Was it stressful starting your own business? What are some tips?
In all honestly, I was blessed by the fact that when I started my own business, my roommates were my parents. I know I hustled, I know I had multiple jobs, I know I had a game plan, but, I never had to worry that I wouldn’t have a roof over my head or food in my stomach if I failed. That being said, I still wanted to succeed. I started my business as a side hustle, when I had multiple other jobs, until I got to the point where I realized I could take it full-time (and even then, I still had other streams of income). I was (am) so blessed to have the support I did.
So, I suppose my advice would be:
-Make a business plan
-Start it on the side (if you can)
-Write it down. Envision it. Work your booty off!
What did you study in University?
I went to the University of Calgary, where I majored in Music (studying theory, history, performance, and education) and minored in Communications & Culture (mostly studying food and culture)!
If you couldn’t be a music teacher, what would you be?
I think about this lots! I feel like I’d do something in food, nutrition, or counselling. I could see myself being happy as a chef at a small cafe, or counselling couples! All of these passions, I try to take on as side projects in my current life…sorry to all the couples that I accidentally try to counsel.
What made you want to write a cookbook(s)?
I’ve always loved being in the kitchen…it really is one of the best spots in the house. I remember cooking and baking with my mom growing up (and props to her for letting me learn how to make a mess and clean it up). I started packing my own lunches for school as early as Grade 4, and I remember starting to do it the night before, so it was ready in the morning…maybe food prep was always a part of who I am.
Yes, I am all about food prep, so when I moved out of my parents house, and was unpacking boxes, I remember thinking that I needed food to get me through that week. Out came the Brownie Pan (I was already a Pampered Chef Consultant at this point), and my creations started – I would be eating square food for the week! The obsession continued, and I put it on my bucket list to write myself a cookbook (to go with this amazing pan). The love for square spread, and it turned into a thing. I’m so honoured to witness how many people have my cookbook(s) in their homes and share my love of square with their families! So I guess the desire to write a cookbook (and now cookbooks), was a slow burning fire within me!
What does your regular work day look like?
There are no regular days for me (as in Monday does not look the same as Thursday), partly because I run my own business, and partly because I have multiple jobs, so I try to batch them together as much as possible for productivity. My days are usually split into shifts, with my work being doing in the morning and then again in the afternoon/evenings. Once again, this changes in the summer with teaching. Some mornings I teach before people head off to school and work (in the summer, I often work mornings when school is off, or people are on summer holidays). The days I don’t teach in the morning, is when I schedule in my writing, ordering, lesson planning, recipe testing, etc. Then by afternoon/evening, it’s back to the music room for more lessons! That’s what I would consider the most consistent work day for me to look like!
Thank you always for your interest and questions – you inspire me!