A Moray chef who was made redundant during the coronavirus pandemic has used the set-back to inspire her to follow her dreams by launching her own enterprise.
Jess MacRae, from Elgin, lost her job in a garden centre cafe in June during the first wave of the Covid-19 crisis.
The 24-year-old used the set-back to convert what was once a hobby into a custom-order cheesecake business run from a refurbished garden shed.
Within months the chef has already built a network of clients in the town with an order book already full for the Christmas period.
The business is one of dozens that have been set up in Moray during the lockdown amid reports many have taken the opportunity to revaluate their career ambitions.
Miss MacRae, who runs Cheesecakes by Jess, said: “When I was put on furlough I decided to go and get my health and hygiene certificate.
“Unfortunately in June I was made redundant. A week later they asked me to come back but I had already made up my mind I was going to commit to the business.
“Before lockdown I made a few cheesecakes for friends and family and people were starting to message me to say how much they liked them.
“I had always wanted to do it but I was unsure about the rules and, because I live with my parents, we didn’t really have the kitchen space.
“Coronavirus has given me that little bit of a nudge to say ‘Let’s do it.’”
The lockdown period has not been without challenges for Miss MacRae, however, with bookings cancelled due to events including anniversaries, birthday parties and baby showers being postponed.
Work has also now been completed on converting the garden shed into a fitted kitchen for the chef, complete with two fridges, dishwasher, sink and microwave.
She said: “It was initially to make things easier with keeping ingredients separate but it has also worked out well with people coming to collect cakes – they don’t need to come to the house, they can just come to the shed.”
Statistics published by Business Gateway in August showed that 52 new firms had been established since June in Moray.
The region has historically had one of the most successful rates across Scotland for fledgling companies surviving at least three years.
Elgin’s business improvement district has also reported an increase in potential start-ups inquiring about vacant shop units during the Covid-19 outbreak this year.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has heard of numerous examples of entrepreneurs embarking on new projects during the coronavirus lockdown.
He said: “As the famous phrase says, necessity is the mother of innovation. It’s really heartening to see that spirit flourish despite the tough economic times.
“Jess has shown great determination and creativity in starting up her own business and kitchen, she’s just one example of people taking their own destiny into their hands.
“Moray’s economy is largely built on small businesses. There are excellent examples locally in Walkers Shortbread and Baxters in what can be built here from small beginnings.”