#006 - Chefs On The Pass - Louise Wagstaffe’s Journey from Chef to Business Owner and Allergen Advocate

This month, we welcomed the dynamic Louise Wagstaffe to the Chefs on the Pass Podcast. In this engaging episode, Louise shares her fascinating journey from the bustling kitchens of fine dining restaurants to the strategic halls of food manufacturing, and eventually establishing her own successful business, Delicious by Design.

Explore the delightful intersection of creativity and science in cooking, and discover the importance of allergen awareness, food education, and evolving culinary careers.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

1. Family Dynamics: Louise opens up about starting a business whilst starting a family, with one very much helping the other in progression.
2. From Professional Kitchens to Personal Business: Listen to Louise’s journey from topping her class at college, through notable stints within a fine dining caterer in Birmingham, to a ground-breaking 14-year career at Vandenberg (Unilever). Hear how she leveraged her chef skills to launch and grow her business, Delicious by Design, with her family’s priceless support.
3. The Allergen-Free Revolution: Louise passionately discusses her work in creating gluten-free and allergen-free recipes. Learn about the growing importance of allergen awareness in the food industry and the market opportunities it brings, underpinned by her personal experiences and collaborations with organisations the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cooking Skills Matter: Highlighting the gap in food education, Phil and Louise underline the critical importance of cooking skills for nourishment and reducing food waste. Whether you’re a layperson or a professional, understanding the basics of cooking can transform your dietary habits and the environment.
2. Navigating Career Changes: Louise’s career trajectory—from fresh food kitchens to food manufacturing, and ultimately to owning a business—offers valuable insights on flexibility, seizing opportunities, and leveraging past experiences to carve out a fulfilling career path.
3. Allergen Management: Dive into the evolving landscape of allergen-free cooking. Louise emphasises the importance of creating appealing allergen-free foods and managing allergens in kitchen operations, not just from a compliance standpoint but also to enhance the dining experience and build customer loyalty.

Join us in this flavourful conversation filled with stories of bold career moves, family support, and the passionate pursuit of safe, delicious food. Don't miss this chance to gain a broader perspective on the culinary world with Louise Wagstaffe on Chefs on the Pass.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!Contact Us:

• Phil Streat (Host) - Reach out on LinkedIn
• Louise Wagstaffe (Guest) - Connect with Louise on LinkedIn or visit Delicious by Design's website for more information - https://deliciousbydesign.co.uk/

**Support Our Sponsors:**

This episode is brought to you by Ramsden Recruitment - https://www.ramsdenrecruitment.co.uk/

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and expert insights on the next episode of "Chefs on the Pass"!