Monday, December 1, 2008

Introducing henrybella's...

Four years. Four years of dreaming and hoping and planning. And today it's here. Today my dreams get their wings. Today my hope gets a face. Today my plans bear fruit. Or cookies, rather.

Today henrybella's is online.

It's not perfect. I still have products and pictures to incorporate. And it's not necessarily what I envisioned. I wanted a prettier website, (which will come, hopefully after the first of the year). And I wanted a major launch party, complete with platters of sweets and friendly faces. I wanted banners and streamers and music and a brownie-float parade in a rain of chocolate chips.

But henrybella's is here, and she comes without a penny of debt. A small business miracle. I couldn't be more excited.

Henry and Bell Allen were my Great-Grandparents. Henry taught me to ride a horse. Bell taught me how to fish and how to bake. henrybella's is named after two of the most genuine, giving, loving, hard-working people I've ever known. They're gone now, but I'm pleased to be preserving their memory in my own small way.

Great. I'd planned to say all these wonderful things but now I'm crying. Today is so very emotional for so many reasons. So without further ado, I give you... I give you... I give you the hope of my heart: henrybella's bakery.




33 comments:

Susan said...

It looks wonderful Brin. Way to go girlfriend. Just keep on followin' your bliss.

Terri Steffes said...

I am going now! I love seeing dreams fulfilled.

Rosa said...

CONGRATULATIONS!
I pray that the orders pour in ! :)

Unknown said...

Good luck Sweetheart. May your heart stay strong and your customers come back again and again.

Vee said...

*sniff* It's okay, Brin, you've expressed it beautifully. Much success to you!

Cheryl said...

Love. It. Really, it's beautiful. The pics and the words. You've created something special there (and I'm sure the treats are yummy too!). You should be very proud, congratulations!

Susan said...

ps Brin - the first henrybella grey link in your post isn't working. Just thought you'd want to fix that - wouldn't want anyone to miss the Grand opening. xo S.

Jenny said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You did it!!!

Elenka said...

Wow, the best of luck in this exciting endeavor! Thanks for sharing your new venture with us, I hope you make tons of money!

Unknown said...

I'm so happy for you and proud of you! You give us all hope to never let go of our dreams, you are truly amazing!! Good luck, but I know you will do well!

Kristie @ Comfy Cozy said...

Just checked it out. Everything looks wonderful! I'm sure it'll be a success.

Anonymous said...

Congrats! That's just wonderful. I pray it does well and you sell lots and lots of cookies, breads, and all the other yummy treats you bake.

CatHerder said...

Congratulations to you! I would LOVE to have my own business having SOMETHING to do with food. My husband has been in the grocery business for around 30 years, his grandfather owned a bakery, and my youngest son works for my husband in the store bakery. My fondest memories of the best jobs i ever had were always related to food! Good luck to you, thats so awesome!

Jen said...

It looks wonderful! I'll have to order something soon. Congratulations!

Sunny said...

Congratulations! It looks DELICIOUS!

Linda Z said...

Wonderful!! Congratulations!! I love the back story on your great grandparents!!! :) Now I understand where the name comes from! Neat! :)

traci said...

dreams do come true!! congratulations and much success in your new business. i think the website is great. you did a good job!

Tracey said...

Congrat's on your endeavor.. Dreams come true for those who are fearless about dreaming.. keep up the good work and look forward to more of the bakery and website

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

Congratulations! I wish you overwhelming success!

Linnee said...

Congratulations! Wishing you nothing but the best! :)

Kim said...

Congratulations on your latest achievement. I hope and pray that henrybella's brings you much happiness and prosperity.

Victoria said...

The site looks great. Congrats on a dream come true.

Shelby said...

I love that it's a combination of your grandparent's names.. simply lovely. Congrats to you!

cathleen said...

Simply delighted for you, dear Brin. Your great grandparents are proudly smiling down at you, of that I am sure. Please wipe those tears on one of your pretty aprons!! May you find much pleasure and contentment baking away in your beloved home. Now...I'm off to look for those platters of sweets....are there any chocolate eclairs????

The Raggedy Girl said...

Congratulations!!
Your cookie site looks wonderful and yummy
Roberta Anne

Michelle said...

Oh Brin, congratulations! I admire you so much. I admire how you made your life what you wanted, heartaches and sweetness and all, you still looked ahead until your dream came true. This will be such a success for you and you deserve all of it. It's your baby now....make the best of it. I know you will. :)

Kay said...

all your admirers must have knocked out your server because I can't get in now. but I'll try again in a few days.

You are living my dream now. Prayers going up for it to be all you & God want it to be.
HUGS!

Pudgeduck said...

Congratulations! Love it!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Brin!! I pray many blessings on this venture

Melissa said...

yay! CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES! I plan to order brownies and cookies which look oh so yummy. Can't wait to support you! After looking at all your yummy pictures, reading your stories and reading the recipies I am so excited to try your baked goods. Though, I will be ordering for family gifts.

When would be the best time to order to give as Christmas presents? I want to give you time to bake but I want to make sure that my loves can enjoy them while they are fresh out of the oven!

Honey said...

So happy for you that your dream is coming true! What a great way to turn lemons into lemonade!

- Honey

Rebecca said...

I am so proud of you! You go girl! The website looks wonderful, and the goodies even better. I'll be ordering soon!

Debe said...

I am so happy for you! Lovely to see dreams realized. Behind you all the way! Blessings!