Starting a Business...

I'm just going to blather away here for a moment so, if you're a fan of keeping it "short, sweet, and to the point," move along; this thread's not for you! :D

Background:

I've been a hard worker (usually 1 full time job and at least 1 part time job) my whole adult life. I've always dreamed of having my own business but, for one reason or another, they've never really panned out.

Currently I work full-time in the systems division of a hyoo-hoo-hooge company and I have two part-time jobs, in addition to picking up freelance work wherever I can. The part-time jobs don't pay very much but, hey, they pay.

In our spare time, my husband and I cook for friends and neighbors. We've got an amazing arsenal of recipes and it's something the two of us truly enjoy doing together.

Six months ago, a friend suggested that we start our own business as personal chefs. We thought about it, sat on the idea for a while, and a couple of months ago decided to take it seriously.

I mentioned it to my kids who collectively rolled their eyes and groaned, "Another business idea??? Oh, great." I deflated a little but I told them, "You know what? Dreams are good. And shooting for them is never a bad thing as long as you don't neglect your responsibilities while you're at it." Their response? "Whatever, mom. *sigh* Just... do whatever you're going to do."

Ouch! :rolleyes:

What Happened Next:

I decided to research this idea before I did anything else. Would we actually be meeting a need in our community or would we be jumping into a saturated cut-throat profession??

In researching this question, I discovered there are literally thousands of families here who can benefit from our service. Every week I spoke with two-income families who were too busy to cook because they are on the go, carting kids here and there. I spoke with single adults whose kids have gone to college -- they would love to have a home-cooked meal but making a meatloaf for one is too daunting. I also work in my day job with commuters who fly in from all over the country on Sundays, live in efficiency apartments four or five nights and then fly home again. Many of these commuters are men in their 40s and 50s who miss their wives' cooking and couldn't come up with a good, square meal if their lives depended on it. These people *need* the service that we are going to offer.

Where We're At Now:

We are coming into people's homes, conducting highly detailed consultations to determine allergies, preferences, favourite cuisines, foods they've never tried but would like to give a go, etc. -- the consultation takes an hour. From there, we develop a personalized and affordable weekly plan. We've come up with enough options that just about anybody can afford our service, even if they only hire us to cook one or two meals per week!

We aren't cooking "freeze-ahead" meals; these are fresh, home-cooked meals that they can enjoy when they have the time.

Our idea has received a very favourable response. Last night, we had a highly, highly successful "dress rehearsal." We were hired by project coordinator who was hosting a party for 8 mid-level executives!!! Our client loves getting together with friends but absolutely detests the work of hosting parties so I convinced her to let us take care of it for her. I created a theme and menu then gave my husband instructions; he took charge of the meat and vegetables while I handled the desserts and beverages (he was a resort chef in England and I was a bartender and event planner at a five star restaurant throughout my twenties), and we both cleaned up together. Our menu was an autumn theme that consisted entirely of appetizers, sweets, and mixed drinks.

We offered: parmesan garlic marinaded chicken skewers, herb crusted chicken bites, beef brochette, marinated beef served on baguettes topped with a secret mixture, ginger-grilled peppers, garlic stuffed olives, cheese and chardonnay fondue; for desserts, I made a caramel apple pizza (it was delicious!) and a creamy chocolate mousse.

But my crowning glory were my beverages. I created a drink called "Kelley's Famous Hot Buttered Cider." I won't divulge the ingredients but, suffice it to say that it is amazing. I also pride myself on my flavoured martinis -- people who don't like martinis need to try one of mine before they give up on them completely. Last night's favourite was, hands down, my apple pie martini -- I rim the glass with caramel syrup and brown sugar. Yum!

At the end of the party, it looked like we'd never been in the host's home. As she said good-bye to her final guest, she turned around and I said, "Look, ___! You're done -- nothing to clean!" She was absolutely shocked at how much more fun she had since she didn't have to worry about food and clean-up. We were very busy and completely exhausted by the end of it but my husband and I had an absolute blast! As we drove home, we looked at each other, smiled, and just said, "...yeah... that was awesome!"

Where We're Headed:

I'm still in the process of finalizing the layout for our business cards and brochure but I'm nearly done. We officially launch on December 1.

Even my nay-sayer kids finally agree that I've come up with the perfect business for us -- I am so excited!!

Sorry this was so long-winded... I just had to share!

It sounds wonderful!

Have you done a business plan and laid out a financial budget? As deary as that sounds, it is very important and the number one reason that small businesses do not succeed.

I hope it works out and I bet it does!!!! You go team! :)

Fabulous!!!! I love to hear of people going for their own business. Sounds like a wonderful venture. And plenty of room to grow with the idea. Best Wishes!:D

Kelly, this is wonderful for you!!! I have considered a similar thing as I love to cook!

There is one thing you didn't mention, so I will throw it out there. You need to check with your city health officer, because if you are preparing food for consumption by those outside of your home, you likely will fall under the same parameters and inspections that restaurants do (at least in my town you do). If I know you, you will want to be completely kosher (no pun intended :D ) in your new business.

I wish you the best of luck and let us know how it goes!

Would you two consider delivering in Oregon!?!? Your menu made my mouth water !!!

Kudos to you guys for moving forward. I have owned my own business for 18 years now, and you can't beat it for flexibility of hours, financial security, and FREEDOM FROM BOSSES !!!:D I started out with just me and one other business partner/friend, and we did everything. Now, I employ 9 instructors, an accountant and an assistant director, and basically only HAVE to be at the studio twice for a total of about 10 hours a week:eek: Of course, the first year or two you are ironing out the bugs, and it's a bit time/finance intensive...but if you've got a market (and it sounds like you've done your research and you have a great one!) once it's on "automatic pilot", you smile all the way to the bank and have free time to travel, etc.

Go for it, Kell...it's going to be a good thing, I can feel it!

Wow, thanks guys! We are so excited and your words of encouragement mean the world to us! Karen, we'd LOVE to deliver to Oregon but my budget doesn't allow for that kind of travel yet :D (we can dream about it though, can't we??) I didn't know how your company got started -- that is truly an inspiration to me. I can only imagine how crazy those early days must have been but, if you've got a passion for something you truly love, even the hard days are worth every minute. That's when Tim and I knew we'd found the right thing: when, at the end of the night, even though we were exhausted, we were absolutely exhilerated! Know what I mean? I'd love to hear more about your business' early days! And any other entrepreneurs' stories -- we'd love to hear them, too!

Libby, Barbara, thanks for your wise questions and, yes, I've gone over all the "not so fun" details. I just thought my post was already looking a bit like a novelette without adding that stuff, too :D

So here's the rub:

Barbara. Yep, once I determined that this would be a wise venture, the first thing I did was develop a workable business plan. I don't have many means with which to develop a full budget but I've mocked up a few scenarios and, once I see how this flies, I will implement the budget that best suits the business.

Libby. Yes! I've checked into the laws about food preparation and the beauty of this business is that, as a personal chef, if I am preparing food in my clients' kitchens, there aren't any compliances I have to follow. If I prepare anything off-site, it is required that I prepare it in a commercially graded and inspected kitchen. My church's kitchen meets the requirements and, while I don't anticipate needing it, it is available for my use any day except Sunday or Wednesday. The one thing I do need (and have) is good health insurance coverage in case I have an accident on the job.

Great!!! Sounds like you have it all covered!! Let the cooking begin!! :D

it sounds perfect!!!!

As a very hard working single mother with arthritis, I have ALWAYS wanted someone who would just COOK FOR ME at the end of a long, hard day at work. Are you suuuuuuuuurrrre you don't want to move to this area?? :D

All the best with your business venture. I am sure you two will be very successful and have lots of fun along the way. :)

Oh, and would you send me some of that Hot Buttered Cider? :D

It is an exciting and scary thing to follow a dream. Best, best, best of luck!!! :)

Your menu sounded delicious!!! Have you ever watched that show (cant remember the name) of the chef who goes to people's homes and helps them prepare a special meal for their spouse?

Anyway, sounds like a great idea!!! Something fun to do together and congrats on 2 years together, seems like yesterday yall got married!

BTW, Rick used to be a chef in a 5-star restaurant, and he cooks all the time. :)

Jannie

The Take Home Chef, Jannie -- yes, we love that show! And he was definitely an inspiration!!

Thank you ALL for your well wishes... we had another opportunity to spread the word today and it was outstanding (proper English shepherd's pie was served to rave reviews today). We're going to start doing some marketing throughout the next month and we'll see what happens from there!

Here's to the success of your biz, Mrs. HedgeHog!

I founded my financial services/management consulting firm shortly after my divorce. The first two years were challenging but then and now it has been quite rewarding but demanding. Currently I am up (late on the East Coast) signing-off on some engagement w/ps and decided to take a short break - so here I am on agelesslove. Thank God that I don't have kids and, though dating, not married!

What can I say? The hours are long but the firm is my baby and to see it grow and be a success is quite rewarding! I am hoping - God willing - to go international at the end of Q2 2008. I did not envision this back when I first established my firm. Therefore I say to you - give it your best shot, market your services wisely, plan effectively, and provide the best service to your clients/customers!!

Good luck in the successful growth of your biz!

Hi everyone and thank you a thousand times over for your encouragement!

Wow, we have had much going on since I announced our plans... so much so that I haven't been able to stop in for more than an occasional 30 second post here and there.

Where we're at:

The "dress rehearsals" are well under way. We have two more coming up next weekend: one is a small h'ors d'oeuvres party for 8 health food fanatics this coming Friday and, next Sunday, we're doing a dinner for 70. That second one is quite a bit larger than our actual scope but the menu won't be difficult and we just can't say no to that kind of exposure.

We've had three people ask us if they can come work for us part time -- two business analysts at my job and a nurse we know! We've also had several who have asked us if we're really going to make them wait until we officially launch in December to take them on as clients. As much as I would LOVE to say, "No! Let's do this NOW!" we really do have to wait. I want everything to run as smoothly as possible and the business plan has always been to launch December 1. What's really starting to make me nervous now is that we really can only take on 10 weekly clients and do four special events per week but I think we're going to have many more requests than that!

We are, however, taking orders for special dishes to be created for Thanksgiving. For the Guy Fawkes party last week, Tim made his own home made bread and butter pudding (to die for!); I am absolutely floored at how many people have asked if they could order it from us to serve for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day!

Even though I know we're really very ready, I have spent the entire day taking some online cooking courses, reading, reading, reading... oh, and reading some more. I know exactly what I envision for our business and now I'm reading everything I can find on how to get there.

I'm so excited! I'm skeered! I'm excited! I'm skeered! I'm.... BOTH!!! :eek: :p

Hi everyone -- we got home from another h'ors d'oevres party and I am dog-tired! This was an interesting experience in which the client had her own foods, brought us into her home, pointed to the kitchen and said, "Have at it!" I was a little apprehensive until I saw her pantry -- her produce and fridge were VERY well stocked (it felt like we were on top chef )! Here's what we made:

Savouries:

guacamole (avocadoes, serrano peppers, roma tomatoes, garlic, scallions, lime juice, freshly ground sea salt, pepper, coriander) - served with organic tortilla chips
Black bean salsa (the beans were pureed and, other than giving the salsa a rich, meaty taste, you could hardly tell they were in there) - also served with the above-mentioned tortilla chips
Garlic Hummus and stoneground crackers
Fresh veggies with another one of my secret recipes - a ranch and pesto dip
Crusty bread served with freshly grated parmesan, organic virgin olive oil and freshly ground pepper (dee-lish!!)
Kalamon Olives and (our favourite) garlic stuffed olives
Cheese varietals with the usual choices Americans tend to select and then we added some of our favourites for everyone to sample: smoked blarney, herbed gouda, and wild wasabi chévre!

Sweets:

Lemon cream cheese stuffed grapes
Fresh shortbread and raspberry preserves
Varietal chocolates


The best part - as usual - was at the very end when the hostess came up to me, gave me a huge hug and thanked us profusely. Turns out she'd stayed up until 5am the night before cleaning a huge paint spill in her laundry room and, by the time she got home from work today, she was practically in tears from exhaustion. She said we saved the day AND made what could have been a disastrous evening an absolute blast! YAY!!!!!!!!! THAT is what our business is supposed to be all about so we are over the moon at another successful evening!

And now... I am going to SLEEP!!!

edited to add:

I nearly forgot to mention the best part: we got a $100 tip!
::: shrieking OMG!!! :::

Congratulations! What an inspiration to American and British ingenuity!!

I have a friend who was a personal chef for many years, but only had a couple of clients. She enjoyed it. She did all their shopping for them too.

I think these days, it's got big potential. I was talking the other day to my wealthy brother who just hired a personal chef to cook meals for him and his g/f. They both work so much, they don't want or have time to cook.

Good luck with the American/British cooking fusion!

Congratulations!!! I started my own business 13 years ago and everybody thought I was crazy. I am very happy I made that decission.

I am sure you have done this but just my 2 cents. You need to start bookeeping using accounting software like Quickbooks or Peachtree. It will help you so much in the long term.

You also need to set up a website. It could help your customers select options from your menu, like once they are home, they can look at it for as long as they want and pick their selection.

Sounds like things are going fantastic for you two, and this is truly meant to be!! Feels good, doesn't it? I remember when I opened my dance studio back in 1989, I was amazed (and delighted) that people actually signed up !! Now, 18 years later, we have waiting lists for most of our classes. Funny how we underestimate things at first...but when you're good at something (and you two obviously are by the early feedback and successes you've gained) the word spreads, and the business just builds itself!

I agree with Sheila: use quickbooks and set up a website as soon as you get a chance.

Website advice: I went to register.com....for something incredibly cheap (like $59 a year !!!) they help you build your website with the best phone-support I've EVER had from anyone. I mean, I am a technotard....they walked me through the porcess step but baby step:o ...and my site looks doggone professional. You pick templates (and they have great ones for food service) and then type in your info just like you would use microsoft word or whatever...no computer-jargon or knowledge needed beyond that. You can upload photos, put in an email link (so customers can contact you), etc.

Now that you own a business, you can write off almost everything in your life, it seems....how about the use of your kitchen? All your cooking tools/pots, pans/cleaning supplies for your kitchen...even mileage on your car. The best investment I ever justified was getting an accountant. No kidding, he has helped me find things to write off that I never thought of (like the laundry soap/electricity, etc. to wash the dance clothes I wear to teach in!). And not having to do my own taxes is just plain wonderful. Finally, just last month after a review of my current profit margin, I can finally hire a bookkeeper and let HER enter all my data in Quickbooks, etc.:) Now that makes me happy!

Also, ask your accountant (or research on the web) about starting an HSA (Health savings account). As a self employed person you can put money into a special savings account (up to like $2500 a year per person), and it becomes non-taxable-a straight line deduction- for that year (kinda like an IRA). You can use the money only for health issues (doctor visits, tests, Rx's...even dental and eye exams, etc.) It's great if you don't have employee insurance and have to purchase your own insurance. I don't know if that's your case, but it's a wonderful thing if you can use it.

I wish you two continued success...owning your own business truly offers such freedom and great rewards.....

I have a girlfriend that lives in London and her brother is an attorney in Atlanta. Her Mom lives in TX. close to me. I'm very close to the Mom. When she had surgery she had a personal chef come in for 2 weeks when she was out of the hospital. Both of her kids lived too far off to help so hence the chef. I went to see her the 3rd week and she was getting around a lot better. Seems the personal chef was still coming in the evening to have a little glass of wine with her. LOL She's 75, he was 49. (this fits right in with this forum, huh?)

I had never thought about it before until she hired him, but that too is an avenue for your business. Good luck it has unlimited possibilities.