Business & Tech
10 Questions with The Casual Gourmet's Olive Chase
The cakes are legendary, the catering exquisite. It's a good thing for the Cape that Chase loves a challenge.
10 Questions, Shoot!
Q: What did you dream of being as a kid?
I am pretty sure that I planned on being a famous movie star!
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Q: How does your personality play into your business?
I love to organize complex events and successfully drive things to completion. I am also fairly creative and I thrive on change; several times over the years my team and I have refocused and reinvented to take advantage of new opportunities or overcome challenges to the company.
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Q: At what moment did you decide to open a business?
I was eighteen and working in a restaurant when I first thought that I wanted to work for myself.
Q: What inspired you?
The idea of creating and growing something, the ability to be in charge of my life and control how I spent my days were what first inspired me. It was meeting Dave [Chase, co-owner and husband] and his tremendous support and belief in me that finally gave me the courage to go after my dream.
Q: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the town of Barnstable?
I think that the seasonality of our economy is our number one challenge. If we had a broader, more diversified economic base it would be easier for all businesses, as well as creating more opportunities for the people who live and work here.
Q: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Barnstable?
I love the wonderful sense of community and support, the physical beauty of our town. Because Barnstable is really at the heart of the Cape it makes it easy for us to work from Woods Hole to Provincetown.
Q: What is one thing you would never change about your business?
Our willingness to take on new challenges, to stretch ourselves in an effort to meet a client’s expectation.
Q: What is your business’ greatest asset?
My incredible team of employees!!!!
Q: What is your favorite spot in town?
The harbor, we have our sailboat in a slip behind the Maritime Museum. I love to stroll the docks with my husband on a summer evening, watching people enjoy the beauty of our waterfront.
Q: What’s one thing the community should know about you?
My favorite saying, which I live by, is attributed to Winston Churchill:
"Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up."
