COOKING AS A CAREER

Pilar’s journey is proof that attending a culinary school is not the only path to having a catering or other food-industry business. Any way you slice it, though, it’s a lot of hard work. “That doesn’t mean it’s not joyful and fulfilling,” says Pilar, who recommends you consider these things if you’d like to turn what may be a hobby into a viable business.

Seek out a small business or incubator program.

Find a company you admire and reach out, which will include understanding how to think of your venture as a business and not a hobby. For example, Pilar got, and followed, this advice from an accountant: “I don’t care if you’re not making money. Every week, you’re going to transfer cash from your business account to your personal account, even if it’s $20. It will transition your feelings about what you’re doing.”

Remember that it takes a village.

Community is huge, and that doesn’t mean only people who support you, but also people who will tell you the truth. The food industry is a hard industry, whether you’re catering or doing ready-made or packaged food. The cooking part is easiest to manage; you need to understand that it’s a business. Passion is helpful, but you need to figure out how to run it.

Deal with the boring stuff.

You need to consider insurance, taxes, and health department rules. There are pros who can lay it all out for you.

Surround yourself with trusted people who will care about it like you do.

Invest in those people and treat them well; it will come back to you when they become your ambassadors. They can help you get better too.

Work hard!

There are no shortcuts, and it doesn’t stop. It’s hard to shut off, but it’s also tremendous and you have no idea where it’s going to take you.