Cooking can be a job, not just a hobby

By Beth Hood aka GPS Gal

This month I interviewed Bianca, who just graduated as a Certified Natural Chef from the Bauman College. It took Bianca a few years to realize her passion for cooking could become a full-time career, but once she found that focus her path has really defined itself, and she has a very clear vision for the future. If you are interested in the culinary arts, or just looking for inspiration for how to turn your hobby into a job, read on…

GPS Gal: Can you tell us about the program you just completed?

Bianca: I recently graduated as a Certified Natural Chef. I attended the Bauman College and studied the culinary arts. The Bauman College has several campus locations, the one that sounded the best to me was located in Berkeley.

GPS Gal: How long was your program of study?

Bianca: The Natural Chef program was a five month course.

GPS Gal: Why did you choose this subject/career path? How did you make this choice?

Bianca: I have always liked cooking, and spent a lot of time in the kitchen. A few years ago my brother thought he wanted to be a chef. As an experiment, my family started running a weekly vegan café. After several months we went on vacation, where we talked about the experience and if we wanted to continue with the deli. My brother decided that he was tired of it, choosing not to continue... so we discontinued. But from the experience I realized that I not only liked to cook, I enjoy the whole process of running a café. From planning the menus, all the way to going over the figures at the end of the day.

It took me a couple years for me to realize that cooking actually could be a job, not just a hobby. Once I came to that realization everything happened very quickly, and the next thing I knew I had decided to move to Berkeley and was in culinary school! It was my dream coming true!

GPS Gal: What's the most interesting thing about what you learned in your studies?

Bianca: I really enjoyed learning to use different kinds of local fruits, vegetables, uncommon ingredients. Also learning proper recipe writing was quite beneficial for documenting recipes that I invent or modify. It helps to have a neat and organized recipe to come back to later. I also greatly enjoyed learning to make foods from scratch. The first time I made my own almond milk I was blown away by how much better it tastes, (not to mention it is much healthier than a packaged almond milk). Making things from scratch was a very big part of The Bauman College's teachings.

GPS Gal: What are you planning to do with your studies? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Bianca: My dream and goal is to have a vegan café by the time I turn 25. Part old style ice cream parlor, and part sit-down cafe. You could walk in and get freshly made ice cream, cupcakes, pies, cakes, and other dessert foods. Or you could sit down and have a meal, followed by dessert of course! And the best part is that everything will be vegan, (contain no animal products, or animal derived products). I have also taught private vegan cooking lessons. I may continue teaching on the side before opening a café.

GPS Gal: How important is it to you that you enjoy your job or career in the future? Did you consider this when you made this choice?

Bianca: If you do not enjoy life, what is the point of living? And most people spend most of their lives working, so it is very important to do something that you like. I cannot make myself do work that I dislike. The longest I have lasted at a job I disliked is a few months. It is just not worth it.

GPS Gal: How did you choose your college? What 5 elements were the most important to you?

Bianca: I did not want to go to one of the more traditional culinary schools where I would be learning to use or cook with animal products. I feel very strongly against consuming or using animal products. So I guess the first factor was finding a school where I did not have to compromise my beliefs. The Bauman College also taught how to heal through food, consuming healthful foods nourishes the body and also prevents against diseases and illnesses. This was also a plus.

Another factor was cost. I wanted to pay for my schooling and living expenses, without any assistance. The school I chose was affordable for me. The location was not as important, but it still played a part in my decision. Berkeley has a very diverse culture, (I liked that), and has seasons, (after living in Hawaii where the two seasons are sunny or rainy, I wanted to have a taste of actual seasons).

GPS Gal: Do you have any piece of advice for girls in high school who are preparing to go to college about their educational or career choices?

Bianca: When choosing a career pick something that you enjoy, and shoot for the stars. Do not sell yourself short, and don't let anyone tell you that your dream is not good.

GPS Gal: Do you have a mission (sense of purpose) for you life? If you could put it into a mission statement what would it be?

Bianca: Don't let life pass you by. Be sure whatever you do has a meaning, whether it is for pleasure, for education, for bettering the world, etc. Don't be stuck doing something you hate doing. Life is too short to do things that make us miserable, move on. And be sure to live life to it's fullest!

GPS Gal: Wow! Thank you for those words of inspiration. We wish you all the best in launching your dream.

If you have a question about this interview or would like to learn more about this field of study, you can forward your questions to the GPS Gal.