Could It Be More Than A Hobby?

Posted on March 7, 2008 by Melissa
Filed Under Food, Work

Setting up the table… Last Saturday, I had my first paid catering gig. I spent weeks getting ready and even did two full days of prep leading up to it. It was so much fun and I learned so much from the experience.

We had about 20% more people show up than expected and that made keeping the plates full a bit tricky, especially with the variety we offered.

We served 12 savory hors d’Oeuvres and 3 desserts. It was all sized to be single bites so no utensils were needed. Hors d’Oeuvres parties are my favorite kind of parties to cook for.

I had a friend join me as my assistant for the event and she turned out to be indispensable. She was more of a partner than an assistant, really. She ran the front of house (replenishing the dishes and drinks, final garnishes and serving) while I ran the back of house (cooking and preparing the food). With her catering management experience and my cooking ability we made a fantastic team.

During the party we got several requests for our business cards and were offered 3 more possible gigs. People kept telling us we should go into business together. It was exciting to have such a wonderful response and to see all of our little bites being gobbled up by the guests so quickly. I love seeing people hover around the buffet – it’s a sign the food is a hit.

To my surprise, the next morning I woke up feeling depressed. The party was over and I no longer had an event to organize. I expected to feel relieved afterwards, not sad.

Antipasto Skewers Eric thinks that I should consider turning this hobby into a small business. After all, nothing gets me more excited than cooking and I already have some word of mouth advertising going on. The alternative income would be nice, too.

After a strong dose of encouragement from family and friends, I’ve decided to do some research into home-grown catering to see if it’s a possibility for me. I love the idea of it, but I also don’t want to potentially ruin my love affair with cooking. Sometimes hobbies are best left at that.

Unfortunately, my friend wouldn’t want to be a partner in a possible endeavor. She agreed to help with this past event mainly as favor. She will still help me out sometimes but she doesn’t want to find herself working another “job”. I completely understand where she is coming from and although I’m bummed because we worked so well together, it’s okay.

Earlier this week the client called to express her gratitude and surprise over the final bill. I decided to charge just a small fee for our labor on top of the reimbursement for costs. It was an incredible bargain for her; the service we provided was easily triple what she paid for it. The best part was that she recognized it and said she would have had no problem paying “thousands” for it.

I know I could have charged a lot more but I’m honored that she took a risk on a newcomer. While I’m learning it’s not so much about the money as it is for the experience. She shouldn’t pay “pro” prices for someone who doesn’t even know if she has what it takes to be a “pro” yet.

Have you turned a hobby you love into a business? Did it end up being your dream job or a nightmare?

Comments

7 Responses to “Could It Be More Than A Hobby?”

Kaye on March 7th, 2008 2:13 pm

Wow! Congrats on such a great success! It sounds like you would be great at running a catering business, although I understand about not wanting to dread a hobby because it is now “work.” However, many people find that they love making their hobby their job and find great joy in “going to work.” Good luck in making that decision for yourself and your situation.

Congrats again!
fathersez on March 7th, 2008 5:19 pm

You know what they say about following your passion.

You seem to have done an excellent job and at the same time had loads of fun. It would be difficult to think of a better way to earn money.

I support Eric’s view. Grow your hobby, and as the money comes, so much the better.
learning_the_ropes on March 7th, 2008 6:09 pm

Hi Melissa,

What an inspiring post and just in time. I am at similar crossroads deciding, whether to go professional with my sewing hobby or just follow it like a hobby.
You show the passion as well as attitude to turn your hobby into a successful business. Good luck for your endeavor. Keep us posted on your journey, if you undertake one.

best,
learning_the_ropes
Tonya on March 7th, 2008 8:14 pm

I HAVE turned my hobby into a business. A photography business. I am building it as I’m working a full-time job. I am almost making as much at my ‘part-time’ gig as my full-time job.

You can go to my website to see my work. Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck!
Jorg on March 10th, 2008 5:01 am

I just started and try to turn ;-). Hopefully it turns out to be a success, but it will take a while…
Faraz(new comment) on August 1st, 2008 11:25 am

Yea once you launch your own company and you have a passion for what you do, there’s no telling how much you can possibly earn than having to work for somebody else.
Kim Da Cook(new comment) on August 2nd, 2009 11:32 pm

There is nothing better than making some money off the cooking that you love to do, I wish that me myself could do that, but I just don’t have the time to do this.

Hoping that you are going to come and update soon.