Like a mariner using the North Star as a compass, your heart can guide you to create the work and life, you love. Those words of wisdom, from author Martha Beck, have served me well over the years. That is why during the Summer of 2005, my husband and I sold our house in suburban Illinois, quit our jobs, packed two U-Hauls full of our belongings, said goodbye to family and friends, put our two girls and our dog in the car and we headed west to Loveland, Colorado – the city of love.
Little did I know that it would allow me to finally follow my heart and do what I love! After several attempts at re-inventing myself with my career choices, I realized I needed to do what I absolutely love – to cook and bring joy to others. I love spending time in the kitchen with my two daughters, Samantha and Mackenzie. During the holidays, we usually baked cookies and other goodies for friends and family. One year, I decided to make toffee. My first attempt was less than successful; in fact, I burned the tar out of it!
Thankfully, I didn’t let that discourage me. I revamped and tweaked my recipe and Simply Toffee was born!
It wasn’t long before our toffee became very popular with friends and family and they started requesting it throughout the year. My dear friend Kristi encouraged me to sell it at local events. To my surprise, it was a hit and I was selling box after box and loving every minute.
My plan is to grow my business organically and I am truly grateful for all of the help and support I have received since officially launching the business in July 2008. I am particularly grateful that my sisters and girlfriends keep me focused and motivated. Where would we be without our girlfriends?
My girls help me whenever they can and I am secretly hoping that one day they officially join me…but I know they need to follow their own hearts.
As a working mom of teenage girls, I know how important it is to demonstrate that we can love what we do and do what we love! I hope to be a resource for other women entrepreneurs.