How I Balance Custom Cake Orders with a Full-Time Job (Without Burning Out)

While I was in grad school, I started my custom cake business to help make ends meet. But after graduating, and securing a full time job, I shyed away from committing to orders. 

Between a full-time job, a busy family, and everyday life, I was concerned it would be challenging to successfully fill an order. The last thing I wanted to do, was to overpromise and let someone down.

Eventually, I realized something important:
I didn’t need to do more—I needed to do things differently.

After a lot of trial, error, and boundary-setting, I finally found a rhythm that works for me. Today, I’m able to take custom cake orders intentionally—without stress, last-minute scrambling, or burnout.

In this post, I’m sharing the rules and process I live by to make custom orders manageable, enjoyable, and successful.

The Rules I Live By

These rules allowed me to say yes confidently and deliver cakes I’m proud of:

1. Orders must be secured 2 weeks in advance

Advance notice gives me the time I need to plan around work and family, as well as to order supplies. If I can’t plan it properly, I don’t take it on.

2. Inspiration pics are required

A picture really is worth a thousand words. Photos help me understand my customer's vision, style preferences, and level of detail required—so there are no surprises on either side.

3. Full payment is due one week before delivery or pickup

This confirms the order on my calendar and allows me to purchase supplies and schedule my prep time with worrying about the finances.

4. One and two tier cakes require pickup 

This keeps logistics simple and ensures cakes stay safe and intact. Larger or specialty deliveries are handled on a case-by-case basis.

5. No weekday orders (and very limited fridays)

Aside from my full-time job and family time, I need the weekdays to work through cake prep (bake, prepare buttercream, fillings, fondant, etc.). By the time all is prepped, I can spend Friday night and the weekend completing the order. I only take on Friday nights if the design seems feasible given the workload. 

The Process I Live By

Once an order fits within my rules, here’s how everything flows smoothly behind the scenes:

Step 1: Inquiry & Inspiration

Customers reach out with their event date, serving size, and inspiration photos. This helps me quickly determine feasibility. I like to use text because I can more quickly reach out to customers.

Step 2: Confirmation & Booking

If the date and design align with my schedule, I confirm availability, share pricing, and send over an invoice with all the details and advanced payment request. Once the payment is received I secure the order.

Step 3: Planning & Prep

I plan everything backward from pickup day—shopping (the weekend prior), modeling fondant (Monday night), making fillings and buttercream (Tuesday night), baking (Wednesday night), filling and ganaching (Thursday/Friday).

Step 4: Weekend Execution

Since all prep happens throughout the week, when I can fully focus on quality and design on Friday night and weekend without competing priorities.

Step 5: Pickup & Pics

Cakes are carefully boxed, any pickup details are confirmed, and I take copious pics to share with the client and on social media.

Why This Works for Me (and My Customers)

Having these clear boundaries doesn’t limit creativity—it protects it. These rules allow me to:

• Deliver consistent quality

• Work around my work and family schedule

• Enjoy the process instead of stressing through it

Most importantly, it ensures that when I say yes to a cake, I mean it wholeheartedly.

If you’re a fellow creative juggling multiple roles, or a customer curious about how custom orders work behind the scenes, I hope this gives you a little insight—and reassurance—that good things come from thoughtful planning. 

For more inspiration, visit us at www.cakecouturelove.com

💗 Christie