MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - With the New Year almost here many are making New Year's resolutions, whether it's to lose weight, take up a new hobby or find a new job. Two Mid-South moms decided to take a chance and go into business for themselves.
Bradford Willliams is crazy about casseroles. Her company operates out of an east Memphis kitchen.
Bradford used to be a school teacher. She made a casserole for teacher appreciation and it was so tasty, other teachers started asking Williams to bake them casseroles. She eventually quit her teaching job and decided to cook full time.
"It was one of those moments were you said 'OK Lord, what do I do,'" she said. "I quit my job and took a chance."
Five years later, Curbside Casseroles has tripled in size. It now has 16 employees and cranks out 500 casseroles a week.
Charity Healvie has a similar story.
"I was plugging along as a financial advisor when out of the blue I felt I needed to be home with my kids."
Healvie decided to quit her job and start making boutique children's clothing. That surprised her friends and family, because at the time she didn't even know how to sew.
Both women are known as "mom-trepreneurs", or moms who have left their careers to start businesses.
Both women also say taking the risk is worth the reward.
Williams' menu has now expanded from casseroles to entrees, dips and desserts.
Her advice to anyone wanting to start a business of their own, "You don't have to make it a big deal," she said. "Start small... Take it one little thing at a time."
