The Ovens of Opportunity

I’m taking a chance, a BIG chance: Natalie is now an intern at Red House. It was that or she’d continue to sleep all day. And really, I’m trying to reduce the amount of time she’s spending with Stefan, her vaguely European friend with the motorcycle. He’s maybe 17 tops! Yet I trust my instincts and think Nat just needs a little guidance. At 19 though, she’s a quasi-adult and there’s only so much I can say. Natalie’s duties will depend on what Michael, Kerin and I come up with. I started her out with a mini trade show experience featuring businesswomen of the Napa Valley. It was sort of a big deal to be invited to participate along with vintners and growers, chefs, artists and other clothing entrepreneurs. I wanted Nat to meet women who have made their mark. The fact that these achievers have their success and the most beautiful setting in which to work is just the icing on the cake. But more on baked goods later.

When I opened my packet of registration materials the day before the event I nearly fell over. Red House was listed as BREAD HOUSE! I couldn’t believe it, a total disaster for a new company - they thought we were a BAKERY!? Kerin thought we should pull out of the exhibition, but Natalie suggested we bake some bread and BE a bakery for a day as a public relations stunt. I liked her thinking! There must be a genetic thread of pro activity between us after all. We might even get more attention for Red House by showing we could weather a setback of erroneous printing. We’d have a table set up like a wine country picnic and hand out samples. The only problem was that baking takes time that I didn’t have. Miracle #2 – Natalie said she could bake bread! Did my ears deceive me?! She let slip that she learned to bake while on Work Release! (I didn’t pry, but I’m going to later.) Nat even offered bake at Stefan’s house so she wouldn’t be keeping us awake all night. Meanwhile, Kerin and I made a sign for the booth that said, Redhouse creates clothing for wine country, and when necessary, bakes for it.

Well, I’ve got to hand it to her - Nat came through with the bread. It was a big hit, and the women in wine who were exhibiting sent people over to our booth with glasses in hand. They lingered to hear about our printing disaster and our line of corporate clothing. Some of them looked askance at Nat with her skull earrings and black eye shadow, but she was friendly enough. Perhaps too friendly - as she wandered off to the wine tasting area to flirt with most of the men who showed up – especially those pouring wine! Sigh. One day at a time, Maddie!