Joan … Ah! Bella Limousines

Occupation: Small Business Owner

A can-do attitude and a positive disposition helped Joan overcome many challenges over the years.  Joan ran a luncheonette/coffee shop business prior to being diagnosed with a disability. Eager to get back to work, she sought VESID’s help.   

Joan utilized VESID’s assistance a number of times with excellent outcomes.  She was first trained at the Culinary Institute as a chef.  As part of her externship, she was placed at the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale, LI, where she excelled and was hired.  Her talents were recognized and she was promoted to Chef/Cook and was transferred to the Mid-Town East Courtyard Marriott prior to its opening.  Unfortunately, she sustained injuries to both arms when a refrigerator closed on both arms pinning them. 

Wanting to get back into the workforce, Joan once again asked VESID’s assistance for career counseling.  Given Joan’s background in culinary and her physical restrictions, Joan, with her VESID counselor, explored several careers.  Joan decided to learn the front end of the hotel business at the NY School for Hotel and Restaurant Management.  Joan graduated at the top of her class.  She completed an externship with Aramark, which landed her a permanent job working as a conference coordinator with the Citigroup.  During this time, part of her responsibilities included supervising a staff of employees. 

Once again, Joan was faced with a set back, a most serious illness. However, after a long recuperation with many physical limitations she returned to VESID to explore employment options.  Joan, always a positive thinker and eager to work, proposed to have her own limousine business.  Since Joan had previous experience with family-owned business and the ability to coordinate and supervise entrepreneurship this was a viable goal. 
 
She obtained financing to purchase her first car.  With VESID’s self-employment assistance, she purchased insurance and paid for advertising.  She is now the proud owner of Ah! Bella Limousines.  With the continuous support of her two daughters Leah and Kristin, she has been able to finally generate income and once again be a self-supporting, contributing member of the workforce.

Ella Craanen,Regional Marketing Coordinator
Hempstead District Office