Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mikki Bunag, Founder & Chef of Alab SF, located in San Leandro, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Alab SF -"Alab" which means a burning desire, is a subscription-based organic meal delivery service that provides wholesome, nutritious, sustainable, and delicious food serving busy families in East Bay, Marin, Peninsula, San Francisco, and some parts of South Bay.

Tell us about yourself

I did my internship in Provence, France, Cabro d or, a 1 Michelin star restaurant, and Oustau de baumaniere, a 2 Michelin Restaurant. After graduation, I went to New York for a stage in Eleven Madison Park, a 3 Michelin-star Restaurant, and got accepted but had problems with the paperwork. I was lucky that I visited people in Enderun that worked in Benoit bistro and met Chef Philipp Bertineau and got a job! I then worked at Il Buco Alimentari and worked my way up to be a Sous Chef. This might be one of the best Italian places to learn Italian cuisine. After, I worked at The Bowery Hotel with Chef Carlo Bigi as Executive Sous Chef and did a lot of big events. I got promoted within the company as Executive Chef at The Park doing New American Cuisine. After that, I worked as Sous Chef at Uncle Boons, a 1 Michelin star Thai restaurant, the best Thai food in New York City, and Uncle Boon's Sister and helped open Thai Diner, the new flagship restaurant. COVID-19 happened, and I decided to move to San Francisco. It was a tough time. I'm sure for all of us. I did a lot of side hustles like driving for Uber, Lyft, Instacart, door dash and many more to make ends meet. I did some catering events, Private Chef gigs and even cooked for some of my neighbors whenever there was an opportunity. Everything changed for me with COVID-19. But because of the people I got connected with within another industry, I pursued personal development, finances, relationships, health, and many more. The love and support of my family helped a lot as well. I went back to my "WHY," and that's to help better & impact other people's lives. I worked at the Cupboard part-time while doing other side gigs to make ends meet, and a month after decided to be in business for myself. I promised myself that I would never be in a position like that ever again. Thus, Alab SF was born.

I always had a big dream, and I was willing to put in a great work habit, develop skills, and have a student's heart to learn each and every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner is being able to impact other people's lives across the Bay Area through high-quality organic foods that help keep a healthy lifestyle and being able to adhere to sustainability practices, not just with our glassware which lessens our carbon print but also in sourcing our produce working with local farmers and fishermen.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the most difficult challenges that I've faced is not being in control of my situation, like what happened recently with COVID-19. I'm sure many of us, not just in the culinary industry but all industries, were affected, and many of us were surely having a hard time making ends meet. I believe that it was also a blessing in disguise that I got to pivot and make changes in my life and re-focus on moving forward. I learned that I just need to focus on the things I can control and not the things I cannot. I went back to my "why's" that I'm doing this for my God, my family, and my community, and that pushed me to pivot and make changes.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Learn your craft! Develop a hunger to learn. Develop work habits, Patience, Persistence, and Grit.
  2. Embrace change. Embrace failure.
  3. Surround yourself with the best people in the industry and pursue and develop trust and seek their perspective. Ask great questions.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://alabsf.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alabsfmeals
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabsfmeals/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikki-buñag-44721871/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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