From Cakes to Consulting: The Journey That Shaped My Career

I started as a hobbyist, making cakes and desserts for friends and family, which quickly evolved into moonlighting as a pastry chef, taking on private clients, and catering all types of events. Wanting to gain credibility and formalize my passion, I decided to attend culinary school. After graduating, I continued to grow my catering and personal chef business while climbing the corporate ladder.

One of the most memorable moments in this journey was when my culinary school invited former students to showcase their businesses at a gala. I gathered a team of my best workers, and we cooked alongside two other chefs, each of us preparing signature dishes for the event. It was an incredible experience that boosted my confidence and filled me with pride for what I had accomplished.

Thanks to word-of-mouth referrals and a strong Instagram presence, my business grew to the point where I decided to scale back my corporate career, moving from full-time to part-time. This shift allowed me to find the balance I needed to successfully pursue my passion.

Then, life took a turn around the time of COVID. I sold my catering equipment, packed up, and moved across the country. But this change opened the door to creating a consulting business that brings together all the different pieces of who I am. Now, I help others achieve their own success.

While I love working with various industries, the culinary world is where my training and development skills truly feel impactful. With my diverse background and experiences, I bring a unique perspective to every project, understanding firsthand the challenges of running a small business and the dedication it takes to turn dreams into reality.

Carrie Riewe