When did you get the first inkling that working for yourself might be right for you?
At school I would make celebration cakes for friends and family who would pay for my ingredients. After I left school I started a full-time job in a cafe/play centre where I was responsible for the overall running of the business while still making cakes for friends and family. A few months into my job I realised I could be applying my skills and ambitions to something that had my own name.
Can you walk us through how you got started to where you are today?
At the end of 2018 I became aware of an opportunity to rent a small food unit in the village; this is where Chloe’s Kitchen Creations started. We opened in May 2019 and within a month I started employing others. We worked throughout the pandemic and volunteered in the local community - this paved the way for opening our current venue in November 2022. We were also lucky to get the opportunity to run the café at the Highland Games Centre in Braemar in 2022.
Did you experience any challenges along the way?
My age was a setback when establishing accounts with banks and and suppliers - and it seemed to cause general doubts about my capabilities. COVID-19 was also a huge challenge but I am extremely proud that my business survived the pandemic.
And what help was available?
My business teacher from school has been an incredible help, assisting me with my initial business plan and my expansion ideas. Business Gateway helped me with networking, social media, marketing and finances.
Which top three skills – or qualities – would you say serve you best as an entrepreneur?
Motivation, resilience and being organised.
How can we get more young people to consider self-employment/entrepreneurship as a pathway?
Introducing business planning/entrepreneurial skills into the classroom is important. For those who are in a position to help, please be open to conversations if a young person has a business idea. I really enjoy being my own boss!
DYW North East works with schools and businesses to help young people gain early insights into the different pathways - including entrepreneurship - that are available to them beyond school. If you could share your business knowledge with school pupils, please get in touch with our team.
Based in Alford, Chloe's Kitchen Creations offers breakfast, brunch, afternoon teas, cakes and coffee for sit-in and takeaway. The company also offers online ordering and outside catering. Read more about the business, which is a Young Person's Guarantee pledge partner, here.
