Today’s Notable Young Professional offers the perfect example of turning something negative into a positive. Here’s how Rachael Hunt’s Celiac Disease diagnosis spurred her to create one of Toronto’s leading gluten-free dining experiences…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I create and organize one-of-a-kind dining experiences for individuals living gluten-free (whether it’s a choice or not). The goal is to bring back the joy of dining for individuals suffering from varying degrees of gluten intolerance.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
About two years ago I began experiencing a number of health issues and it was ultimately determined that I had Celiac Disease. As you can guess, my entire world was flipped upside down, in particular my ability to maintain a normal social life and enjoy dining out with friends, family, co-workers, etc. I began researching dining establishments within the city that could accommodate my dietary needs and started a blog to share my discoveries with others. I utilized my marketing background and decided to create foodie-based events within Toronto restaurants that people like me could partake in and eat a delicious, satisfying meal. Thus, GlutenFreedom Week evolved – a week-long event where participating restaurants offer guests a three-course meal at a fixed price containing gluten-free items (think a g-free version of Summer/Winterlicious). I am currently organizing the second edition, taking place November 8-15, 2014.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is the opportunity to network and connect constantly with like-minded individuals. I have had the chance to meet and work with a number of incredible people and I am always looking for ways to align myself with other entrepreneurs and driven individuals. The most challenging part is keeping on top of all my side projects and ventures. It can become very overwhelming and daunting at times, even though I love what I do. Organization and communication is key!
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
I think that I have always been pretty good at maintaining balance between work and life. Making time to decompress, whether on your own or with friends/family, is so important to me and I don’t think I would have made it this far had I not put such an emphasis on this balancing act.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Since my company is still so new, I have a lot of goals for growth and expansion. I am beginning a series of pop-up events over the next couple months and I’d like to see them grow into a regular occurrence and larger magnitude, eventually roping in other food allergens (as we all know are on the rise). I also have hopes of expanding GFW to other major cities in Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I think one of the biggest challenges any young professional experiences is the fear of failure or rejection. This is something I grew up avoiding, always making calculated decisions. However, I’ve realized in the past year that failure and rejection are all integral to growth and development. It’s through the rejection that I have come up with some of the greatest ideas, because it forces you to evaluate what you are doing and strive to make it better.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success is doing something you are passionate about and if you can make money doing it, then all the better. Money definitely helps us to do things we love but if you are unhappy with how the money is made, I think it is worthless.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I think being featured as a YP is pretty incredible! But I think what stands out the most is when I began having members of the community reaching out to me commending me for my efforts in turning something negative into a positive. It really resonated in me that I was doing something for the greater good.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams. Where there is passion, there is often success. It won’t happen overnight, but persistence will eventually pay off!
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
This is a tough one since I have made it my mission to eat through so many places over the past couple years and work closely with many. However, I must say the Foxley never disappoints and they offer some incredible gluten-free options!
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Most of my spare time is spent with friends or family. The people in my life make me so happy that I like to be around them as much as I can. I do try to make time daily for exercise and cooking is therapeutic for me.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I try not to travel to the same place more than once because I like to explore new places. My favourite travel destinations so far have been Thailand and Colombia.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Ah, this is so tough. My musical preferences change daily, depending on my mood. I tend to listen to fun, uplifting music to keep my mood elevated – often European DJs with groovy beats and lots of saxophone!
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I would be working within the food and beverage industry in some capacity. Most likely on a marketing or PR team.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Not at the moment.
What to you is notable?
I think anyone following their passions and dreams is notable. It takes a lot of courage and determination to forge your own path and I have serious respect for anyone doing it. It’s not easy! My generation is filled with vibrant young professionals trying to find meaning and joy in what they do. I think there are many big things on the horizon.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Just made the switch to the iPhone! So great having everything synced with iCloud.
#NOTABLE
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