Description
Description
Having lived in Corps-Nuds for a number of years, it is here that I would like to create a welcoming and comfortable place where customers feel at home and where I can share my passion for baking. It will be possible to eat and drink on site for those who would like to stay, or take away for those on the move. Lunchtime on weekdays I will prepare simple, fast and healthy food – using local products as much as possible. On Sundays, there will be brunch with pancakes or French toast, with (or without!) bacon and eggs.
The idea to create a coffee shop/tea house which offers brunch on the weekend has been in my mind for years. It came to me shortly after arriving in France, since I missed North American cakes and brunch. Over the last few years, it has become easier to find similar places in France, however they are relatively rare outside of large cities.
A selection of hot and cold drinks – coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, soft drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, beer, wine, hard cider...
A variety of sweets – Cookies, Brownies, Banana Bread, Cupcakes, Muffins, Fruit Crumble...
Sandwiches, salads and paninis with a choice of ingredients – seasonal vegetables, seasonal fruit & nuts, cheese, meat...
Soup, quiche...
Brunch with pancakes, French Toast, bacon, eggs...
Born in the United States, I grew up in Canada and I have lived in France since 2002. I have a degree in Fine Arts with a minor in Psycology, and another in Graphic Arts, I am passionate about photography and baking – making things is a part of my everyday life. I would love to put my ideas and creations to work for Simply Home. Although this is clearly a change in direction in my professional career, this project fits well with my abilities, qualities and interests.
The work will require a close relationship with the public and customer service has often been a part of jobs that I have held in the past: working at the front desk in photo labs during my studies, at the little corner store at university, as a receptionist in the hotel industry and in business development teams. When it comes to making the food for Simply Home, I have always taken real pleasure in sharing my baking with my family, friends and colleagues in France and I have gotten them used to eating North American treats on a regular basis!
I have been very lucky to be surrounded by people having created similar companies and who have been following me throughout the development of Simply Home, specifically regarding its economic viability. In order to increase the likeliness of success, in April I took a training course in creating a cafe/restaurant business with the Chamber of Commerce, where I learned about creating companies and the essentials of restaurant management.
The first time that I went to Corps-Nuds, it was by accident. I took the wrong exit off of the road to Angers and we ended up at the church square. We turned the little mistake into a mini-sight-seeing opportunity and we got out of the car to take pictures. With a name that makes you smile (Naked Bodies!!!) and an unexpected church, for me, Corps-Nuds has a lot of charm.
A few years later, we moved to Corps-Nuds and have become very attached to the town. Corps-Nuds has a great number of qualities. The town is linked via train and city bus. There are a variety of local stores and services. There are a lot of activities and events organized by the town hall and different clubs. The increase in population and new housing has also had an effect on the dynamic evolution of the community.
However, we can see that the center of town has not developed in the same way. There are few welcoming places where one can meet up with friends and family. This need, often expressed in conversations with friends, other parents and neighbours, could be filled with Simply Home.
Describe your project goal
The total investment for this project is estimated at approximately 30 000€. Today, my personal capital investment is 4 000€. I am currently in the process of working on obtaining a personal loan through a local organization whose goal is to help entrepreneurs which would be another 4 000€, however, I have not had a response to this request yet.
Therefore, the money raised will help reinforce the financing of the project.
Any amount over 4 000€ will help me improve what I can offer (more games, more magazines, a broader menu!). Thank you very much for your help!!!