CAREER DEVELOPMENT WITH FEASTED
BETTY’S STORY: SWEET SUCCESS
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Betty joined Feasted back in August 2022, a time when her self esteem was low and her confidence was lacking.
Hospitality is widely accepted by society as a notorious career not worth the long hours and hard work; a mindset Betty said she had before joining Feasted. However, she enjoyed baking and decided to take a chance at Feasted and see where it took her.
CONFIDENCE
Being given the responsibility to create a dish and present it to a table of high paying diners is an opportunity that is few and far between for young people who want to work in hospitality, especially in the city of Stoke on Trent. For Betty, having the trust placed in her to do something like this has had a huge impact on her self esteem. The experience has also raised her aspriations as she’s proved to herself what she’s capable of.
“I believe in my self more as a result of other people believing in me”
It can be said that often within charitable ventures it is hard to get a grasp on visible change, the kind of durable, life affirming change that improves lives for the better in the long term. Betty and her story of development is the exception to this, we can all see that when opportunity came knocking, Betty put everything into making it work for not only her but her family, this is real progression.
A NEW SKILL SET
The skill set Betty has acquired has set her up for a flourishing career in hospitality. This is a result of her ability to adapt and develop in an environment that is seen by so many as brutal.
It’s not unusual to have conversations around gluten development, sauce viscosity or protein denaturation in the Feasted kitchen. Betty has been exposed to high end cooking with a huge focus on working responsibly individually and as part of a team.
Throughout the month of January, Betty presented her own dish to The Chef’s Table.
When someone is given the opportunity to learn and a higher cognition is encouraged, it’s incredible how someone can develop. That’s what we ask of our trainees. That’s what Betty has done.
Betty is a great example of the potential a single opportunity has to generate change.
CREATING WIDE SCALE CHANGE AT FEASTED
Feasted does not run by the same rules as most of the hospitality industry. The industry faces challenges; the staffing crisis is a bruise from the beating the industry is constantly subject to. With TV shows such as ‘The Menu’ and ’Boiling Point’ highlighting the extremes of the industry, it is time to except we are at a ground zero moment.
Why do we we expect young people, Gen Z, to tolerate bullying and limiting beliefs in kitchens? When will we start enabling the workforce rather than limiting their belief in themselves and the industry.
Seeing Betty build confidence, self esteem and belief in her abilities is something that should be shared amongst young people, especially in hospitality; it shouldn’t be uncommon. But right now, for the most part, it is.
All that Betty has achieved since joining us at Feasted is admirable. The difference made to Betty’s life is tangible, it’s clear to all who know her. We’re so proud of everything she has achieved. Betty, you are symbolic of what Feasted is about what we hope to help people like yourself achieve.
