It's Really Happening!

I enjoy teaching people to cook and bake.  My education and work experience have been in teaching/training.  I especially love that "Aha!"  moment with kids when they really "get it".  Now, I'd never try to tell you that my culinary programs are rocket science.  As my mom said her mom told her, "If you can read, you can cook!"  But, there's something so rewarding about sharing the preparation of a meal with others.  

So, for almost ten years, I've been bouncing along, baking cakes and cookies, making candy, and teaching cooking programs.  Loving it, but realizing that I can't reach as many as I'd like.  Several years ago, I started thinking about expanding my business.  But, just like an overprotective parent, I was hesitant to allow someone else to teach my programs.  You can say many things about me, but I rarely make rash decisions.  I think things through from every angle, figure out how to handle any challenge, think some more, figure some more, and finally begin to unfold my plan.

After a few years, I finally started the process of getting the financing I needed to expand.  It took another year to GET the financing.  I began to interview candidates who responded to my ad for "teachers who love to cook, looking for part-time/summer work".  It amazed me to find out that there were so many qualified candidates!  I could've asked many of them to join us - but I don't have enough work for them (yet). 

Today, our first camps began - at Steve's Sew & Vac in King of Prussia.  They have a wonderful Miele demo kitchen in the center of the store.  Cooking there feels like you died and went to kitchen heaven!  It's bee-you-tee-ful!  I went there to assist.  Honestly, I wondered how I would feel, not being "in charge".  Well, I didn't have to worry - my instructor Wendi did such a superb job today!  I also had Michele along - she's doing an internship with me.  She was a great help, too.  Both of them said how much they enjoyed it.  Wendi's excited to be on her own.  I've never had children, but I suppose this is how parents feel when their children take off the training wheels, or learn to drive, or go off to college. 

So, tomorrow, I won't have to rush out the door to teach the camp - although I WILL stop in to see if Wendi needs any help - but I will have a camp running without me, while I'm drumming up even more business.

Next week, Steph will be teaching a camp.  I know she'll do a great job, too!  And, I can't forget to mention Shawn, who is taking on a lot of one-day programs at various locations this summer.  She's also on reserve as a sub.

It always amazes me when folks think what I do is cool.  It is - I've always thought so.  But, I have come to realize that it's a really good idea, and I'm very proud of that.  I'm happy that going with my gut feeling has helped me along the way.  My instructors are willing to come along for the ride, eager to work with me, anxious to see my business grow.  THAT makes me smile!  I feel very blessed to have found something I love to do - and a way to earn a living doing that.  :-)