For the past 3 years, I have lived in New York City. True, I didn't have much money, but I moved there to experience all that the city has to offer- the museums, theater, live music, food and mosaic of cultures, even if that meant being on a budget (which, I didn't always do the best job of following). I think this is a very typical thing that 20 somethings tend to do these days and I would recommend it to everyone.
Living in a large and bustling city like New York can teach you a lot about yourself and provide you with a new perspective. For example, it is not unreasonable to ask yourself, "Do I really need a window, let alone sunlight in my bedroom?" If the difference in rent is a couple hundred dollars per month, than your answer may likely be "To heck with the window, I get enough sun on my walk to work."
But truly, leaving the city was bittersweet (baking pun not intended) for me, but I knew that if I really wanted to start my own baked goods business, it would not be financially or logistically feasible for me to do so in New York right now. It was while I was in New York that I realized just how much of a passion I had for food.
My old apartment in New York
The cityscape of my new home
If you think about it, food plays such a prominent part in our everyday lives. It isn't just the idea that we are supposed to eat three square meals a day anymore. What you eat and how you eat helps to define your lifestyle and who you are as a person. Social gatherings often revolve around food and drink, whether you're at a wine and cheese party or stuffing your face with pizza while watching movies at friend's place.
Food and all things gastronomic are becoming a larger part of our popular culture. I can name ten friends easily, who watch the Food Network on a regular basis. Chefs like Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Paula Dean, Giada De Laurentiis and Jamie Oliver have become celebrities. Rachel Ray has even come out with her own brand of EVOO (yup, extra virgin olive oil.)
I also think that learning more about the food that you consume can teach you to be more environmentally and socially conscious. You also become more aware about your health. Issues like obesity, organic farming and food sourcing are things that are important to think about and discuss now, more than ever.
But, all things aside, the bottom line is that I have a dual interest in baking and business and realized that the two don't have to be mutually exclusive. I was inspired by how many entrepreneurs were making and selling their food stuffs at the Greenmarkets or local food shops in New York. As an avid baker with my own sweet tooth, my niche is making healthy baked goods (I swear, they don't taste like cardboard). I'm the type of person that will bake something and then, if I don't give it away, I end up eating half the pan. Given this tendency, I figured it would be great if I could make treats and snacks that are actually pretty good for you. After months of toying with the idea of starting a small business, I decided that fully dedicating myself to this project would give it the best chance of success. Here's where Pennsylvania comes in.
I've recently relocated back home to western Pennsylvania, where my family resides. It's beautiful here- the scenery is all rolling hills, green trees and beautifully constructed bridges which span across the rivers. I'm starting this endeavor with my mom, because she is A) one of my best friends B) practically lives with one foot in the kitchen and I'm certain that this is where my interest in baking comes from C) has quite the business savvy and has been an entrepreneur in the past. Over the next couple months, we will be ardently working on bringing together all the things one needs to start a small business in the food industry (i.e. business plan, licenses/ permits) and eventually rolling out with our first product.
Wish us luck and follow this blog to see how things are going!
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