I'm back to being a homebaker again!

The first time I jumped headfirst into this business was when the monetary crisis hit Indonesia in 1998. I continued around 2005, but being a food photographer took most of my time and energy, so it got sidetracked for a while. I never stopped baking for myself—to experiment, test recipes—basically for my love for baking and the happiness it brings to my heart each time.

I come with a bigger, bolder purpose this time. But let's skip the why at the moment.

I've been learning many things about being a full-time homebaker now. Watching Shark Tank for quite a while has given me loads of insights. Here is some wisdom I'm happy to share. Hopefully, it can benefit you as it has benefited me. Enjoy.

Start with a God-centered intention

Good intention clears your path. Intention that is akhirah-oriented brings barakah and supplies you with neverending strength.
Product Design

Design your final product and experience, then work on the details as ihsan as you can. Be patient with the iteration process.
Build a system that works

Don't launch helter-skelter. If you're still in that early phase, it's okay to wait until you can put everything down on a piece of paper, organize your thoughts, clarify, and start planning. Once you have everything sorted out—even if your plan isn't perfect yet—you can softly start and launch. Make improvements and corrections along the way.
Work toward making the flow more efficient

Don't stop making your workflow more efficient in terms of time, cost, energy, and sanity. Log your process; take notes. Use them to compare your process each production day and make necessary improvements.
Taking on resellers

Many homebakers might not agree with me, but for me, taking on resellers is one of the smartest things I've done in my life. They save my time, energy, focus, overall cost and keep my sanity.
Have the mindset of a gardener

A gardener works hard throughout the planting season, does all he can, takes what he can control to the best of his ability, then knows that the crop result is fully in Allah's hands. He can only predict and prepare for the weather, but only Allah controls the weather. He hopes for the best and goes home every day satisfied and grateful, for he gave his best effort. He is grateful when the crops are abundant and knows very well that if it's not because of Allah, no produce can even be grown. When the crops are not as he expected, he is grateful for the effort he made, knowing full well he can't control the crops.
Make things easy for other people

Be the solution, not the problem. If you can make things go smoothly for other people, do it. I mean, why not? You have nothing to lose.