Michele Ward
Atascadero, CA

Michele grew up with parents who entertained often. Mom was hostess, dad was chef Being of French descent, and it was in their blood to celebrate love and friendship by cooking for those they cared for. Michele continued this tradition in her own home. If she liked you, she cooked for you.

After many years working in special education, Michele started her personal chef service in August 2002. She spent 6 months planning her business through a self-employment training course sponsored by a non-profit called Women's Economic Ventures and by joining PCN.

Michele's father passed away the week before she was to launch her business. She decided to honor him by creating a business that he would have been proud of. Her focus is healthy, delicious meals featuring the beautiful local produce available on the California Central Coast. She now enjoys cooking for her many clients with the same care modeled by her father.

During the growth of her business, Michele has gone from a somewhat shy and reserved person to a "marketing animal." This aspect of the business is now one she loves almost as much as cooking! Her past teaching experience has been utilized mentoring two other PCN members in their business start up. She is currently working on a business plan for expansion into HMR.

In addition to being named the PCN Pacesetter for October, this month she will receive the "Client of the Year" award for business success from Women's Economic Ventures, as part of their "Business Women of the Year' awards for San Luis Obispo County.

Michele says, "This is such a creative time of life, and being a Personal Chef is the perfect business to express that."