I need some advice/suggestions, please.

abearjph

Ok, so... I have a full time big boy job that brings home some very good bacon, but I'm getting very bored and aggravated with the same old same old every day.  (I know, poor me right?) The work isn't bad, but it's very redundant.  Very.  Which brings me to my need for advice...

Cooking is my love, I believe you all (or most of you) know that.  I am contemplating starting something I have been talking about for a while.  Opening a personal chef business.  I know. I'm nuts sometimes.

My schedule at my full time gig would allow it. I work 5AM-1PM Monday thru Friday. I could do the grocery shopping right after work and go straight to a clients house, and be done by the time Jamie gets off work and gets home so we don't lose any time together, which is very important.  I would already have over 10,000 people to market myself to with the membership base at my full time gig (most of whom have the monies to spend on a personal chef), and it kind of works hand-in-hand with the health and wellness thing we have going on there.  I'm sure I would not be doing this every day during the week to start off, but maybe over time it will grow.  This could bring in some great extra cash and be my creative outlet all while keeping my salary secure. 

I'm also thinking about the other things I could do with this, like... cooking demonstration classes, small dinner parties, tailgate catering, etc. I do not want to do full out catering for big groups. Not my thing.

I feel like I have a great base of recipes to start with and I'm learning new things every change I get.  I am going to visit the secretary of state's office and the board of health office to see what types of permits I would need to obtain and all that jazz. I'm excited and apprehensive at the same time...

Ok, before I keep rambling.... Tell me what you think. As much feedback as you can give would be very helpful. Even if I don't know you that well, your Mascot needs some help!

Jennifer18131

It sounds like you have really thought this through. What does Jamie think? It would be extra money, but it would be extra stress, too.

It really does sound like a great idea. GL if you decide to go through with it. And don't forget the small people when you make it big

mzovoce

You have a plan and I think you should go for it. The only thing that I can see you needing is references. Maybe also work with a nutrtionist/dietician and market yourself as available for special dietary needs.

abearjph

mzovoce:

You have a plan and I think you should go for it. The only thing that I can see you needing is references. Maybe also work with a nutrtionist/dietician and market yourself as available for special dietary needs.

GMTA 

abearjph

Jennifer18131:

It sounds like you have really thought this through. What does Jamie think? It would be extra money, but it would be extra stress, too.

It really does sound like a great idea. GL if you decide to go through with it. And don't forget the small people when you make it big

Thanks, Jenn. Jamie has been hearing me talk about this for a while and I think she's just waiting for me to do it.  

Cissy_Strut

Sounds like there is not much to lose, since you are not quitting your day job. You'll never know until you try. Btw, what would you do? Come and cook dinner for someone's family because they can't for whatever reason?

ShoeFanatic614

Ditto Jenn.  It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into this and with Jamie behind you like I know she is, there is no reason you shouldn't jump on this opportunity.  My husband has talked about doing something like this for a long time and I can honestly say I would give anything for our schedules (and bank accounts) to allow him to follow his dream.  If we could go back a couple years, we definitely would have done a few things differently to give him that opportunity.  So if you have the chance to do what you really love, you need to go for it.  Do not let this pass you by.  It sounds like you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

christenm

I agree with PP.  It sounds well thought out.  A few questions - would your company mind you marketing to their customers?  Also, if you do, like MT (I think) said, you'd have to market it as healthy food. 

Another thought is that you could always do "take home" type meals, where you can deliver already prepared food that just needs to be reheated.  My mom has been after me to get into doing that.  That way you're not actually having to cook in THEIR kitchen, just deliver a meal.

~Brittany&Dusty~

christenm:

I agree with PP.  It sounds well thought out.  A few questions - would your company mind you marketing to their customers?  Also, if you do, like MT (I think) said, you'd have to market it as healthy food. 

Another thought is that you could always do "take home" type meals, where you can deliver already prepared food that just needs to be reheated.  My mom has been after me to get into doing that.  That way you're not actually having to cook in THEIR kitchen, just deliver a meal.

Our wedding caterer does this, and you wouldnt believe how much income their restaurant/ catering company brings in from this alone. She does gourmet meals, freezes them and then they deliever to DS, all over BR, Gonzales, Baker, Zachary and St. Francisville.. (they're located in Jackson)

I think your idea is great though! Like the others have said, it seems like you have really thought this through, and I think if you have the opportunity to make it work you should totally take the chance. If you need volunteers to try out your recipes before you go professional and all, just let me know

iamerikandersson

Hey, This seems good but also stressful and if you really want to do it go ahead. All the best