How is it only 5 days until Christmas?! This year has just flown by… so much seems to have happened that I can barely remember this time last year! So, because of my detioriating memory; I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone by giving you all an update on MYO, and to give me something to read when I totally lose my memory! This last year, as you can probably expect with any new business, has had its ups and downs. I’ve often thought “how good would it be for there to be a portal for start-ups; so people could share their low moments and experiences.” Maybe there is one but I haven’t found it… please feel free to share a link if you know of any! So, I guess this entry will aim to do just that
My highest points have definitely been, and will possibly always be, the expressions on people’s faces when they see Theodore. I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t appreciate the van. This makes the break downs and issues we continuously seem to have just so much more bearable. This year I’ve sat in a car park in the pitch black, in the middle of nowhere with oil leaking out of the engine. I’ve sat on the side of a dual carriageway until the early hours of the morning because the con rod blew… On a separate occasion, I’ve had to jump out of the van when the wires underneath the steering wheel started smoking. So yes, it hasn’t been plain sailing and yes, it has been quite scary. I’ve also seen my fair share of recovery trucks! However, as much as I might feel like it, it’s not worth the tears – it’s just another challenge and I cracked on. If I sat and moped, then I’d just lose money from not trading.
So, every mechanical issue has been dealt with – for now, anyway. I think every single issue that could happen, has happened. Con rod – gone. Water pipe – gone. Carburettor – replaced. Air filter… ah, do I need to continue?! The long and short of it is, I’ve got through it and lessons have been learnt… don’t buy an old van. Ha… no, maybe think about buying a recovery truck or trailer! The challenges don’t stop at mechanical; I’ve dealt with putting up a tent in the pitch black (not an easy talk I tell you!), becoming a ‘White Van (wo)Man’ to electrical issues, staffing issues and obviously personal (sanity) issues at times. So yes, I’m not going to sugar coat running a business. It isn’t easy, but not once have I not enjoyed it. I love doing something I love (the driving not so much); the break downs at night not so much, but cooking, serving and talking to like-minded people, is right up my street. And, most importantly Theo, and MYO is mine
Other than the mechanics, things have been better than I could have imagined. We’ve had a very busy summer; catering at events from weddings, anniversaries, birthday milestones to smaller music festivals, local events, to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This winter has also kept us busy; filled with private party bookings, Christmas light switch on’s and Firework evenings. I often think back to when someone said to me a few years ago; “you should get a van and sell street food,” and thinking what an awful idea it is. I bet he’s having a good old laugh now! In all honesty, I didn’t realise how much I’d enjoy it. I didn’t like the thought of standing in the cold, or just serving out of a van in general. I wanted my restaurant, and that was all I could think about; I definitely didn’t want to take the little steps I needed to, to get there. However, I’ve been proved well and truly wrong. Not only is it so gratifying to see people enjoying my food but it’s also awesome to have the opportunity to go to some pretty cool events. My stand out favourite has been the Victorious Festival in Portsmouth, where we were lucky enough to be positioned in the same stage as Basement Jaxx, Jess Glynn and Tinie Tempah. Absolutely awesome.
So yes… rather than think about opening a restaurant; I have instead decided to invest in another van! She’s currently being converted in Christchurch and will soon become MYOs new instalment. From my experience at the events this summer; I quickly realised that everyone always seems to want a coffee, or a hot drink in general! Queue upon queue… at all times of the day, and for such a great profit margin. So.. that’s what we’re doing; MYO Dolce here we come! If you’re interested, please follow the conversion on our Facebook page – myo_dolce. I’m still debating what to serve with the coffee; what’s more popular – crepes, waffles, dutch pancakes…? HELP!
Things are quietening down now over the winter, colder period so we’ll be taking a bit of a rest. I’ll be using the time to focus on MYO Dolce and most importantly, need to find someone to run it – so, if you’re reading this and like the sound of what I’ve said (ignoring the mechanical issues!), then please do get in touch by emailing victoria@myopizza.co.uk.
Very business-y update for you all today but hope you enjoyed it! Have a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year and I’ll write another update soon J Ciao for now.