The chance to be their own boss is the perfect situation for Aleesa Paterson and Sarah Ross.
“I like that it was for us; we could make decisions, we could do what we think is right,” said Ross.
“You get to make the choices; that was important to us,” added Paterson.
The pair operate It’s in the Bag.
The business packs breakfast in a bag — usually a large muffin, cereal bar, juice box, fruit and a treat — for a tour bus company. They also pack barbecue lunches, which include uncooked hamburgers and hot dogs, buns, chips, pop and water.
The started the business about six months ago with the help of the Langley Association for Community Living.
A tour bus company had approached the organization, which provides service and support that improve the quality of life for children and youth with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities.
“He was having difficulty finding people so he approached us,” said Tami Logan, the supervisor of employment services for the Langley Association for Community Living.
“This was a perfect match for Aleesa and Sarah.
“The opportunity of owning their own business was amazing.”
Every Thursday, Paterson and Ross will pack that weekend’s orders.
The supplies are delivered by Matt Forster, who runs his own business, Odd Jobs Matt.
They have one employee who works for them and another who is their back-up worker.
Paterson, who is 20, enjoys working in the food industry.
Ross, 27, likes the fact she is dealing with people and the public instead of being in the back of a restaurant preparing food.
Both love the fact they are their own boss.
“The good thing about being your own boss is that the excellence of your business is only limited by how you are able to manage it,” Paterson said.
They are also thankful for the support provided by the Langley Association for Community Living.
“Our role is to provide the support that they need just to make their business as successful as it can be,” said Logan.
She added that their organization does not make any of the business decisions, but rather is there to facilitate to help the owners come to a decision.
“We are just there for guidance and encouragement.”
Both Paterson and Ross would love to expand their business to include more lunches, other tour bus operators, and perhaps even working to provide meals on movie sets since there is so much filming in the area.
To contact Ross andPaterson, email tlogan@langleyacl.com.
