Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Kauppi.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Monique. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I loved helping my mom cook in the kitchen with my brother and sister. We would take turns stirring the batter and fought over who would get to lick the spoon or the bowl. My mom is a great cook, but I have always had an extra sweet spot for any sort of pastry she made. While I was in middle school, we had to choose different career options to research. I chose cake decorator and that opened the possibilities of turning something I was passionate about into a career.
Sweet things always seemed to be a part of special occasions that made people happy that’s what I wanted to do! In high school, I was able to take a culinary arts class which helped me have the starting foundation to pursue a career in the hospitality/foodservice industry. My high school culinary teacher actually motivated me to attend culinary school in Philadelphia where I ended up graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Pastry Arts, at the top of my class.
While attending the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, I was able to really get my feet wet in this industry that would become my true passion. My pastry chef instructor recommended I apply at a restaurant where her friend was the Exec Pastry Chef, which was a real blessing. My first job working for the Starr Restaurant Organization at Jones really changed my life. I was inspired and motivated to learn as much as I could from one of the biggest influences in my professional life. I continued to work in Philly for the restaurant group until a year or so after my graduation. I missed my family, so it was time to return back to Maryland.
I was lucky enough to quickly get a job at a cake bakery. Little did I know that after 3 months, I would be promoted to bakery manager, at age 22. It wasn’t easy but I took what I learned in previous years and I learned a lot along the way. The best part was being able to make a difference in other people lives like my chefs have done for me. I remember working with my assistant on a special occasion cake, something she had never attempted at the time. I loved teaching others and watching them grow. Now, she decorates cakes way better than I do!
Years later, I needed a change and made my way out to Scottsdale after a few of my friends made the move out west. I feel in love immediately. It’s always hard being so far away from family, but I have no regrets at all. I met my husband out here and also found a job at the Herb Box that I truly love. It can be crazy, but at the end of the day, we all are a family and I just love what I do. I started at the Herb Box at DC Ranch as a pastry cook and worked my way up to Corporate Pastry Chef. There is never a dull moment and I always get an opportunity to try new things or make the things our regulars just love! I can’t imagine any other job being as sweet.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing worth anything in life ever comes easy. As I’m sitting here answering these questions, I’ve finished a 13 hour day on my “day off.” Things happen-people call out, last minute orders get added, the restaurant gets busy. Restaurants are always busy with the occasional, hopefully, controlled chaos. We may run out of things, or get in scuffles with each other, etc, etc, but growing up in the industry for the past 10 years, I’ve realized what’s really important in life. Yes at work I get tired from long days and my body hurts. I’m stressed because there is so much to do and I haven’t eaten anything today.
Or in past jobs, there may have been conflicts with coworkers over a position or something silly in the scheme of things. To me, the greatest challenge is finding a work/life balance. I’ve experienced one of the most devastating experiences 2 years ago when my dad past away and that really put things into perspective of what is really important in life. Love one another. Take care of your health. Do what makes you happy. I have a sign on my wall that says “Never get too busy making a living, you forget to make a life.” Life is too short to dwell on the struggles. We need to face the struggles and to be able to move past them.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Herb Box was started over 20 years ago as a Catering Company. It was started by two women which really inspired me being a young woman myself. Now, they are still thriving with two Scottsdale Restaurants and the Catering Company. The food is fun and unique; there is a little something for everyone. We offer various gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes which increases our clientele. Our butternut squash enchiladas, white bean chicken chili and our red velvet pancakes are some of the fan favorites.
As the pastry chef, I always have to make sure I have a variety of goodies to please our guests’ sweet tooths. We’ve had a high demand for a wider vegan selection so I’ve been trying to experiment with that. What I am most proud of is that we also have an AMAZING staff. I’ve left the company and came back as have many other employees. We realize this is something special and where we want to be. We’ve had a lot of struggles as most business do, but we never give up and continue to thrive.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a very quiet and shy child. I grew up with a twin sister and a brother who was only 11 months younger than us so we always had someone to plan with and never really needed to be outgoing. I enjoyed listening to music and doing arts and crafts. It wasn’t until college and working in the industry where I really came into my own. I feel like I’ve really come out of my shell and found my niche
Pricing:
- Desserts-$2.50-$8, Special order pies, cakes, platters, etc also available
- Food-$10-20+, lunch, dinner, brunch, private dining available
Contact Info:
- Address: 7134 E Stetson Dr. Ste 200 (Southbridge Location)
Old Town Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ 85251
20707 N Pima Rd #140 Scottsdale, AZ (DC Ranch Location) - Website: http://www.theherbbox.com/
- Phone: 480-289-6160
- Email: ChefMo@theherbbox.com info@theherbbox.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theherbbox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHerbBox/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theherbbox?lang=en
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