Nyssa Barron of Edinburgh School of Food and Wine met with Spotlight On recently where we discussed her background, her newly acquired Cooker School business an d her ambitions for the future.

Tell us a little about your background and what made you decide to set up your business ?

I grew up in Dunfermline and moved to Edinburgh in my late teens when I secured a Junior Accounts position within pub group, Caledonian Heritable Ltd.  I was promoted to PA to one of the Directors, Graeme Arnott, and stayed for almost 20 years.  During my time there, I gained a host of hospitality skills from event organising, Health and Safety management to Licensing training.   I have always been a self-acclaimed “Foodie”, having attended cookery classes at ESFW in my spare time.  When I heard the cook school was for sale, I was thrilled!  It was a great business to be part of and felt I could really push each avenue already there and bringing my hospitality background could elevate the offerings.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the variability of my job, each day is different and I can contribute my skills to a variety of tasks.

What are your most memorable experiences (good ones and bad ones !) ?

I have three young children, so we have a busy life, time with the kids provides many happy memories!

What would you say are the key things that attribute to your success in life ?

My parents are both hard working, busy people.  I do feel their passion and drive has filtered down to me.  I want to be successful in life and proud of my achievements.

Describe Yourself in 3 words

Friendly, reliable, motivated

What do you like doing in your ‘spare time’

I love horses, we bought as pony in lockdown for my kids (really for me too)!  Our spare time is mainly spent at the yard.

Who has had the most influence in your life ?

My family!

Favourite Film / Series ?

I love cooking shows, watching all nature of shows from Bake Off to Celebrity chef shows, UK and America! I also love a good boxset such as Game of Thrones

Favourite Tipple/vice ? Tea, coffee, wine, chocolate etc ? 

Wine is my tipple, a nice Marlborough is my favourite, however I am a sucker for a glass of fizz!

What can you not live with out ?

Coffee! I am relatively new to the coffee scene and with having three young kids it is now a necessity!

TIP : What tip/s would you give to someone based on your own life experiences both personal and business 

Positivity is key!  Visualise your goal and really go all out to make it happen.