Chakulits Sweets and Pastries: Being More Entrepreneurial
Charisse Cao, 33, single mom of two beautiful kids, Kaden 7, and Kaylie 3, left the workforce in droves in favor of being at home. Not to be a homemaker, but to be a mom-job-making entrepreneur.
She tried to pursue a full-time career in event management, (i.e. local concerts, festivals, fundraising and social event) and in the BPO industry, but eventually found herself making the decision to not follow a system or someone else’s rules. This allowed her to really dig into what her own strengths and gifts are without spending time feeling jaded or wasteful.
The Interview
WIM: Starting a business involves planning, time, and making key financial decision. What are some steps that helped you manage and finally get started?
Charrise Cao: COURAGE, a lot of it. Family and friends told me that I can do it. So I thought why not do it? Even if I didn’t have the finances, I had FAITH. I lifted everything to him and slowly I was able to buy small pieces of equipment. I was able to do things that I thought I wouldn’t be able to do. And, most importantly PASSION, if you love what you’re doing nothing could go wrong. Or if something goes wrong, then I learn from it.
WIM: Being a single mom, how are you coping with it? Was there a time that you struggled to make ends meet?
Charrise Cao: I never expected to have a broken family. It’s hard, but I had to let go and let God. Every time my finances are low, I pray, “Lord, give me work or cake orders, so that I can provide for my kids.” Then after a day or two, somebody will call, it’s either I have a new project (event) or there are cake orders. As the saying goes, He will not give you problems you can’t handle. I trust him and I know he has better plans for me. I just have to be patient.
WIM : How long have you been separated and how are the kids coping and dealing with it?
Charrise Cao: I’ve been separated for 4 years and it was a tough journey. I am a single mom of two beautiful children and I love them so much. I love being a mom, every day with them is a blessing and I am grateful for them every day.
WIM: Many single moms fall into the superwoman trap, feeling that in addition to working all day, they must also keep a clean house, serve home-cooked meals, and tend to their children’s needs. Where do you get all your courage and strength?
Cherries Cao: I just keep reminding myself that I have two beautiful little kids counting on me, that usually pulls me out of despair.
I keep hoping and praying that it will get better soon, I have to think positive so that my kids see a strong woman, a woman that is determined to give them the best life possible.
For more than four years, I can now safely say that being a single mother has at times been difficult and demanding, but it’s also had great rewards. If you’re a single parent — by circumstance or by choice — you’ll no doubt hit some bumps and turns along the way.
The Cake and Pastries of Chakulits
Chakulits works with you to customize your sweets and pastries to your specifications. They can decorate any size of their specialty layer cakes or build a custom cake as you wish!
Carrot Cupcake
Tasty and simple. Shredded carrots and real cashews add a stronger flavour. Has frosting on top. Came out great – just the way I like it.
These are very moist and light flavoured muffins. They’re not too sweet and not greasy like other muffins/cakes. The white chocolate cream cheese icing adds just enough sweetness to round them off.
I tried the chocnut and pastillas cheesecakes – they were light and fluffy. For those who LOVE sweet desserts and typically like the heavy cheesecake with a thick layer of graham cracker crust, I think this Chakulits option would be up your alley.
The Takeaway from Chakulits
Do what you love and everything else will follow. I suspect this also comes down to freedom: we tend to best enjoy the things we feel we’re doing entirely by choice. The important thing is to remember that so much is still possible. We all deserve to enjoy the way we spend our days. If we’re willing to dream, work hard, learn, and navigate uncertainty, we all have the potential to do it.
I initially sought for a mere sweets and pastries review, but I got more than that. The beauty of wanting to learn from others is that you will remain open and willing to listen which, in return, it helps to focus on what’s good and right about your life rather than on what’s wrong or lacking, no matter how seemingly minor, will refresh your brain and give you a sense of renewal and inspiration.
Chakulits Sweets and Pastries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chakulitssweetsandpastries/
Location : Matipid St. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City 1101
Email: chakulitsweetsandpastries@gmail.com
Viber: 09399226410
IMessage: 09175505626
IG: @chakulits_sweets_and_pastries
