Mentoring
IHWSH is proud to receive support from over 100 small, independent business owners and aims to foster successful entrepreneurship with our volunteers, the next generation of Houston restaurateurs and food and beverage leaders. IHWSH sponsors retreats and other entrepreneur-oriented training, open to all volunteers.
We're now piloting our Mentoring EATS (Entrepreneurship Advice Training Support) program, with two 'recipes' currently being tested and tasted, and many more in the works:
Exponent
Ashley Rosenfeld of A La Carte Consulting and Jess Timmons of Camellia Monday Consulting lead this snack that eats like a meal. Mentees develop business plans and map out crucial steps to advance in their goals of entrepreneurship. With a combined 30+ years in Houston restaurants, Ashley and Jess also draw on IHWSH relationships with professionals in personal finance, law, design, human resources as well as our volunteer cadre of successful business owners to offer mentees a plan, a timetable, and a plethora of guidance to help launch their visions toward reality.
Abacus
John Paul Cavanaugh of Manucci Financial works one-on-one with mentees for one year, providing book-keeping and CPA services while teaching the fundamentals of financial statements, taxes, inventory, costs. Instruction is tailored to the needs and knowledge base of the mentee, with the intent of providing the understanding needed to oversee the books of their small business, as well as nurturing the confidence and interest in ongoing learning in small business management.
About Mentoring EATS
The Mentoring EATS program is led by Andrea Buford. To volunteer as a mentor, donate to our program, or inquire about applying to Mentoring EATS, email Andrea at info@illhavewhatsheshaving.org
Andrea Buford
Andrea is vice-president of IT for New York- MultiPlan, where she leads a leadership program for junior talent and developed the firm’s mentoring program for women. Andrea has volunteered with IHWSH since our origins, chaired the A Fine Line documentary screening and panel discussion, and is proud to lend her talent and experience to lead the Mentoring EATS program.
John Paul Cavanaugh
John is a CPA and Director of Manucci Financial. He has worked in accounting since 2009, managing financial reporting to investors and serving as an auditorin a variety of industries. He currently serves as CFO for Agricole Hospitality, a restaurant group in Houston. As Director for Manucci Financial, John works closely with small businesses as their outsourced controller and helps them manage their Bookkeeping, AR, AP, Payroll, Sales Tax Reporting, and Financial Reporting. He is very excited to help individuals grow their small businesses via Mentoring EATS.
Jess DeSham Timmons
Jess attended the Culinary Arts program at Art Institute of Houston, and her career in the restaurant industry has spanned over two decades as the former Corporate Operations Manager at Landry's, Inc., President of The Republic Country Club, Partner at The Caboose BBQ, Chef/Partner Cherry Block Craft Butcher and Kitchen, and Owner/Chef of Camellia Monday Consulting. Chef DeSham Timmons is a founding Member and part of the Advisory Board of Foodways Texas, an organization preserving the history and rich culture of Texas food and serves as Outreach Director for I'll Have What She's Having.
Ashley Rosenfeld
Ashley is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park, NY) and holds a BA in hotel/restaurant management, MS in hospitality management and MBA. With over 19 years of experience, Ashley leads the A La Carte Consulting team in new concept development, existing restaurant operations and growth-related matters for all aspects of the national and international foodservice industry, including independent operators, chains, hotels, airports, parks, and mixed-use developments. She is an active member of the Texas Restaurant Association and is the 2022 Chair of Texas Restaurant Foundation.