Table Talk » Happy Birthday! A love letter...

Seven years ago today, Anastasia's Table, LLC went from being a crazy idea to an official legal entity. Here's the birth certificate.

March 27, 2003 marked the beginning of a huge adventure for me. Sure I could cook, but I knew nothing about running a business. What amazed me at the beginning of my adventure and continues to amaze me seven years down the road, is the overwhelming support of family, friends, colleagues, and even of people who barely knew me.

Sherrill St. Germain is my "career reinvention" role model. We worked together at what proved to be our last corporate jobs. When she got laid off, she decided to become a financial planner. While I was still employed by that company, I watched in awe as she reinvented herself. You hear about people doing this, but it becomes real when you see someone you know do it. When my time came, Sherrill had blazed the trail and was helping others navigate it. And she still does.

My husband, Tom Spine, is amazing. Frankly, while the idea of starting a personal chef business was brewing around in my mind, I was terrified to speak of those plans. Why, because it would mean a huge change to our lifestyle. But when I worked up the nerve, Tom was willing to give it a go. And he has been a huge supporter of my business.

I can't say enough of the information, support, and friendship I found at Personal Chefs Network. Sharon Worster and Brent Evans found time to help and encourage every member. And they created a community where collaboration and sharing thrived. Alas Personal Chefs Network no longer exists, but the business relationships and friendships forged at PCN remain strong. The first PCN member who I met in person was Janet Wilson, a personal chef from a neighboring town. Janet showed me that by networking rather than thinking of each other as competition, we all gain. She was the one who gave me the much needed push to join BNI and learn how to network effective. I'd probably still be sitting here waiting for clients to find me if it wasn't for Janet. Janet is no longer a personal chef, but she is still a master networker. The majority of my business continues to be from referrals.

I've learned so much from my clients. There is something special about every one of them. They've challenged me to try new things, cook with ingredients I wasn't familiar with, and to become an expert in gluten-free cooking and other special needs. Dr. Christine Doherty was my first gluten-free client. We had so much fun during those days in her kitchen and we learned a lot from each other and still do. My clients make me feel like I am making a difference in their lives, something I rarely felt in the 22 years of my technical writing career.

I'm excited about this birthday and I'm in awe of what I've been able to accomplish. And of all the people who have been part of the journey.

I make my living playing in other people's kitchen. To me, it doesn't get any better than that. Getting laid off was my best career move. I'm sure that the next seven years will bring more ups and downs, but I know that I will find my way through them.

Posted March 27, 2010 1:19 PM in Business & Networking

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9 Comment(s)

tamara Mitchell said… (on March 27, 2010 at 14:45 PM #)

Happy Birthday! It truly is a pleasure to be able to do for a living the thing that brings you joy. Look forward to meeting you in person soon. -Tami

charity dasenbrock said… (on March 27, 2010 at 14:52 PM #)

ditto what Tami said! You are a role model to me, Patti, so I thank YOU for your years of service both to your clients and to your fellow personal chefs who look to you for inspiration and support.

Marcy K said… (on March 27, 2010 at 15:15 PM #)

Happy Birthday P!!! Your clients are so lucky to have you. And I'm lucky to have you as a wonderful friend.

Allison Coia said… (on March 27, 2010 at 15:20 PM #)

Happy 7th Birthday! I remember when you first started out and how I knew immediately that you were going to be a great PC. You were and continue to be a great role model for Personal Chefs around the country who have gotten to know you through the years!

Cook on sister Chef!!

Cindy Barnard said… (on March 27, 2010 at 17:02 PM #)

Congratulations, Patti.
You have much to be proud of.
I too am thankful for your continued support and advice in the foodie world.

Carlin Breinig said… (on March 27, 2010 at 17:26 PM #)

Happy Birthday! I have so enjoyed getting to know you. Can't wait to meet in person.

Chuck Anastasia said… (on March 27, 2010 at 18:21 PM #)

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you, and a little jealous as I watch from the corporate trenches. I know that author, Pam Slim would love your story, and she might even mention it in her blog. http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/ I hope you won't mind if I send it along to her.

Martha Ulfelder said… (on March 27, 2010 at 20:26 PM #)

Happy Birthday to Anastasia's Table! I loved reading your story. You have certainly been an inspiration to me, as well as a great help every step of the way. Can't wait to see you in April to celebrate your other birthday! Cook on.

Sharon Worster said… (on March 28, 2010 at 10:36 AM #)

Dear Patti: I can't believe that 7 years has gone by since you joined Personal Chefs Network. I'm so happy that you have thrived in this industry and I count you among one of the few that truly understands what it takes to make it on your own. Spunk and determination play a huge role but so do good people and I'm proud to be one in a long line of strong people that showed you the way. I'm honored to be a part of your success but you are the one that did all the work. I've watched the seed turn into a towering tree that branched out to serve the need of those in need. You have blazed a special path in the special diet field for sure. Congratulations on your continued success and I'm so glad we have all been able to stay in touch. Kudos!!! Your friend in the kitchen, ~Sharon