Posted by Allison on May 20, 1998 at 12:33:48:
Hi!
I wish I'd stumbled upon this forum sooner, but it
seems to be a good way for me to get in contact with
badly needed "advisors".
I'm living in upper lower Michigan (!!) attending
a community college to earn a certificate in small
business management. I also have a BA degree in human
services (about 18yrs old)I did work with emotionally
disturbed adolescents briefly(Bye Jimmy, hello Ronnie)
I then worked in restaurants as waitress, cook and all for about
twenty years. As a female HS student, I was never encouraged to
attend culinary school, and at that time probably
would have turned my nose up at a career in home
economics-or human ecology as I hear it labeled these
days
As well as the courses I need to finish to earn the
certificate by June of 99, I am doing work as a live-in
home health caregiver at the present time because my
in-laws need a health aid, which I also have certification to
do. Two years ago I began a home bakery business-went
so far as to have my kitchen licenced, and took a food
safety certification class. I began selling products
through a local natural foods store, and farmer's
market. I was rather successful,lots of repeat business.
and excellent feedback from other pros. Around then I
I realized how badly I need to build business
skills, marketing in particular. The big hurdle is
going to be gathering enough capitol to make the jump
to play with the big boys, and I need a serious partner.
It seems that there are several people who write who
could be of like mind. The bakery is "on a back burner"
for now-I have a full plate! I wonder if a short term
apprenticeship or some culinary training would be a
way to make connections ?
By the way, I'm "pescatarian" and take pride in baking
with organic ingredients whenever possible. I wish to be
able to cater to people with special diets, with an
up-scale flair. The town I live in is hooked on wonder
bread and doughnuts!(I can't move, unfortunately!)
Looking forward to hearing from
just about anybody-Allison