Re-Thinking the Brand. Re-Thinking the Business. Re-Defining Me.

I heart cupcakes--no joke--you guys know this! In fact, I love cupcakes so much, I've taken my love one step further and made cupcakes a part of my career. For those of you who have been following me, you know that I've been working on branding TuTu Cupcakes as my product and business. Originally, my product plan was to be a unique cupcake creation by joining two cupcake flavors together with a tasty surprise filled in the middle.
I've been conducting A LOT of research. I've been visiting cupcakeries in my area, studying websites of cupcakeries nationwide, and chatting with a bunch of wonderful cupcake bakers that I have met online. The more research I do brings me further down the path of product planning. I've begun to re-think my original strategy.
A lot of my thought process has to do with me defining my business for myself:

1. What do I want this Cupcake business to be?
2. Where do I want this Cupcake business ?
3. How do I want this business fit into my life financially, emotionally and physically?

The idea of having one cupcake with two flavors and a special filling gave me an angle against the competition. It gave my cupcakes a reason for being outside of the traditional cupcake. It would be the experience of Tu Tu Cupcakes. But, the concept is very taxing on me the baker, the business owner, and the product champion. The idea--while fun to think about eating--is actually economically unsound. I'm constantly making (and paying for) double the batter + the filling + the frosting.

Initially, I didn't find the extra work or ingredients an issue when I wanted a cupcake store front. At a store front, I would have help to bake all the cupcakes and the cost of double the ingredients could be amortized across the life of the business. However, lately I feel as if I want my operation to be on a more intimate level. I realize that I enjoy baking. I enjoy the creation of the cupcake. I feel validated by working hard to ensure that I've found the best ingredients and best recipe to fit my customers needs.

Now, I want this intimacy to reflect in my business model. I'm thinking that a web-based at home business is more of what I need/want at this point in my life. I know that my cupcakes are about good flavor and a good presentation. They are classic with a mature simple decor. I like to let the flavor and name do the selling. For me it's less about the cupcakes decoration and more about how the cupcake tastes.

An at home operation really fits my current lifestyle. I think starting small and building up is where I need to be right now not only financially, and emotionally, but it also allows me to physically be a part of my operation and build a good base network to build up from.

My goal now is to define my mission statement to create my brand message and convey that message to my customer.
Here is what I am thinking so far:

Tu Tu Cupcakes works with you to create custom gourmet cupcakes to fit your needs. Baked fresh to your order, Tu Tu Cupcakes will ship directly to your door--nationwide.

What do you guys think? Thoughts? Advice?
Until my next cupdate,
LN
**like the I heart Cupcake image above?? Yeah, I did too! ;-) Check out the magnet you can purchase at Cafe Press by designer Bottled Talent!! Too Cute! ****