Stay at Home Cooks

[Terri-Lynn2]

I am a mother of two, and I have just taken an extended non paid maternity leave. In this time I would like to try to get some kind of business/income coming in so I wouldnt have to return to work.

I am interested in perhaps starting some kind of cooking or food related service. In the back of the CL magazine it has an article in market place about becoming a personal chef, but to leave the house to work defeats the purpose. I also thought of teaching chinese cooking but I would once again have to leave.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas. There are so many scams out there and I am determined this can work.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Terri

[lsdesign]

Hooray for you! The courage to stay at home with the little ones. I gave up a high paying job 10 years ago to stay home too. Since then and 2 kids later I have managed to make an income by doing freelance graphic design at home. This does necessitate my going out for meetings, photo shoots, etc. but I did those things through sitters and as needed at the local daycare. I have the best of both worlds I think. In any case, your going outside the house, let's say evenings to demonstrate cooking techniques could work out nicely because Dad would be home to hold down the fort. Working from home can be done. All the best and go for it.

[Grace]

Just an idea, could you offer the classes (say one on one, or maybe just two people at a time, by the hour, like a personal trainer) from your own kitchen? I don't know if your home could facilitate that, but that's what I've considered (although I don't have the kids yet...still working on that!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ). I have all the tools here in my house, so in many ways it would make sense. I always took piano lessons at my teacher's house, so I think it could work....like I said, just an idea!

[NydiaC]

Just remember, there will be a point at which you will need some adult communication and since you will be your own boss, you can determine when and how much you choose to leave the house. That's one of the greatest benefits. I say go for it... catering, teaching, personal chef, whatever! Self-employment, if done correctly, is the chance where you can design your life the way you want it.

[SueK]

A coworker of mine looked into a local grocery delivery business, and inquired if they would be willing to sell and deliver prepared dishes she made. Only problem with that is that they said her kitchen would have to meet all state licensing requirements, etc. I think going to people's houses for one on one training, or catering small gatherings for people you know would work, though.

[luv2cook]

what about becoming a Pampered Chef consultant? Your shows are usually at night or on a Saturday. Hubby can hold the fort down...

[Leslie w]

I too have heard that it's tough to get licensed by the Board of Health or by the state if you cook in your home and deliver meals to people. That's why in CT personal chefs cook at peoples houses. They just bring their own pots and pans. I like the idea of teaching a cooking class at a local school as a continuing ed course. I give you two thumbs up for considering a career while you stay at home. I'm a SAHM with 2 toddlers to take care of and I barely have enough time to prepare our own dinner before husband gets home.

[Wendy w]

In the state of CA (and some other states), it is illegal to prepare food products that are to be sold commercially in the home. I have read articles about small entrepreneurs who share the use of a commercial kitchen. They divide up the time that they will use it.

Although I don't have kids, I would love to have my own food related business. I understand that a friend of a friend is in a catering program at a local state college. Although I hate football, I will be going to the superbowl party so I can pick her brain. Good luck to you and keep us posted on what you choose to do.

[schuh]

I often go to cooking classes run out of someone's home. Basically, this couple makes dinner for you and you watch them make the recipes and then have a scrumptious dinner! They cram about 14 people into their kitchen -- some around the kitchen table, some on TV trays. It's great fun. The down sides: Your house would have to be pleasant and quite tidy, there probably would be lots of work involved, and DH would have to get rid of the kids. But it's a thought.