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"A Family Tradition for 132 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 15, 1998 - 27 A delicious idea 'Go-getter' pursues dream of bake shop By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star Since she was 13 years old, Heather Vale has been baking. When she turned 16 she began selling pastries to earn extra cash at Christmas. Now 21, a dream of owning her own bake shop is soon to become a reality. Her bakery, Simply Fancy Treats, opened Sunday (Dec. 13) in Sunderland. There are a lot of risks to consider when starting up a small business. But Ms Vale feels her bake shop will be a success. "I want to be self-employed. I don't want to work for somebody else," she said. After graduating from Port Perry High School, Ms Vale spent a year working as a cook and waitress to save money for college. Following her graduation from the Food 'and Beverage Management Program at George Brown College, she debated con- tinuing her education, or pursuing her dream. She did both when she signed up for a 42-week program called WRED (Women and Rural Economic Development), which trains rural women how to run their own businesses. "At first my father wasn't in favour of me taking the course, but now that he sees the benefits as I'm getting closer to opening up my shop, he and mom are behind me now," said Ms Vale. Ambitious is a great way to describe her. And busy. Presently working a few hours a week waitressing at Swiss Chalet, she has also begun selling Tupperware, is doing some catering, and is focusing on her new business venture, as well. "Im a go-getter. I've always had two or three jobs," said Ms Vale. "I feel this is what I must do to become successful." "I've always been baking. Mom taught me how to bake, a friend's mother taught me how to make pies, and I learned a lot more at college." After Christmas Ms Vale and her mom, Cathy, are going to attend night school at George Brown College, where they'll take a bread making course. Something new Ms Vale is offering is pre-packaged baking. Starting at $10 and selling for as high as $80, these packages offer a variety of pastries, loaves and squares. "Just stick them in the freezer and pull out the fancy treats when unexpected company arrives," she explained. Initially, catering wasn't in her plans: "I really didn't have plans to cater but after a friend asked me to cater for their 25th wedding anniversary, the calls began to come in." Recently Ms Vale supplied dozens of delicious squares for the Victoria County and Durham West 4-H Awards Nights. And on Dec. 5 she fed a complete Christmas dinner to a large crowd of 135 people. Already two weddings and a Jack and Jill party are scheduled for 1999. Since Thanksgiving Ms Vale has been busy putting her business plan to work. She's registered Simply Fancy Treats, has an appropriate telephone number --357- BAKE -- and the shelves are up. "Now I just have to fill them," she said. She can't believe the response she's been getting since the sign went up at the shop. "I have really good vibes about this business." Heather Vale is serving up some delicious items -- and pursuing a dream -- at her new bakery. in Sunderland. It's the latest venture for the energetic young woman, who studied her craft at college. OBR VICE ¢ BUSINESS DIRECTORY PHONE (905) 985-7383 OR FAX 985-3708 Your One Stop Directory For Scugog Township's Leading Business And Professional Services He STOM CARPENTRY Trim & Ceramic Tile, Cabinets, Windows & Doors, Decks, Porches, Patios "Your Complete Home Renovator" 986-9666 Free Estimate | today fo information on how your business can be listed on this page. ick rocque Electric In Business since 1974 { i } | | H i | { { i i { i i i { i HEATING HEATING CO. TD. 24 Hour Emergency Oil Burner and Gas Service Air Conditioning - Furnace Cleaning 985-3998 ALUMINUM CONTRACTORS Windows. Doors; Siding Eavestroughs, Florida Rooms Allen's Siding JA Products Ltd. 985-3333 : Fone Gold Club CREE ..Jor free estimates call Rob or Mike DRIVER LATLOM Associates Inc. DRIVER TRAINING CENTRE Wed. & Thur. Evenings CHURCH [VR (oF: || J STA BGI EE)) LATCHAM CENTRE PORT PERRY 985-4547 IBTS (AI REQ EIEN) Approved Courses ELECTRICAL RESIDENTIAL - FARM - COMMERCIAL High Efficiency Call Rick or X Lighting Systems 985-3261 Bus. * 985-3784 Res. ER A.OPPERS LTD. Quality Products & Workmanship HB Winpows & Doors I SUNROOMS, SOLARIUMS HB WINDOW SHADES Bl SIDING SOFFIT & FASCIA BW ALominum RAILINGS IBAWNINGS - RETRACTABLE FABRIC & FIXED 985- 4910 Visit our showroom: 193 North St., Port Perry ar tn Si eg GALI Fda 29 Custom H S, 'Renovations & Additions / Kitchens & Bathrooms "Dec S; Fences a Interlocking Brick ors & Wing, al ow. apstiliants po wi XT."