Oh. My. Gosh--I May Have A Business Leg Up!

Business By Chef_Stef Updated 19 Jul 2006 , 3:58am by nicksmom

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Chef_Stef Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 5:58pm
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Excuse while I hyperventilate for a second.

First let me say that I quit my regular job of 12 years, SATURDAY. So today is my first day Without A Job.

Some of you may know, I'm thinking of building a kitchen here because my state doesn't license home kitchens, and hoping to advertise and start getting business in the wedding cake market locally.

WELL...

I had talked to my insurance guy about what getting the insurance I'd need, and he called me with a quote this morning ($353 a year, fyi), AND THEN he mentioned in passing that he had spoken to the owner of a Mexican restaurant locally who is very into new businesses and is also opening a new steak house about 10 minutes from my house, and he said that this guy told him I could use his kitchen any time I want. What an insurance guy! He deserves a medal!

I thought, well, I don't have anything going on now, so, and I almost didn't call this guy...but then something made me just call him anyway, first thing this morning. He was like, "Yeah, just use the kitchen any time, the new one will be open in a month, or you can use the Mexican restaurant if you need one before then...just give me a day's notice anytime." Like it's a done deal. I asked him how he would rent it (hourly? daily?), and he said, "Oh, just take a look at it, and whatever you think is fair. We'll come up with something."

THEN....I told him, "I have to be over there the next 3 nights for gynmastics with my kids--would you like me to meet with you?" And THEN he mentioned that he also does (are you ready?) CATERING AND WEDDINGS, and he needs someone to do cakes, so he could refer to me, etc etc. I had to keep myself from jumping up and down and calmly asked if he would like me to bring him business cards, photos, and a sample, and he said "Hey, sure. I'm always up for something sweet."

SO, tomorrow I'm taking him my album and a sample (or several).

I AM SO JAZZED. Oh my GOSH. I can't believe it!!! I prayed this weekend that my leaving my long-term job would be the right thing to do and for some guidance or some sign that this is what I should be doing (I'm such a doubter--always need a *sign*, lol)

Well, here's my SIGN. LOL

You guys are the only ones who could understand how exciting this is!!!!!

27 replies
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Somethin-Sweet Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 6:03pm
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That is so exciting! My heart was beating fast just reading it! I fimly believe that everything happens for a reason! You are on you way! Congratulations!

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Doug Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 6:05pm
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party.gif wooooohooooo!!!! CONGRATS!

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cindy6250 Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 6:05pm
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Congratulations!!! That is wonderful. Keep us informed on how it goes. I would love to be able to do that, but not in the position at this point. I'm shooting for 2 years from now.

Cindy

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cpriojas28 Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 6:07pm
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Congratulations Homecook!!! This is a big step and I'm sure you're breathing a little easier right now. I'll Keep you in my prayers and hope everything will continue to go your way!!

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lsawyer Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 6:07pm
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The Lord has handed you pearls! Congratulations!

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littleredtonya Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 6:16pm
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You go Girl!! That is so exciting. I got my exciting news similar to that this morning. Hope everything goes well, and keep us informed. thumbs_up.gif

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dl5crew Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 6:26pm
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OMG!!! God just plopped everything in your lap. Excuse me while I do a happy dance for you..... icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif
Ok, now I can sit still. icon_wink.gif

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MrsMissey Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 6:52pm
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..wow, talk about "timing"!! Congrats and keep us posted on how things go!

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funkychica1_2004 Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 6:54pm
post #10 of 28

you win on so many levels!!1

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melodyscakes Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 7:13pm
post #11 of 28

i just got goose bumps when i read your post!!
God is so good!!

i am so excited for you, this will save you alot of big$$$$$ since you dont have to build a kithen that will pass for a licsence.

agian, i am so excited for you.....please keep us posted!!!

melody

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yukisaru Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 7:25pm
post #12 of 28

That is absolutely wonderful... Just a question? Have you ever dyed coconut in different colors? If he caters Mexican food for weddings that may be a big plus on your side to offer some sort of decor in that style, a Pina colada cake with colored coconut design. Just thinking out loud but I am sure you are far a head of me on that. Good luck with all of that and keep us up to date on how it works out.

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luvbakin Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 7:29pm
post #13 of 28

Congrats!! That's awesome news. Good luck to you.

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JulieB Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 11:02pm
post #14 of 28

Ain't God good. Congratulations, girl.

And a Mexican restaurant? Girl, hispanic people, and I can say this because you soy latina...... love cake at any occasion.... don't forget Quinceaneras..... in addition to all the weddings, of course. That is great.

I am bowled over how God fills our needs before we know we have them.

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spottydog Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 11:08pm
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That s FANTASTIC! Congrats!!!!!

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greenhorn Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 11:26pm
post #16 of 28

Fantastic! When you ask for a sign...you get a billboard!

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cakesondemand Posted 18 Jul 2006 , 1:00am
post #17 of 28

congratulations wonderful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Chef_Stef Posted 18 Jul 2006 , 3:18am
post #18 of 28

Thanks you guys. Your words of faith and friendship give me goosebumps myself! I'm still sort of in shock tonight...

I'm taking him a white cake with lemon and a chocolate with fresh raspberry IMBC filling and choc frosting, IMBC icing on both...hopefully it will knock his socks off, if he's only ever had those grocery store wedding cakes! icon_smile.gificon_smile.gif

I almost feel like it's too quick--I mean, I was sort of looking forward to maybe...oh, a WEEK of feeling like I actually quit my job before I immerse myself up to my eyeballs in my new "thing", but hey--if the door's been opened, I'm sure walkin' through it! icon_wink.gif

I'm still working on pricing, and for sheet cakes, etc...because if he's opening a steak house, you know, restaurants always need a good chocolate cake for dessert...And I still want to build a kitchen here--I have kids at home, so working in his kitchen would be a bit tricky. Since I also have pretty much no babysitter and hate to impose on my friends to babysit that much.


Whew! I was so busy today, I totally forgot all about my (old) job...! icon_biggrin.gif

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alicegop Posted 18 Jul 2006 , 3:26am
post #19 of 28

I hope you will please please give us an update when he tastes the cake! I also want to know how your first referral goes!

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yassy Posted 18 Jul 2006 , 12:02pm
post #20 of 28

congratulations,hope everything goes your way! Keep us posted icon_biggrin.gif

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Chef_Stef Posted 19 Jul 2006 , 2:34am
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Well, I didn't bake any cheesecakes today, because I decorated the two cute little cakes below to take into this adorable Mexican restaurant tonight. They turned out cute, and he said they were beautiful.

It was about the easiest thing I've ever done. I walked in exactly 8 minutes early, met the owner, and he just quickly showed me, "Here's the stove, the convection oven, here's some work space. You are welcome to come in from 8-11 a.m. any morning. The cook gets here at 8--come through this door back here, it's always open. Just call the night before so we're not planning to make tamales or something..." He introduced me to a few people briefly, flipped through my album, and then he was gone.

The kids and I had a wonderful dinner. We didn't talk price, but we were standing in the entry to the kitchen during dinner rush, so he was really brief. But it was like, simple-simple--he seems like it's the most basic thing for him to just offer it. When I ever do need it, I'll probably offer him $50 a morning to use it, but he didn't seem concerned about that part at all.

So...that's the news. Legal beagle. icon_smile.gif :0)

OH--and I ran to the store and bought a new K6 in cayenne red to replace my ailing old white K6 that finally couldn't go another cake this morning. It's beautiful! icon_smile.gif

Here's the last-minute pics of the cakes as I delivered them.
LL

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Lenette Posted 19 Jul 2006 , 2:38am
post #22 of 28

That is so awesome, congratulations to you! God is truly good. thumbs_up.gif

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Spoondog Posted 19 Jul 2006 , 2:41am
post #23 of 28

That is very cool. All things work together for good! God is GREAT! Good luck with everything...I will be praying for you!

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rhondie Posted 19 Jul 2006 , 2:54am
post #24 of 28

Checked out your pictures...If the guy uses you for your cakes he is one LUCKY dude!!! Your cakes are beautiful!!! I'm so happy for you!!!

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subaru Posted 19 Jul 2006 , 3:12am
post #25 of 28

WOW!!! What a story! Congratulations! I looked at your cakes, they are FANTASTIC!! You will be a huge success! I have no doubt!

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Tonja Posted 19 Jul 2006 , 3:32am
post #26 of 28

Isn't it wonderful what happens when we remember to let go.... and let God. Your cakes are beautiful and it sounds like YOUR new business is going to be blessed.... Remember to breathe and enjoy YOUR life right now... and Congrats!! ~Tonja icon_lol.gificon_lol.gificon_lol.gifthumbs_up.gif

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DelightsByE Posted 19 Jul 2006 , 3:34am
post #27 of 28

Wow!!!!

All THIS and a new K6 too??? truly blessed!!!!!!

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nicksmom Posted 19 Jul 2006 , 3:58am
post #28 of 28

I am so excited for you!you have just been handed a golden ticket party.gif good for you,let us know how things go thumbs_up.gif

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