Pampered Chef Cooks Up a Heaping Helping of Generosity

Pampered Chef consultant Diane Haroutunian-Brus of Berkley is using her position to raise money to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Haroutunian-Brus serves as a consultant for Illinois-based Pampered Chef, whose representatives sell kitchen tools and put on cooking demonstrations.

This Saturday, she will host two holiday events at her home, with a portion of proceeds to benefit relief efforts on the East Coast. A holiday shopping open house will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a card game with prizes will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Fifteen percent of Pampered Chef sales during the open house and 15 percent of the card game proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross. (See below for more details and to RVSP.)

[Read how to help the American Red Cross assist Hurricane Sandy survivors.]

"The best part about my business is that I am able to help out people and places in need. I will do a fundraiser for (just about) anyone," Haroutunian-Brus said. "I usually donate at least 10 percent of my sales. I have donated to Crohn's (disease), leukemia, cancer, schools, Scouts, band programs, sports, people-to-people trips, any child in need of sponsorship, I will do my best to contribute. 

"So when I got an e-mail from Pampered Chef telling me that they would match my donation up to 15 percent, then I decided I was having an open house and SNOOP anyways, why not try to help those who have lost everything?" she said.

Haroutunian-Brus' generosity doesn't end there, however.

"My friend has a foundation called Building Bridges. She does amazing things for families around the holidays and the program also (offers) scholarships (for) inner-city kids to attend private schools and to go on to college," she said. "It is an amazing program and I wrap up a couple hundred dollars worth of kitchen tools and donate them. It is the best part of my job, giving back to those in need."

Haroutunian-Brus recently took some time to answer a few questions from Berkley Patch. Read on to find out about what life is like as an independent consultant, what Haroutunian-Brus had to say about celebrity chefs Ina Garten and Paula Deen, and more.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have lived in Berkley over 20 years and have raised our son here. My hobbies are cooking mostly – that is my passion and what I love to do. That is how I became a Pampered Chef customer over 17 years ago. I love cooking for my family and friends, and taking goodies to the Berkley (Public Safety Department) when I cannot find anyone at home to eat them.

Tell us about your role with Pampered Chef.

I was first a customer over 20 years ago, and after many products, decided I wanted to sell Pampered Chef. They have products that I believed in and have used and have stood the test of time. I always knew I loved the products but what I didn’t know was how much I was going to love the company. I signed up 4 years ago to sell Pampered Chef part-time. ... I have now reached $100,000 in sales. I get my contacts through vendor shows, cooking shows, my website, Facebook, but mostly via word of mouth. Happy customers tell others and so on. Without my customers, I am just another direct sales person.

What can people expect during one of your cooking demonstrations?

Just about anything that they would like. We have a vast number of meals that we make for a family of four for under $2 a person. I can bake a whole chicken in the microwave in 30 minutes and it will be moist and delicious. I can teach people easy and quick ways to prepare meals along with money-saving tips. I come into your home (or they invite their guests to my home) and I demonstrate our products as well as cook a dish for everyone to try.

What lessons have you learned and resources have you discovered as a small business franchisee?

That I am my own boss. I do not have to report to anyone and my hours are my own. I work as much as I like or as little. Pampered Chef does not put high demands on us as far as how much to sell. If after 3 months we have not sold anything, then you can figure it out. You can start this business for as little as $40; if you don’t sell anything, you keep the products and walk away.

What drew you to Pampered Chef?

I love people and I love helping people. This job allows me to help people feed their families healthy meals and save money along the way. I knew in the past when I hosted shows, I would get over $100 in free products. That would be for just a small show. The incentives now are even better. I get so excited closing out a show and telling my hostesses/host how much free stuff they get.

Who are some of your favorite cooks/chefs and why?

Ina Garten and Paula Deen hands down. Ina because she teaches you why we do the things that we do when we cook. She educates you. Paula because she brings the family into the kitchen. Knowledge and love is what you get with the two of them.

Holiday shopping open house

• When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
• Where: 2135 Dorothea, Berkley
• Cost: Admission is free. Fifteen percent of Pampered Chef sales proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
• Why go: Enjoy drinks and munchies while you shop products from vendors including Pampered Chef, Thirty-One Gifts, Jewel Kade and Party Lite.
• What else: Customers who spend more than $75 will receive a gift.

Holiday SNOOP

• When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: 2135 Dorothea, Berkley.
• Cost: $15 buys a goody bag with one Pampered Chef item, plus 20 rounds of the card-and-dice game SNOOP.
• Why go: Play for Pampered Chef merchandise and prizes. Fifteen percent of proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
• What else: Click here for more information about how to play SNOOP. Space is limited to 20 people; call 248-515-3261 to RSVP.