Philippe's Story

Phillipe had worked hard and studied hard all his life, obtaining a PhD in biomedical engineering. “As much as I loved my career,” says Phillipe, “it was not my passion. Cooking — that was my true passion.” Phillipe had loved cooking since childhood, and while his career had taken another direction, his passion for cooking, and especially baking, had never left him. When his two children were a bit older, and with his wife, who was also an engineer, about to re-renter the workforce, Phillipe saw an opportunity to look into the idea of starting his own business — a bakery. Phillipe’s wife thought it was a great idea, and it was she who brought home a pamphlet one day that outlined Momentum’s self-employment programs. 

Once Phillipe decided to contact Momentum, things happened fast. "I contacted them on a Friday,” says Phillipe, “and was told there had been a last-minute opening in their Self Employment program, which happened to be the one I was interested in.” However, the program started the following Monday! “I did my interview at Momentum first thing Monday morning,” says Phillipe. “And I took my first class later that day. The people at Momentum were so accommodating. To be able to fit me in so quickly. Right away I had a good feeling about everyone involved with Momentum. Despite the fact that it all happened so quickly, I knew right away that I had made the right decision.”

Even though Phillipe was an old pro in the classroom, he was amazed at how much he learned about operating a small business. Indeed, Momentum’s Self Employment program is an intensive, full-time, 26-week program that covers a broad range of topics; from market research to sales and marketing, from insurance, taxation and legal issues to finance management.

Fast-forward one year and Philippe is the proud owner of the Éclair de Lune pastry shop. Today, he has a staff of four and business is booming. “Now, my job is my passion. I look forward to it every day. I have Momentum to thank.”