Identify what you love to do.

Turn your avocation into a vocation, and you’ll never “work” another day.

While this is advice you’ve no doubt heard before, the real test is identifying what it is you love to do. Sometimes it can be too obvious, making it even harder to recognize. I suggest spending some time alone—time to soul search without the distractions of daily life. Then, think about how you like to spend your time when nothing else interferes. Write down some ideas. Brainstorm with people who are close to you and know you well. And be creative. Transforming what you love to do into an idea for a business isn’t always easy.

Linda Kick, founder of Our CupCakery in Dublin, Ohio, is a former teacher and manager who left education to pursue her passion for baking. According to Linda, it all started with the Easy-Bake Oven she received as a child. That’s what introduced her to baking, and through the years she often referred to herself as a closet baker. Now she spends long days baking everything from wedding cakes to gourmet cupcakes, but she’s having a blast. Linda always knew she liked to bake. Until recently, she just didn’t realize how she could turn her love of baking into a unique and viable business.

Learn more about Linda Kick and her thriving cupcake business at in the featured entrepreneurs section of RYI. Her contagious enthusiasm is bound to inspire you. Share your story!