newcomer to the pastry world

[mindy]

I have always loved baking, and chocolate and never had the opportunity as a young woman to pursue this field. In middle age, I find I can no longer ignore my passion, and I now find myself exploring the possibilities. I wish to study in Europe but live in the US and do not know where to begin. I hope I can find the support in this site to finally go forward and do something I have always loved!

[adiscerningmind]

Mindy,

I am in a similar situation. I am almost 31 years old and realizing that my passion for cooking is not going to go away. I want you to know that it is never to late to go for what you really want to do. You gave me hope that I am not the only one out there that feels this way. :-) Good luck to you!

[Jim]

Greeting to you, both! I think you will find that the members of this site will have a lot of information to offer. There are culinary students as well as seasoned pros to help you out. Ask away!
Welcome to ChefTalk!!

[mindy]

Thank you for your encouragement. Of course making a change is a huge undertaking! I have worked in the health care field for about 15 years. A second career for me. As I ponder yet another career change, I wonder if I can really do it! I have struggled for a great many years doing other things that don't nearly provide me with the level of satisfaction or happiness I seek but have no contacts or mentors in the pastry field. Weekends come and I am totally wiped out, even though I think, maybe I could apprentice for a caterer or bakeshop just to learn the business and gain the experience. I think
of course it would be a lot easier, if I knew someone who could offer the support and encouragement.

Mindy

[Jim]

I would suggest networking some other members of CT so you can share your expectations and questions. Good luck in your quest!

[mindy]

What section is CT. Navigating the site is a little challenging. Do you have any suggestions.

[Mezzaluna]

Let me add my hello!

Mindy, "CT" refers to this entire site, "Chef Talk". If you have questions about how to navigate here, please let us know by replying right here in this thread or sending a Private Message ("PM") to me or another moderator. To send a PM just click on my name over to the left and choose the option to send me a Private Message. It's kind of like an e-mail. State your question and I will do my best to give a simple explanation.

Enjoy reading the discussions, and don't miss the cooking articles, cookbook reviews, recipes and the photo gallery! We have so much here to expand your culinary horizons.

Regards,
Mezzaluna

[cakekingrb]

Mindy,

I am 48 years old, kids going to college and still running a successful real estate appraisal firm in Miami and selling land in North Carolina, but bored out of my mind because of the lack of creativity that my current positions provide.

I left the retail baking industry because of the very long hours and other major responsibilities I had in supervising over 80 employees and 8 very busy bake shops, however I am now getting back into the business but only in the specialty cake field, no breads, no cookies, etc. I feel this way I can really enjoy my true passion which is artistic cakes and not have to worry about all the other things.

If this is your passion, go for it as you can see by my example, it's never too late!

Good luck!