Launching my business

Growing up, I didn’t expect to own a business. I thought, at first, that I’d marry and have a whole bunch of kids. Life had other plans for me. I went to school to be a teacher, began teaching elementary school – and loved it! But, I wanted more contact with adults.

I entered the business world and became a certified technical trainer–because I knew I was good at teaching. I took culinary classes for fun and realized I was good at cooking, too. Soon, I was baking treats for customers and co-workers. I enjoyed my job as a trainer and thought I’d retire from that job. Then, the company I worked for filed for bankruptcy, and I lost my job.

I used my severance package, MY “just desserts”, to begin Kathy’s Just Desserts. I’ve been in business for over seven years, and I LOVE what I do. Not only do I bake delicious sweets for my customers, but I have used my teaching skills to develop a series of culinary programs for children. My days as an elementary teacher served me well for planning lessons and relating to kids. My computer skills were put to use to build my website and create a brochure. It seems that all the jobs I’ve had prior to being in business led me to this point.

I have the kids I always wanted when I teach a candy making workshop for a Girl Scout troop, or conduct a culinary summer camp for kids at the local school, or entertain children at a candy making birthday party. At one day camp, “Hi Candy Lady” is the greeting I receive as I walk through the campgrounds. I teach kids the same way my mom taught me to cook and bake when I was a child. I get much satisfaction from what I do. It’s gratifying when I receive an email and photo from my “cooking kids” – showing them preparing recipes for their families - recipes that they learned from me!

Since I truly enjoy everything I do in my business, I can put in long hours, and, yes, I am weary when the day is over, but I am never tired of my business. I’ve been told by many that my enthusiasm for my business is contagious. Perhaps that is why so many people (little AND big!) I’ve met during this exciting adventure have been so helpful, generous with their time, and kind to refer me to others. My business is growing, and I’m looking to franchise my children’s programs throughout the country. I can’t WAIT for the next phase of Kathy’s Just Desserts! I want franchisees who have my same passion for cooking and love of children to reach many more kids than I ever could through the programs I’ve developed.

Advice for others

LOVE what you do, because you're going to spend a lot of time making your business a success. You might as well enjoy the ride!