been absolutely great in this. I've had repeat customers that have come in three times a week for cupcakes. They wave as they're jogging past. They stop in just to say hello when they're walking their dogs. It's been a fantastic experience thus far. I vowed to make our establishment a well known and reputable business in the Uptown community and with residents like the ones we have - it's easy to make that happen. I'm not from the Uptown community, but they don't care - I have a business there and they welcome me with open arms.

A special thanks to the God-mothers that God has given me. We're not related by blood, but you couldn't tell that we weren't family. I drive them CRAZY - but they're there every step of the way. I know they're praying for me (when I get on their nerves...and when I don't). It means the world to me to know that I've got God-given family members who care, who support, who pray, and who aren't afraid to cuss me out when I need to be cussed out.

Lastly, to my family. I've done some crazy things in my life...the last 15 years have been a ride through some kind of roller coaster. We've had some very interesting family moments - so many, that when we start thinking about them all we can do is laugh. Who would have thought years ago when we were all cooped up at 1349 N. Kostner that today, in 2009 here's where we'd all be? No one. I love you dearly - and thanks for being the foundation and support that I've needed to get where I am.

I was going to write about "my defining moment" but that's going to be another blog post. I've written enough, right?

-Darius