Mother-of-two Michelle Woolley is launching her own Mexican food business – after being inspired by her teenage niece.
Forty nine-year-old Michelle is preparing to open the Mexican Snack Shack in Stoke Market at the end of the month, selling a selection of tasty Mexican delicacies.
Michelle had been working as a carer up until six months ago when she decided to quit her job and turn her hand to making healthy, vegan meals from her home in Porthill, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
But after seeing the success of her niece Carly Davies’ equestrian retail business, Michelle has now decided to take the plunge and set-up properly.
Michelle said: “I decided to quit my care job at the beginning of the year. I just got tired of the long hours. I love to cook and decided to get my food hygiene accreditations so I could start a business from home.
“I would cook meals from my home and deliver them to people’s houses.
“It didn’t take off as much as I wanted it to, but after seeing Carly do so well with her business – and with my 50th birthday fast approaching – I wasn’t going to give up, I love to cook.”
“I visited Stoke Market and have signed up for a stall. A lot of work is being done down there to attract people into the town.”
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Michelle hopes to get her stall up-and-running by the end of August.
Once opened, the Mexican Snack Shack will specialise in burritos and chilli as well as a range of vegan and gluten-free alternatives.
Michelle added: “I am a coeliac and I know how hard it is to find tasty homemade food, so I want to cater for everyone with food which is suitable for people with various intolerances.
“I have been cooking for my children all their lives, they always came in from school to a hearty meal and I am a big fan of Jamie Oliver and James Martin.”
Over the next few years, Michelle hopes to be able to build up a sustainable business and eventually explore the idea of opening a Mexican restaurant in the city.
She said: “That would be the big dream for me, but for now I just want to build up a steady stream of customers who enjoy my food.
“I have had a lot of support from my family and friends and I am really excited to get going.”
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Michelle’s 19-year-old niece Carly – who is the inspiration behind the business venture –
And to mark a successful first 12 months in business, she staged a celebration event at her Queen Street premises at the weekend – where Michelle was invited to help feed hungry visitors.
Carly, who lives in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, said: “The last 12 months has gone really well. We have already got some regular customers and have been able to expand what we offer to customers.
“Now we are looking to expand our premises – or relocate to a bigger unit – because we have outgrown this one already and we want to continue to grow.”
Carly added: “We staged an open day at the weekend to show our customers that we are still here and that we are doing well. It was also a good opportunity to let people know about auntie Michelle’s new business.”