Paola Velez Instagram – Bake and chill w/ me 🥹
For the last few years I’ve been going back and fourth trying to figure out wether I should open a storefront of my own, maybe make a pastry studio or work in a restaurant again. It’s been a challenge to feel like im making the right career choices or if I’m doing the right things, because the first question folks ask me is “where am I now?” And it distorts my own personal perception of what I am accomplishing or doing in my career at the moment. Honestly sometimes, it makes me question if I am doing well in my business if I don’t have these visible markers of what is deemed a successful chef.
But as I was having brunch with my husband and friends I posed the question of “should I open a store front”. Creatively, I would love a space that isn’t my home to work from, clock in clock out kinda vibes (even if I am the only employee haha). I would also love to create a safe space or a third space for all who are looking for a place to spend their time at. Realistically, no where in the DMV area are rents economical enough to just have a place to be creative, and give back to the community. Monthly rates here can inly be conducive to hustle and grind, nothing else.
So as I was sharing how I would love to have this imaginary space to share my treats and gifts with the DMV area, my friend challenged me into reshaping what my current thoughts were of who and what defines a successful business. What it means to have success in your field and gently posed the limitations I could face if I did open up a brick and mortar location.
This conversation is one I’ve had a more than a few times with my husband, where I think 1, a prophet doesn’t excel in his own land lol & 2, my husband never wants to limit my ability to dream and create. So whatever I set my sights to, he positions himself to be the most helpful version of himself that he can be.
But my friend is also his golf buddy, so I’m sure that they’ve spoken about this and now share a hive mind about the topic. 2x lol..
Either way, that quick brunch convo reshaped so many things that have been tinkering in my mind. And reset my outlook for the year.
#chefpaolavelez #cheflife #cheftalk | Posted on 17/Apr/2024 20:55:41
