Who Founded the Perfect Setting ?

T

he Perfect Setting came about in the way many great things do chance, fate or divine intervention. Two visionary women, Trish Cieslak and Libbi Hall, had retired after many successful years in their careers. These women, both of them, ambitious go getters decided on their own that they needed something more than staying at home to keep them busy. How they got from that point to the business called "The Perfect Setting", is as Paul Harvey says, "The Rest of The Story".

The Players:

Libbi Hall: is a highly respected teacher from the Floyd County School System. After twenty-nine years she retired from the local school system. Libbi, quickly realized, that "there was more to life than housecleaning". This decided, she fufillled a life long dream by creating "Heavenly Creations", a Christian Bookstore and gift shop. She had ambitious plans for future expansion which included a quaint cafe.

Trish Cieslak: spent a 25-plus year career working as personal secretary for the Jake Cooley family. Trish, after long years on the road decided to step back and spend more time at home. Finding herself semi-retired, she took the opportunity offered to fufill a lifetime dream of her own. She, created, "Special Touch Catering", a home-based catering business that quickly outgrew its home.

How did the Perfect Setting come from these roots ?

Heavenly Creations had been open for three years, struggling due to location, the local economy and other factors. Trish had been catering from her home for two years, quickly realizing the limitations of running the business from the house. Libbi and Trish had often talked of their desire to combine the two businesses realizing the synergy and strengths of providing a cafe', gift shop and catering as a side business.

At around the same time Libbi and some friends of hers who had businesses in McDowell began to express the desire to have homemade lunches prepared. Sensing an opportunity, "Special Touch Catering" quickly jumped in to fill the need of preparing healthy home-cooked meals. A needed niche in the area.

Quickly, the combined business outgrew their small location. Trish and Libbi began looking for a place to expand into and in 2003, their prayers were answered. A building that they had been looking at for expansion became available. Quickly seizing the opportunity they leased this building.

Then, came the process of turning this building into their business. Soon, after much elbow grease, prayer, tears, and love the building blossomed from a neglected shell and their business was ready to unfold its wings. The Perfect Setting was launched to a waiting world.

What were the early business years like ?

As with all businesses, the early years consisted of learning experiences and growth pains. Business models had to be changed and adapted, as customer wants and needs were established. The Perfect Setting was graced from the beginning, with loyal friends and customer's, and with their support and prayers, along with the Lord's blessing the business began to to grow and succeed.

Compounding early growth problems, the location experienced major flooding. This flooding, threatened the businesses survival but, with the hard work of Trish and Libbi along with their loyal customers, family and community, the business has survived becoming a major success. The Perfect Setting success includes, being called on to cater many special dinners and functions for prominent area businesses. These events has included catering for Melissa Gilbert and Pricilla Presley when they presented at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

Once, the business was up and running, Libbi decided she wanted to step away from day- to-day work with the business. This left Trish in charge of most day-to-day operations. Libbi remains, involved though and is always there lending a helping hand as needed to keep the growing business thriving.

What are the Future Plans for The Perfect Setting ?

That The Perfect Setting will stay a community treasure. That The Perfect Setting will continue to provide for the needs of the community. That The Perfect Setting, will adapt and provide new services and products, as consumer needs change over the years. That, with the Lord's help, along with the support of our community and friends The Perfect Setting will continue to be a blessing to and for the community.

Trish Cieslak