Welcome to the first issue of “Food For Thought”!
I started this Substack to share my experiences as an entrepreneur and writer in the food business – this year marks my 7-years-anniversary. For my work I do plenty of writing abouts foods, produce, culinary peoples, and places. However, I believe there’s more to share – thoughts that arise when you’re self-employed and always on the move.
Keeping your mind healthy is essential, and last year taught me that it’s a task requiring active effort; it doesn’t come easily. The fourth quarter of 2023 brought significant changes to my business. I had to close down a beloved passion project because everything became just overwhelming: projects, passions, personal losses and of course, the current world situation. For me it feels this is often the only solution for the self-employed: letting go of the project that isn’t paying the bills, giving away another passion project that made you quite happy just quickly save resources and energies. Yet, staying in the loop is crucial, and projects need completion, even when energy and motivation is lacking. Bills need to be paid; there is no plan B if you’re self-employed (except for not being self-employed anymore).
For 2024, my most important project is regaining and maintaining my mental well-being – and by extension, the health of my business. As the saying goes for the self-employed, "You are your most important resource." That's my starting point.
I started this Substack initially for myself, to reflect on my journey. Secondly, it's for you. I've gained a lot of learnings, inspiration and insights from fellow entrepreneurs, and I believe some of these could be helpful to you as well. Perhaps a book or a tool that aided me might prove useful to you too.
So, welcome – and thank you for joining this little Substack of mine.