From Fear to Flow: Embracing New Beginnings,

A Personal Journey:

Facing the fear of being seen—or not being seen—has shaped so much of my journey. Growing up, this fear was a constant companion. But as an adult, I’ve made a choice: fear doesn’t get to define me anymore. I’ve finally accepted that I don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room or the one leading from the front. That’s just not me—and that’s okay.

I’ve come to embrace my way of being: gentle, steady, quiet—but no less powerful. It’s taken time, but I’m starting to truly understand myself. I am understated but bold. A brave soul who’s fought many quiet battles and led by example—by showing up, by being present, by holding space and supporting others. As I continue to heal and grow, I’m still here. I’m still standing. Still sharing—and choosing not to delete the parts of me that feel vulnerable. If what I share is seen, that’s great. If it isn’t, that’s okay too

When the pandemic hit in 2020, everything changed. My cake business—one I had poured my heart into for 15 years—was suddenly on pause. The uncertainty of lockdowns came and went, and like many others, I tried to find my footing. Slowly, I started to rebuild—with a refreshed focus on weddings, new branding, a shiny new website, and a diary full of wedding fairs. 2021 was meant to be the year.

But life had other ideas.

Family responsibilities quickly became overwhelming. I found myself in a new role—as carer for both of my parents—while trying to navigate a social care system I knew nothing about. It was disheartening, exhausting, and frustrating. Still, I was determined to keep my business afloat, doing whatever I could. Then, I had a fall and broke my wrist. No cakes meant no income, and the emotional and financial strain began to take its toll.

By Christmas Eve 2021, it all came crashing down. I had a breakdown. My body and mind could no longer carry everything and everyone.

2022 was a year of heartbreak. My beloved Dad passed away in January, followed closely by both of my in-laws. I spent most of that year in a fog of grief, trying to support my Mum—who was finally diagnosed with vascular dementia after six years of trying to get answers. I felt completely alone. I knew I had to start taking care of myself or risk losing myself altogether. The truth was, no one really knew what I needed—not even me.

So, I began the long road to healing.I worked on my mental health. I leaned into spirituality. I asked myself the deep questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What’s my mission? In the process, I uncovered parts of myself I didn’t know were missing. I met people who inspired me, and who continue to light that inner spark.

By the autumn of 2023, my business was thriving—more than I ever imagined. I was fully booked into 2024, and with couples wanting to book into 2027, I was already turning bookings away. Behind the scenes, I was still pretty much a full-time carer, and my mental health was starting to suffer again. I knew I couldn’t keep going the way I was. So I made one of the hardest decisions yet: I stopped taking cake orders, and by the end of 2024, I closed my wedding cake business.

2025 is my year for fresh starts. New beginnings. New adventures. New ways of working. And I was so ready for it! Sometimes, you just have to stop fighting the current and learn to go with the flow.

Now, with a new focus and a new business, I have a plan—and a vision. I’m no longer hiding in the shadows. I’m putting it out there. Trusting the Universe, trusting my inner voice, and leaning on my community of soul sisters (and brothers) to help me build this next chapter.

Taking that first step into the unknown is scary, but the most unexpected journeys often bring the most incredible rewards. These past 24 months have been a personal evolution: finding my voice, daring to be vulnerable, and slowly building the confidence to be seen and heard. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step.

When we allow ourselves permission to try something new, we open the door to growth, fulfilment, and even more possibilities. So next time opportunity knocks, open the door—you never know where it might lead.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading.

And if you’re ready to build your Cake Business Confidence, come and join us:

Caking it Back to Basics | BUSINESS Community ~ see you there!.

Here’s to new beginnings, letting go of fear, and finding our flow.

With love,

Dianne Xx