As we step into the holidays, today’s episode is a gentle reminder of something we all need—joy without pressure. My bakery is officially closed for two full weeks (yes… two!), and I’m walking into 2026 with rest, intention, and a whole lot of gratitude. This episode is for the hobby bakers, the extra-income bakers, the side-gig dreamers, and the cookie creators who want this season to feel fun, not overwhelming.

After baking more than 150,000 cookies, the question I get asked all the time is:
“Do you still enjoy baking?”
The short answer? Absolutely. The long answer? Today’s episode.

We’re diving into what joy looks like in the kitchen, the difference between hobby baking and baking as a business, how to protect your creativity when pressure tries to take over, and why you always—always—have permission to build this craft in a way that fits your life.

In This Episode, We Cover:⭐ Why taking a break is essential—not optional

I’m stepping away from cookies, classes, and even social media for the next two weeks. Here’s why rest fuels creativity and helps me return to work with fresh ideas and a full heart.

⭐ What still brings me joy after 150,000 cookies

From packaging finished orders to quiet decorating sessions in complete silence, I share the moments that continue to ground me in love for this craft.

⭐ Hobby baking vs. business baking

They are not the same. One is peaceful, playful, and experimental. The other comes with deadlines, expectations, and consistency demands. I talk about why you need elements of both and how I use “hobby mode” to develop new products or classes.

⭐ How to build systems that protect your joy

Creativity drains fast without structure. I share strategies like batching, delegation, and making tiny games out of repetitive work (plus the tray-cheering that gets me through big orders).

⭐ The money mindset shift

From “fun money” in the early days to the real pressure of self-employment, I unpack how money shapes your baking journey—and why you don’t have to turn your hobby into a full business unless you want to.

⭐ Permission to bake your way

Whether you sell once a year or scale to a commercial bakery, you get to define success. Start, stop, experiment, change direction—your creativity gets to lead.

⭐ What my two-week break actually looks like

Deleting social apps, reading, journaling, reflecting, dreaming, and letting ideas grow in the quiet moments.

Key Takeaways

• Joy matters more than perfection or pressure.
• Systems protect creativity.
• You can bake in any capacity—you’re not locked in.
• Rest is a business strategy.
• Your way of doing this work is the right way.

A Little Holiday Note from Me

Thank you for being here, especially during such a full season. I’ll be offline for two weeks, resting and dreaming about all the beautiful things coming in 2026. I hope you find a little extra joy in your baking—whether it’s for fun, for your family, or for your business.

See you in the new year, friends.
—Dani