Confessions of a Tired Caterer: Burned to a Crisp

Confessions of a Tired Caterer: Burned to a Crisp: Memorial Day Recipe: Red, White and Blueberry Pie : When I think of Memorial Day weekend...I immediately think of sun, water (usually the pools open this weekend), BBQs, and Flags. This is a w...

When I think of Memorial Day weekend...I immediately think of sun, water (usually the pools open this weekend), BBQs, and Flags. This is a weekend to enjoy with family and friends, but to remember those who have gone before us as well. Here in the United States, we pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country on Memorial Day. I hear "Taps" playing in my head and see images of white crosses lining Arlington National Cemetary. This is a time of remembrance and to count our blessings as well. Hopefully, wherever you are, you have this tradition in one way or another. I have been very blessed in my life and as such...enjoy giving back now...whether in my own community, to disaster victims, to help others get back on their feet, and to raise funds for needed improvements to landmarks, etc. I especially enjoy helping raise funds for programs that offer a hand up, not a hand out to change people's lives forever. All that being said...when you are th...

Along the way in my eight year journey with Tea 'n Mystery, I have learned many lessons, all of them the hard way...I can assure you! But one thing is clear...there is a TRUE recipe for success and it is true in ANY business venture that you start! Want my recipe for success? First...here are some things NOT to do.... 1.GO IT ALONE Think you are different? I did...I thought all these people who kept telling me to educate myself with reading from business leaders like John Maxwell, Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy, Tony Robbins, Steven Covey (who REALLY scared me...yes I admit it) just didn't know or understand what I was about! Surely, if they did...they would understand that I was different and did not need those books to succeed. I had the desire, the innate love of dealing with the public (which in my case translated into pleasing them at all costs to myself and the business), and was a great cook who could follow any recipe out there! Except the recipe that I needed most of all....t...

When I decided to start my catering business almost 8 years ago, I was so passionate about it...no one or nothing could stop me. Eight years later...that passion has evolved and the underlying feelings have emerged! In order to be successful at ANY business venture, you need to have the passion burning inside you...and the desire to succeed because of your "why?" You are an unstoppable force of nature with abounding energy to make your dreams come true. My passions for cooking, serving, and the love of all things TEA prompted me to open Tea 'n Mystery. Did I listen to all the naysayers who told me it just wouldn't work...etc...no one liked tea, only coffee...etc? NOOOOOO! I did not even give them any space in my head. Just kept my nose to the grindstone and worked and worked. Am I one bit sorry for that? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I would not be the person today that I am....would not have met wonderful people that I am now proud to call my friends...and would not have learn...

Recently, after 8 years of owning my own catering business, Tea 'n Mystery, I announced I was retiring on June 3. I am quite happy with my decision, but it has surprised so many people.....I am surprised. Of course, the ones that were the most surprised never actually worked alongside me...so they never actually experienced all the highs and lows of this business. Truly, I can say to you....unless you are in the ditch digging business...you have probably never worked that hard physically in your life! For a taste of what my days were like....read on...and maybe you will see why at 57, I am retiring and working my Plan B. Typical Day 1 of job: Lists, lists, and more lists. Products needed, serving supplies to retrieve from storage, paper products needed, decorations needed, etc...and then the shopping begins. 1. Restaurant supply for large quantity items 2. Costco for smaller quantities or certain cheeses, fruits, eggs, heavy cream, paper products 3. Party City for decor and or pap...