Catering to good taste
Once a pianist and insurance manager, Ann Rae runs a great food company
From playing Hello Dolly for Dennis Thatcher on a cruise ship, to working for Eagle Star International Life in Dubai, Ann Rae is full of surprises. Having left the corporate world in 2000, Ann began Mange Tout.
A company through which she provides "cocktail" food with a difference and gift hampers for every occasion. Musically talented and a culinary artist, Ann's experiences are noteworthy.
"I began playing the guitar when I was three or four. This eventually led to a double A level degree in music and catering," she reminisces.
Her first job led her to travel across the Mediterranean and Europe.
"For two years I was a pianist on cruise ships. It was exhilarating and gave me some of my best memories in life. After all how many people can say they have travelled to over 30 countries by the age of 20?" says Ann.
But it was not just the sight-seeing that kept her on the ship.
"I once got to play for (former British Prime Minister) Margaret and Dennis Thatcher. I even met Eric Clapton and when he decided to carve his initials on a bench that was really something," she says.
Being focussed, Ann found herself a future business partner on-board.
"The chef and I decided to open Mange Tout in the UK in 1987. We did a few small catering jobs, before doing an afternoon tea for Winston Churchill's wife. This eventually led to catering for Sir Winston Churchill's great grandson's wedding, and a couple of years later the great granddaughter's as well," she says with pride.
Word spread about Mange Tout, the quality of its food, service and the presentation. "There were times when we went 26 hours without sleep, because of the preparations and the number of events we were doing," she explains.
Ann and her partner earned a reputation that finally landed them a full-time job with Sotheby's (the auction house).
"They (Sotheby's) had purchased a mansion outside of London, which was turned into an auction house. We were their in-house caterers for all of their events," says Ann.
But she soon realised that there is a price to pay for such success. "It was a wealthy farmer's daughter's 21st birthday party that proved to be the last straw. This was a particularly extravagant affair, where we were serving caviar in a hot air balloon, and breakfast at 4.00am after an extensive dinner menu," she explains.
After 36 excruciating hours of work, and completely sleep-deprived, Ann tried to drive back home.
"The police stopped me, thinking I was under influence. That was the day I realised that looking 50 at the age of 30 was too big a price to pay for any kind of triumph," she says.
So, in 1992 Ann began working for a life insurance company in the UK.
"I only did that to take some time off, and get myself together, but I really began enjoying it. Within a year I passed my advanced technical certificates, and was made regional manager," recalls Ann.
In 1995, when she was offered redundancy, Ann applied and was appointed by Eagle Star International Life here in the UAE. A great believer in fate, she left her old life to start a fresh one in a foreign land. But she realised that her reputation followed her.
"It began with a friend's engagement party which I was asked to cater. People kept telling me how they had never tasted food like this. So the idea of re-starting a catering business was solidly embedded in my mind. But I needed more than that to sustain me," she says.
Besides finger-food, Ann discovered a niche in the market for innovative and personalised gift hampers. She left Eagle Star and began Mange Tout Dubai in November 2000.
"We have catered for two fashion shows at the Majlis Gallery, the business group at British Consul and the opening of Sahara Centre, Sharjah, which was 1,500 people. Our hampers have become a tradition for companies who wish to greet their clients on Eid, Diwali and Christmas," points out Ann.
Entering into the third year of her business, Ann has learnt much about Dubai, its people, the culture and herself. She accepts it is hard to stay focussed, motivated and enthusiastic, but it is vital. Her advice is to seize the day, every day and never give up or take no for an answer.
Her biggest regret is that she waited five years before trying Mange Tout again. The list of her clients has grown tremendously, and Ann looks forward to many more thank you letters to add to her collection.
"It gives me a real sense of worth to know that I am recognised in the market in this way. I think it helps if business is your passion and you have realistic goals to start with. My biggest advice to a newcomer is research your market thoroughly and know who your customers are.
No matter how daunting it is at first, do not let the fear dissuade you. Try it, and the rewards will speak for themselves," says Ann.
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