Starting your own artisanal food/baking business

I've had enough of the professional culinary (chef) life. So, I decided to start my own business. At that moment it sounded great and like lots of fun. I shared the great news with my family and friends. Everyone was like, “Yes, you should do it”, and “It was about time.” So I resigned from my job and took the plunge.

I knew more or less what I was doing, because I started restaurants for other people, and made them successful.  I did some research about how to start your business from home. Then I just got started. Making cakes for those who asked. 

In the beginning it was difficult I must admit. Its a whole other ball game out there. Yes, in the chef world everyone knows everyone, and you can go on reputation alone. But in the real world no one knew what I could do, and what I was capable of. So I had to market myself and my products.  I had to start from scratch. I had to learn fast, and a lot of new skills. Like how to build a new platform (social media). I had to convince people to buy my products (Marketing).  There was always the pressure that I had no other income and I had to pay my bills driving me. 

It’s been seven months and my business is still going strong. The point of this whole story is, if you don’t take chances you will never know. And yes, I know it’s stressful. That it’s going to be hard doing your own thing. But at the end of the day you’ll know what you’ve been working for. I am living in a country where it sometimes feels like there’s no hope. But you have to make your own luck, and you have to believe in yourself. If you don’t, why should other people?