Inspiration from someone who knows her stuff

There are times when my job frustrates me to no end, but sometimes there are moments that certainly do make me smile. One of the trustees on our board is one of the founders of Bon Apetit magazine. She started it when she lived in California and took it from a little monthly newsletter to the magazine we know and love today. At first glance, this little woman in her 70's looks sweet, quiet, and unassuming. But having worked with her over the past year and a half, I've found her to be fiesty and passionate about everything she puts her mind to.

We were standing by the subscribers' entrance before a concert last week and I mentioned to her that I'm looking to move, but need to find a place with a kitchen that can handle my under-the-table-on-the-side-baking-company. She had no idea I'd started a baking service and her eyes lit up immediately. I told her of my dream to someday own a little bakery in Portland and she waggled her finger at me and said, "Someday doesn't come soon enough. Do it now!" I talked about my anxiety over my lack of "professional" experience, i.e. I haven't been to culinary or pastry school nor have I worked for a bakery. She touched my arm and looked me straight in the eyes saying, "Hunny, some of the very best chefs I know are the ones who learned it all on their own. They bring passion to the plate and that makes all the difference."

And I know she's completely right. There's no reason to hold myself back all because I didn't attend some prestigious pastry school. I'm learning day by day whether I'm in the kitchen or not- inspired by others' creations, by my surroundings,through relationships and interactions with the artistic people I'm surrounded by, from watching other successful small business owners, by the people I love giving me constant encouragement. It will happen.

Anyway- have a cookie! You know you wanna :)