Valerie Shulock, Chef, Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner

She might not have any formal culinary training, but that didn't stop Valerie Shulock from launching her own catering business, Basil Tree. That was back in 1987, when she and two friends cooked and created in a cramped kitchen in Somerville, Mass making unique dishes for area cafes and take-out markets. Today, Val has more than 30 employees who work out of a much larger space in Cambridge. Basil Tree Catering & Cafe is a business with a conscience, working closely with the Boston area's charitable organizations and shelters. As a certified Sustainable Business leader, Val and company recycle and re-compost more than 90% of their waste. Val shares her philosophy, work ethic and some of her delicious dishes - made from scratch with fresh, all natural ingredients.