Bash in a Box Looks Back on 2015 – 5 Lessons This Start-up Learned

As I sit down to write the 2015 retrospective for Bash in a Box, I am amazed that another year has passed. Reflecting on the past year leaves me feeling – exhausted – but mostly grateful for our successes and humbled by the lessons we learned.

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Lesson #1 – Go with your gut!

We designed and held our first Bash in a Box party! Well it was really a test party to try out the timeline, recipes, and planning guide for the “Tea Anyone?” Bash. After many long hours of working and reworking, we invited a few of our close friends to tea and they loved it!

Kim and I were on Cloud 9 after the party! We were also relieved. After all, we had thrown a lot of parties between the two of us, but creating a planning guide for others is a whole different experience. There were times when we were so frustrated that we couldn’t see the path forward, but we listened to our inner voices and developed something that our friends wanted and loved! How cool is that?!?!?

Lesson #2 – Set reasonable expectations!

Next, we decided to work on a Cocktail Bash called “Toast of the Town.” At this point we had tested our concept and the pressure was on. We were fortunate that our close friends were waiting for the next Bash - it kept us moving forward. Sadly, I was extremely busy with my day job and family. Therefore, I left this Bash in Kim’s capable hands. She did an amazing job! (Don’t let her tell you she is not creative – she is.) The “Toast of the Town“ Bash was a big hit! In fact, this two-hour party lasted more than 4 hours!

When the Cocktail Bash was over, we were truly exhausted. But why? Was it the bigger guest list? The number of recipes? Maybe, but I believe that it was the lack of support from the partnership. Kim was stressing because she was going it alone. I was stressing because I wasn’t able to help her in any dedicated way. Looking back, I believe our expectations were unreasonable and we needed to reevaluate!

You see, I thought my busy schedule would slow down and I would be able to help Kim with this Bash. Eventually it did but parts and pieces were in constant forward motion and by the time I could help – we were stressed and being overwhelmed. Fortunately, when we reevaluated, we made a few revisions to the “Toast of the Town” Bash that made the party better and we were able to have a wonderful time!

Additionally, we created the Bash in a Box “stress meter” based on this experience. The concept is simple: the number of boxes in green tells you how much of “you” is required for the Bash! We now have it for all of our bashes.

Lesson #3 – Be flexible!

Earlier in the year, we agreed that we needed three parties before the website went live. We also agreed that the third party needed to be less intense than the “Toast of the Town” Bash, so we opted for a French Country Brunch. The party planning for this bash went smoothly once we got started. It also turned out to be a terrific way to reconnect with friends on a Saturday afternoon.

When we planned this Bash it was cold outside and our soup was a hot soup. However, by the time we scheduled the test party it was summer. We created a cold soup alternative for the warm day and now we have 2 options in the French Country Brunch planning guide.

Lesson #4 - Always set a deadline!

Finally, in December, we launched the Bash in a Box website (bash-in-a-box.com)! This was a Herculean effort for both Kim and I. We had the content and designs worked out, but then we started asking “What about…” and “How about…”.

As you can imagine, developing the site took a lot longer than planned and required a lot of negotiations, but we got there. In the end we even reworked some things, but it was the deadline that kept us on track. The deadline forced us to say, “Good enough (for now)” and give the perfectionist part of our personalities a break.

Lesson #5 – Keep on Hosting!

Our biggest success this year was our first sale! Of course, Kim and I hope that this is just the beginning, so keep coming back to see how things are going. We plan to add another couple of parties this year.

Throughout the year, we had successes and setbacks and that is okay. Thinking back to my most memorable moments, the ones I am proudest of – they were challenging but also the most rewarding.

Before I end, I want to take a moment to thank our family, friends, and other party go-ers who supported us this past year. I am grateful to those of you who have been with us every step of the way always encouraging us to look forward and supporting us during the setbacks. It amazes me the network that supported Kim and I this past year. We are better for having you in our lives and I am grateful. Thank you!

Here is to a wonderful 2015 and (hopefully) a terrific 2016!

If you have comments or suggestions, please email me at Dina@bash-in-a-box.com. I’d love to hear from you.