Chapter 15 - MY BUSINESS ALMOST FAILS FOR A DIFFERENT REASON
Bramble & Hearth did not collapse because Vivian framed us.
It nearly collapsed because I tried to do too much afterward.
I became obsessed with proving the bakery was safe.
New testing.
New consultants.
New packaging.
New refrigeration system we did not need yet.
Marketing campaign.
Legal costs.
I spent cash.
Too much.
June finally cornered me in the kitchen.
“We are safe.”
“We need customers to know.”
“They know.”
“Not enough.”
“Elara.”
She put a stack of invoices in front of me.
“You’re about to create the financial crisis Vivian failed to create.”
That stopped me.
Cash reserves had dropped by forty percent.
Not bankruptcy.
Dangerous direction.
My costly mistake had evolved.
First public statement.
Then overcorrection.
Fear disguised as diligence.
I called our accountant.
Cut unnecessary spending.
Paused renovation.
Negotiated longer payment terms with one supplier.
No shame.
Business recovered.
I told Callum:
“I almost did it to myself.”
He understood immediately.
“Trying to make sure no one could ever question you?”
“Yes.”
He smiled sadly.
“Family trait.”
“Do not include me in your family trait.”
He laughed.
May you like
Good.
Humor returning.
