Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Sinclair, Founder of My Take Home Chef, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My Take Home Chef is a personal chef services company. Face it, you are busy, there are things we need to sacrifice, but healthy, nutritious food doesn't have to be one of them. It's time to think outside of the box when it comes to finding balance in our lives. If you sat down and took a look at what you spend on groceries, meal kits, and/or take-out, a personal chef doesn't seem like something that is out of your reach. Add in what unused food you throw out each week and the time it takes to cook a healthy meal; it really starts to make sense.

A personal chef gives you a sustainable, convenient solution for meal planning and preparation.

o A personal chef consults with you to customize a meal plan; no more
"what's for dinner."
o Cooking is done in your home and organized around your schedule.
o Handpicked fresh and seasonal products, no more wasted food.
o Makes nutrition convenient with tailored meals for your lifestyle.
o Saves you time and stress, creating a better work-life balance.
o Try new cuisines or learn something new in the kitchen.
o Entertaining clients leave a lasting impression.
o Allergies and food sensitivities are no longer an issue.
o Hosting in-home events are much more enjoyable.
o Gift certificates for a personal chef make memorable gifts.

Tell us about yourself

I started cooking professionally as a teenager at the Hilton hotel in Edmonton and trained as an apprentice chef with NAIT. I worked my way from the bottom up and worked in establishments around the world. I have a passion for food and love the creativity, challenge, competition, and organized chaos that comes with it. I loved being a chef and cooking! Being a chef requires so many skills that your average person would never even think of. I remember at seven months pregnant as an Executive Chef; I would jump online and help my staff out when the rush would get a little too busy. Shortly after that, my career path shifted.

After having my first son, I realized that being the Executive Chef of a busy restaurant is not the best place when trying to raise children, so I didn't go back. I loved my family, and to be honest, I didn't miss the crazy stressful life in restaurants. My focus shifted to cooking healthy food; I took courses on nutrition. I saw how easy it was for families to get hooked on take-out, convivence foods, or just anything to make the day a little easier. I wanted my family to eat healthily and understand what they were eating and how much sugar is in so many products. I always wished there was something I could do to help families eat better, take away some of the stress and make meals something to actually look forward to. I always thought that was just a wish, and there was not too much I could do.

After spending six years raising my three boys, it was time for me to start doing something for myself and go back to work, even part-time. Honestly, it was one of the hardest soul-searching things I have ever done. I thought my life as a chef was over; it took a lot of self-reflection, a few therapy sessions, and a lot of amazing support from my husband to realize that I could still be in the hospitality industry and make a difference. That is when I founded My Take Home Chef; I found a way to be able to make lives a little easier for people and help them find joy around the dinner table once again.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am still in the early stages of my business, and growth is the next accomplishment I have to look forward to. Every time I overcome fear in my head and make the next step, I am filled with so much accomplishment.

My biggest accomplishment is when I hear from my clients how much better their life is with having me cook for them every week, how they look forward to meals again, and even their kids are trying new things because they are excited. Having the host of a party relax because they know I have everything under control. Seeing that I made people happy and enjoyed themselves surrounded by great food makes me smile and feel good about what I am doing. Working around my schedule and being there for my family when it works for us is also something that gives me joy.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I would say the hardest thing is to not overthink everything to the point it stalls your growth and just take action. When taking action, though, you still have your mind on the future, and you are putting in policies and procedures that will make your life easier down the road, even if it doesn't look like that at the moment.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Do something you love but do your research first.
  2. Put in policies and procedures that will help you grow and not stall your growth.
  3. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. People you respect and those that respect you. Openly invite constructive criticism and learn from that information. We all make mistakes; it's human, and no one is perfect. It's how we react, learn and grow from that information that can change us for the better.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am so happy to be on this adventure, every day is different, and some days I feel excited, scared, positive, tired, creative, or motivated. I am growing my business, so if you are reading this and looking to work as a personal chef part-time and change people's lives for the better, please give me a call.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mytkhmchef/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytakehomechef/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-sinclair-3a9710205/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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