 Apple
Charlotte Cooking Company
Apple Charlotte Cooking Company's Char Zyskowski knows what it takes to grow
a successful small business in Spokane. According to Char, one of the most important
things you can do is "surround yourself with the best professionals you can afford
to help you in other areas." Char has been in business for nine years and offers
fun, informative, and five-star DELICIOUS (you get to eat what you cook!!) cooking
classes to customers. We asked Char to share a bit of her wisdom with us, and
here is what she had to say:
What type of business do you have? Apple Charlotte Cooking Company
is dedicated to the perpetuation of fabulous, relaxed food preparation, eating,
and the enjoyment of family and friends in a warm, friendly dining environment.
What products/services do you offer? We do this, primarily, through
participatory cooking classes for groups of 8-26 participants. We offer four
different 5-week cooking class courses. One series is Taste & Technique,
our basic 5-week course; two International Series, and a 5-night Grill Class
given during the summer months only. If a group wants to come together for a
one-night cooking class, otherwise known as a "Cooking Class Dinner Party",
we offer dozens of one-night menu options for a group gathering. We also offer
fabulous Five-Course, Full-Service Sit-Down Meals and Wine Pairing Dinners. Everything
we prepare is fresh from scratch, including our stocks, soups, sauces, breads
and fabulous desserts.
When and why did you launch your business? I launched Apple Charlotte
about 9 years ago on a very part time basis; going into homes and cooking meals
on-site in customers' kitchens as I gave this kind of business a trial run. It
was at this time I decided I preferred to learn how to cook professionally, and
to eventually work out of my own commercially licensed kitchen. I enrolled at
California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and began an 18-month training program
in the culinary arts. I returned home to Spokane, built a commercially licensed
kitchen, and began full-on to offer off-site catering and classes to my customers.
How many people in your company? Four plus myself.
Where is your office located? In my home.
What is the most challenging aspect of running your business? The
paperwork and necessary accounting procedures.
What is the most rewarding part of running your business? My great
staff (who I couldn't do it without) and my wonderful customers who each give
me the most special gift of themselves. I get to know them all by the end of
five weeks....and then they come back! Now that is special.
Is there anything you would do differently next time? Maybe a little
more space for my commercial kitchen. We operate out of 200 sq. ft. and it gets
pretty small sometimes. But it is completely doable and I remain grateful for
it.
Have you learned any other lessons in your venture you would like to share?
Hire for attitude, if you can, as a first objective. My staff has the best
"can do" attitude of any group I have ever worked with. You can teach
a lot....but not attitude.
Surround yourself with the best professionals you can afford that help you in
other areas: Norma Maxwell is by webmaster, artist, and marketing mentor. Mary
Kuney is my accountant, and helps me understand everything I need to do in the
area I hate most. Paul Fitzpatrick is my business attorney and helps me keep
my business straight. Thank God for all of them! They are all my dear friends
as well.
Start small and add and change to the needs of the market. It probably won't
be, ultimately, what you expected. But always keep your standards high...don't
compromise, no matter what!
What is your vision for the future of your business? We don't want
to grow a bunch. We want to keep it manageable and keep our quality high. We
will always watch the changing market. Attentiveness to the market helps to define
your business direction. Also, just because everyone else is doing something
does not mean it is the right thing to do. Sometimes, that's just when NOT to
do it! That is paying attention to the market. It all counts, even with a small
business.
What is your educational background? B.S. in Communications, A.O.S.
in Culinary Arts.
What is your employment/business background? Marketing, business, sales,
and cooking!
Is there anyone who has helped or inspired you to launch your own business?
My husband is my greatest support and constant encourager during all ups
and downs (they do happen). Sheila Collins of Catered for You was a complete
support to me as well as Marsha Bond from Luna.
Contact Information: Char Zyskowski at 448-1205
Website: www.applecharlotte.com
Back to Top
|
 Weddings
with Charm & Special Events
Nancy Pierce of Weddings with Charm and Special Events has been making bride's
dreams come true since 1997. From creating centerpieces and bouquets to facilitating
after event tear down at the venue she manages—All Events Center—she
does it all—and with Charm! We asked Nancy to tell her business story and
here is what she shared:
What type of business do you have? Wedding consultant and planner,
florist, rental and retail wedding supplies and accessories—the whole nine
yards!
When and why did you launch your business? I love weddings. My former
partner, Mary Ann, and I often gave our services free-of-charge to friends and
family. One day we joked we should get paid for our work! That conversation was
the beginning of the our decision to start Weddings with Charm and Special Events.
How many people in your company? At present, one. We started with two,
but eventually I bought my partner out. I do hire help on an as-needed, per-project
basis.
Where is your office located? My office is located in the lower level
of my home. My retail location is primarily my website, however, I do keep display
items in my office showroom for brides to view and order accessories, wedding
invitations, etc.
What is the most challenging aspect of running your business? The
physical aspect of setting up and taking down a large formal event. That is why
I often hire help for certain events.
What is the most rewarding part of running your business? Putting on
a beautiful wedding or special event, and having clients that are pleased with
the result.
Is there anything you would do differently next time? If you do go
into business with a partner, make sure you have clearly defined roles and expectations—make
sure it is in writing.
What is your vision for the future of your business? I want to continue
to grow. I currently manage the "All Events Center" event facility,
formerly "Sixth Avenue Events." I want to focus more on facilitating
events at this location. I am able to offer "one-stop-shopping" for
brides who need help with everything and this is a wonderful way for me to do
so.
What "words of wisdom" or advice would you like to share? I
belong to a networking group, INPRO
(Inland Northwest Party Resources Organization) which has been a great source
of support and referrals for me. When you can afford to join such a group (this
is very low cost, only $75/year), it is yet another good way to help your business
grow.
What is your employment/business background? I owned a consignment
shop in Kettle Falls called Plants & Things. This business experience was
instrumental in preparing me for owning and operating Weddings with Charm and
Special Events.
Is there anyone who has helped or inspired you to launch your own business?
My friend, Mary Ann, and original partner. If it were not for Mary Ann, I
doubt I would have ventured into this business. Her enthusiasm and ideas were
critical to getting the business off the ground.
Contact Information: Weddings with Charm & Special Events •
Spokane , WA • 509-535-3722
Website: www.weddingswithcharm.com
Back to Top
|
