I first met the effervescent Trish, when she was catering for an event I was assisting with at our boys’ school (some years ago now), and she was an instant hit with her tasty, Burmese food, which was different to what most people in the room had experienced and was absolutely delicious. It was absolutely no surprise to me when I saw that she was a finalist in the recent ‘World Wide Mustard Competition’ as not only has flair, but the talent to produce food that is truly out of this world. But Trish also lived a varied life, having been a singer and events coordinator for many years. I knew if we interviewed her we would uncover a depth and wealth of experience and you’ll see this is certainly the case!

What motivated you to launch your business ‘The Bear and the Ladle’?

I concluded my catering business Burma In Ya Belly, in early 2015 and had returned full time to administration and accounts for my husband’s long established business. However, whilst working full time, I was studying my Cert III and Cert IV in Food Processing and still dreamt of being back in the food game. So I began the ‘back end’ business set up for The Bear and the Ladle. I knew I couldn’t [wouldn’t] stay working in my husband’s business forever, as food is my passion, and he was particularly encouraging for me to return when I was ready. (The name actually came to me as a 2am epiphany mid May 2015 and I immediately registered the name) – I digress. I was working through the day, creating and playing in the commercial kitchen at night.

In the year of 2016 we travelled to Europe, part support for my talented son playing rugby for the Grammar school and part to traverse and explore. I explored, tasted, ate, drank and I sampled all things gourmet fare and wine. I returned KNOWING what my range was immediately when we returned in April, and set about making it happen; still working full time but with an end view of what The Bear and the Ladle would be.

How did growing up as the youngest of 8 children impact you as a business women?

There’s a few factors to consider here: You grow up quicker with a more mature outlook BUT you also feel the need to be validated as a natural progression – In life, in relationships, even in business. I had been like that in my previous business and in life generally. When we feel the need to be validated in such a fashion, inevitably it’s a tiring game for everyone and not at all in our natural flow so I learnt a lot about what I didn’t want from that.

In saying that, all that didn’t resound with ME or wasn’t the right fit for ME in an authentic way, I promised myself would not be the casewith The Bear and the Ladle and I discarded anything I didn’t not feel was in alignment with this new human I was becoming; A 40 something year old woman, in an extremely capricious and ever changing, fast paced world I sensed this was the CEMENTING OF A NEW AWAKENING on many levels and not just in business. I was right!

Tell us about your initial career in the field of events, administration and accounts management?

Oh My Lordy – I had been part of many wonderful events and in the events world. I worked with amazing event companies and managers such as Shani Wood (Sydney City Council) handling large scale events such as the Australia Day Celebrations in Hyde Park. I stage managed and assisted people such as James Morrison and Margret Urlich in these concerts. We also looked after the Centenary of Federation Parade with major street closures throughout Sydney, where we took a massive float through the streets of Sydney and coordinated the stage management of some 600 school children to culminate with the celebrations. Then of course there was the full on but short lived SUPERLEAGUE events assist for the Cronulla on Field team with Rik Burch of SPEKTAC Productions, and working with Annie Ford where I was her assistant for the redevelopment and marketing of the Sydney Seafood School and Pyrmont Fish Markets precinct.

Throughout this time I also worked a singer/vocalist for bands. I then moved to the Sunshine Coast in 1997 dabbled a little in events, handling the Indian Embassy Delegates for CHOGM and even main stage manager for COOLUM KITE FESTIVAL and I have dabbled in things since such as being the F & B Event Manager for Redcliffe Kite Festival (but this type of contract work is not as sustainable on the Sunshine Coast as opposed to Sydney)

Did your feature on ‘The Today Show’ add to the success of your business?

Yes – I guess you could say that little snippet really put us on the map in a big way. Lisa and Karl are the consummate influencers and I knew this due to the fact that as the show was airing, my online store was going crazy, my phone was ringing red hot and suddenly everybody who was anybody knew about The Bear and the Ladle. I still can’t thank them enough but mostly THANKS to the BOHO SISTERS, Harmony and Renae, who created the most divine grazing table showcasing the regions makers, creators and food artisans.

Congratulations on being a finalist in the World Wide Mustard Competition, how has this experience influenced your business?

I’m still pinching myself! The judge’s feedback notes and tasting excerpts were incredibly supportive of a newbie in the game and the feedback even though we didn’t place was extremely encouraging. When you see the names of the winners it’s almost daunting just seeing the calibre of these makers. We’re in grand company. We’ll be back ready to compete taking all this constructive analysis under our belt …ready to take the crown of glory next year! The only way is UP baby!

How important is networking in your industry?

Imperative but in a more industry tailored way. I have gained so much from networks like: FAN – Food and Agribusiness Network and
FIF – Females In Food
NB: I didn’t care for it very much some years ago, but my mindset has changed seeing the connections and collaborations formed.

Favourite book?

Hard Question – ….. If I HAD to pick one, it’s the one that changed my outlook forever: Soulshaping: Adventures in Self-Creation by Jeff Brown

Favourite travel destination?

Europe of course – but if I had to choose one place it would be Bordeaux, I could eat and drink my way around and write poetry and recipes, and immerse myself in creation with consummate ease! Oooh la la..

Best part of the Sunshine Coast?

I moved here in 1997 from Sydney (till then nowhere had held me for longer than 3-5 years and I would move for work etc.. so the best part – I like that I know that I AM HOME!