It took me a year to get my first #finelychoppedconsulting project after the lockdown.
This happened last month. It felt wonderful to be back at work again. The client appreciated what I did. The money came in smoothly and very fast. That is rare indeed. I do not know when the next one will come. I started my consulting venture a bit before the lockdown first hit us and it had gone off to a good start. I knew things would slow down when the first lockdown was announced but I did not give up on it, for I know that this is what I want to do.
I would get up every day and find a new food story to tell you, for that is what I love to do. To create content. I experimented with new mediums. Podcasts, lives, reels, videos, stopmotion videos. Attended online courses to learn new things. Looked around to learn from all the wonderful story-tellers around. Tried to bring my consulting skills to some use and helped home chefs build their brands.
I kept myself busy with the belief that this work would get me work one day. It did.
I am sharing my story because I know that those in the hospitality business – restaurants, cafes & hotels in particular – are feeling hopeless with the lockdown coming into effect again in various parts of country.
I can’t even imagine what you are going through. I won’t pretend that I do. We have probably had it much easier than you.
We miss you. We can’t wait for you to come back. You have given us all such joy. If that’s not good karma, what is?
I have seen and shared amazing stories of many in the food business who made fresh new starts after everything came to an end.
I felt inspired by them. I hope you are too. And it is not just you and me, but entire mankind that is fighting the pandemic and surely that collective strength counts for something.
Please hold on and don’t give up, though I know it’s easier said than done. A breakthrough will happen in your lives too. Do not become cynical. Or feel defeated. Have faith in your own abilities. Things will turn.
Do not forget to wear masks when with people. As much for the sake of your customers as for your family, friends, colleagues and your self. Please start the vaccination process the moment you are eligible. As we did.
Take care. Stay safe.
With deep respect & much love,
Kalyan.
PS: a message that I received recently from someone who is a legend business, gave me the answer to what I need to do during these times. To use whatever I’ve been lucky to gain in terms of readership and trust to help spread the word about all the lovely work happening out there and that is what my focus is going to be in the months to come.
The award in question is the award in the ‘best food blog’ category that Finely Chopped won in the #IFBA2021 awards.
I can’t even begin to say how grateful one felt for this. The blog became the anchor of my life as a writer once again after one was forced to stay at home because of the pandemic. This was a wonderful pat on the back for that.
Thank you for all your wishes and support.
The announcement of the award:
