Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Keller.
Hi Heidi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been a working professional chef for over 30 years, with 15 of those years in hotels. Over the span of my career, I’ve learned all aspects of not only cooking, but guest service, hospitality and business management. Although my passion is in the art of cooking, at the heart of what i do is taking care of people. Nothing makes me happier or more fulfilled than providing people with an unforgettable experience and being of service while they celebrate the happiest times of their lives.
For the past 23 years, my husband and I have been traveling to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, first with visiting and staying with our family and eventually purchasing land and building our own place. The Upper Peninsula is a beautiful place and if you’re lucky enough to visit here, you’re lucky enough.
When the chance to take ownership of a six-cabin resort in Curtis MI presented itself, I decided to change my life. Cooking for over 30 years in a commercial kitchen is stressful and very labor intensive; it’s a young person’s game. I think a lot of chefs face this, what to do when you’re no longer young (if lifestyle or mental health struggles don’t take you out before then.) I can wait until my body breaks down or I can figure out what to do next. If you had asked me two years ago how this would have looked, I couldn’t have told you. I think the big mistake we make is thinking we need to have all the answers before making a decision. That’s backwards; once the decision is made, the brain will find the answers. I knew I wanted to do it, I made the decision to do it, and the rest has been falling into place. As an example, my biggest concern was whether or not I could manage this financially. Could I afford to leave the traditional workplace? It turns out I have a lot to offer professionally, besides my ability to stand for 12 hours on shift. I brought a proposal to my current place of employment. I created a job description, pitched it to my bosses, and negotiated a sort of remote hybrid chef position at my current place of employment which allows me to spend the summers up here managing the resort while still providing me with a bit of financial stability and a foot in the door. I also get to keep being a chef. Its like a dream come true, I feel like i didn’t have to sacrifice anything. This whole process has shown me how many people are willing to stand up and support me. It’s been humbling and I’m so grateful for all of it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
OK so it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Nor did I expect it to be, because nothing is, really. The big questions of course: can I afford to do this? If I leave the path I’m on, and it doesn’t work out, can I come back? Will I ruin everything I’ve worked so hard for? WHAT IF I FAIL?
It’s scary to let go of the shore before seeing the other side.
I think the biggest challenge is just silencing all that noise and believing in myself. I have a solid background in hospitality and lodging, I have a network of people willing to lend a hand to paint a cabin, or with words of encouragement. People who want me to be successful. And I remind myself often that I’ve been here before. I take stock of the experiences I’ve had throughout my life. The best and most exciting outcomes have happened on the road less traveled, the road that’s not so smooth. And I’ve met those challenges as they arise and I’ve persevered. And I will again, this is no different. Mistakes will be made, lessons will be learned, and one day I will look back and wish I had savored all of this a little more. I mean, how many chances do you get, to follow a dream?
As you know, we’re big fans of Heidi’s L’il Haven Resort. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Heidi’s L’il Haven Resort is centrally located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in downtown Curtis. The resort is directly on all sports South Manistique Lake with some of the very best year-round fishing. We are also directly on Snowmobile Trail 43, perfect to sled in and sled out! And we have the unique advantage of being able to walk next door to a locals’ favorite bar, across the street for worldclass BBQ, and in close proximity to pizza, ice cream, bait shop, boat rentals and so much more. This place really does have it all.
We are a short drive to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. We are a great homebase for people traveling to all of the amazing towns and attractions the UP has to offer, from Seney Wildlife Refuge, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls, Kitch-iti-kipi, Soo Locks, Copper Harbor, the list is endless.
Families have been coming to the resort for generations to build the same kinds of memories that made me and my husband fall in love with the UP. I am so proud to be able to carry on that tradition for all of our current and future guests. Come visit us and the unspoiled beauty of the Upper Peninsula and see why it is one of the nation’s best kept secrets!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Lately I’ve been reading fictional stories from the local area’s authors. It has been a great way to help me process all of the pieces of knowledge I’ve gained about the surrounding areas in a fun kind of way and I feel a real sense of pride from these denizens, as well as a way to support the local arts community.
I’ve also learned that one of the reasons why the UP is such a well-kept secret is because there isn’t a huge online presence via websites, google searches, etc. Business is still done through word of mouth and a handshake. So, the local chamber of commerce is a great resource, but nothing beats just sitting up at the local bar, grabbing a snack and talking to the other patrons. The greatest resource for me has been the people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilhavenresort.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Heidislilhavenresort
Image Credits
Property photos courtesy of Jake Shampine
