We’re continuing our We See You series celebrating incredible women in our egg business club - because you can’t be what you can’t see. This time, the spotlight shines on Maria Harper, a chef, cookery teacher and founder of The Edinburgh Canapé Company.
Maria has reinvented herself more than once. Starting with a career in journalism and the arts, she stepped away to raise her children. When past doors wouldn’t open again, she built a new one. That new door led her to food, to community and ultimately to an Edinburgh-based catering business she continues to grow on her own terms.
Maria, how did your love for food begin?
I started cooking at a young age, mostly by helping my mum and grandmothers who made wonderful dishes. Their kitchens were always the heart of the home, full of delicious smells, conversations, and that quiet confidence women have when they cook from instinct rather than recipes. I learned early on that food wasn’t just about eating; it was about care, creativity, and bringing people together.
Those moments shaped everything I do now. My mum taught me the joy of simple, honest flavours, while my grandmothers showed me the beauty in taking your time, paying attention, and cooking with love. Their influence is in every canapé, every class I teach, and every event I cater. It’s where my passion began. It’s still what drives me today: sharing that same sense of warmth, generosity, and connection with others through food.
Your career didn’t start in the food world. Tell us about your journey.
My career has definitely followed a squiggly path. I first studied journalism in Argentina, then went on to complete a Masters in Communication and the Arts, followed by professional photography training in Spain. I spent years working in the arts: storytelling, creativity and community were always at the centre of what I did.
When I moved to Scotland, I managed an audience development project across three arts organisations. But once I had children, with no family nearby, I chose to step back and be fully present with them.
Ten years later, trying to re-enter the workplace felt impossible; every door seemed closed. That moment forced me to reinvent myself, to look at the skills, passions and influences that had always been part of me and find a new way forward. That’s how food, creativity and community slowly came back into focus and eventually led me to where I am now proudly running a successful food business.
What was your first job ?
My first ‘proper’ job was in the press office at my local council, where I quickly gravitated toward covering the city’s arts and cultural life. Creativity has always pulled me in that direction.
But I think my real first job was actually a school volunteering project at an after-school club for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We shared food, played games, and spent time with them in a way that felt simple but deeply meaningful. That experience opened my eyes to the realities of the world beyond my own bubble, but it also taught me something lasting: the power of sharing food and creating genuine connections with people, no matter their circumstances. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me ever since.
Why did you decide to launch The Edinburgh Canapé Company?
I started my business because, after years of working in the arts and then stepping back to raise my kids, I reached a point where going back into traditional employment felt impossible. Every door I knocked on stayed firmly shut.
So, instead of trying to fit myself back into a box that no longer felt right, I decided to build something of my own. Something that combined my lifelong love of food, my creative background, and my passion for bringing people together.
Cooking had always been there: in my childhood, in my family, in the way I expressed care and connection to my friends. Launching The Edinburgh Canapé Company felt like reclaiming that part of me. It gave me the freedom to reinvent myself, to use my creativity in a hands-on way. The business was a way of rebuilding my confidence, rediscovering my skills, and shaping a life that works for me and my family.”
What were the early days like?
The early days were a huge learning curve. I had absolutely no idea how to run a business but I did know that my food was good, and I trusted that. Business Gateway gave me a brilliant start, but after that it was a lot of trial and error, figuring things out and finding my way.
Walk us through a typical day.
My mornings always start with a quick tea and taking the boys to school. The usual morning chaos. Once everyone is out the door, I reset the kitchen, open my notebook and plan the day: menus to create and test, events to prep for, emails to send, ingredients to order. If I have time, yoga before breakfast - it’s always the ticket for a great start of my day.
Who supports you the most?
My husband and my sisters are always there to listen, cheer me on, and remind me why I’m doing all this when things get overwhelming. But I also lean on the incredible women I’ve met through networks like egg, LinkedIn and other local business communities. The business community in Edinburgh is incredible. Having peers who understand the juggle of running a business, managing family life, and constantly reinventing yourself makes such a difference.
One system you can’t live without.
Google Calendar and my very battered notebook! Between events, menus, suppliers, school runs, enquiries and prep schedules, there’s a lot to juggle. Having everything mapped out is the only way I stay sane.
What’s your leadership style?
I lead by showing an example of good work ethics and supporting my team during a busy service. I aim to create an environment where people feel confident, supported and encouraged to take initiative.
What I’ve learnt about myself as a leader is that patience and flexibility are just as important as confidence. Running a small business means things don’t always go to plan. Staying calm, adaptable and solution-focused helps not only me but everyone around me.
What challenges have shaped you the most as an entrepreneur?
One of my biggest challenges as a business owner has been dealing with the unpredictability that comes from factors outside my control. For example, just as bookings started to pick up, COVID hit and my business went quiet overnight. I kept going thanks to tiny weddings (the kind with only six guests allowed) and those intimate moments genuinely kept the business alive. That period tested my resilience, creativity and determination to keep going, even when the future felt uncertain.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned along the way?
The value of trusting myself fully: my instincts, my skills and my vision. Starting and growing a business has shown me that confidence and perseverance can take me further than any perfect plan ever could.
Your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself, nurture your creativity and your inner world. Dream big, find meaningful connection with others and learn to listen and be present in other people’s lives. Build your community, find joy and contentment in nature, friendship and family. Be bold, make your dreams come true. You only live once!
Your mantra?
‘Do what you love and the rest will follow.’ It’s a simple reminder to trust my passions and instincts. For me, it reflects how I rebuilt my career around cooking and creativity. How focusing on what I genuinely love has guided every step of my business journey, from canapés to cookery classes to collaborations.
Your top tip for women at the very beginning of their business journey?
Get as much help as you can earlier on. A coach or mentor is invaluable to get your offering right and be more efficient about your time in the early stages of building a business.
Go to networking events like Business Gateway, egg, We Bit Social, Love Your Business… build your community, find your cheerleaders. Follow your passion and don’t give up!
Your vision for the future?
Over the next 10 years, I want The Edinburgh Canapé Company to continue growing steadily, expanding both in scope and reach while staying true to my values of quality products and great service. I hope to offer more bespoke catering experiences for private and corporate clients, while also growing our cookery class programme, particularly around festive and seasonal events.
I’d also love to explore collaborations with other female-led businesses and creative communities to create unique events, workshops, and pop-ups, making food an experience rather than just a service.
Ultimately, the goal is a business that’s financially secure, creatively fulfilling and deeply connected to the community. A place where I can keep sharing my passion for food while inspiring others to enjoy, learn and celebrate through it.
How has being part of egg business club helped you?
Being part of this network of like-minded, driven women has given me confidence, visibility, and a sense of belonging that’s been invaluable. Through the egg business club, I’ve built connections with peers who understand the challenges of running a business, offered advice, shared experiences and celebrated wins together.
Collaborations, like the recent Sip & Draw event with The Tower Portobello and Zoe Ugne, have also been made possible through these connections. egg has reminded me that business doesn’t have to be a solo journey. With the right support, encouragement and shared energy, growth and creativity become so much richer.
Want to grow your business like Maria?
If you’re reading Maria’s story and thinking I’d love more of that (more visibility, more connection, more confidence) there are two ways to get involved and join egg…
1. The egg Business Club - perfect for founders who want to be seen. You’ll get:
- a full profile in the egg Directory so your business is discoverable and recommended
- access to The Lounge, our online space for networking, webinars, advice and support discounted tickets to egg events
- opportunities for features, spotlights and real visibility
- It’s the best option if you want your business to stay front-of-mind across our community.
2. The Lounge, £15/month - ideal if you want a bigger network, more learning, and a safe space to ask questions. You’ll get:
- access to our members-only webinars
- online community threads
- networking and accountability
- event discounts
- weekly support and inspiration
You can join The Lounge now and upgrade to the Business Club whenever you’re ready for a Directory listing and more visibility.
