Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bailey Cohen, Founder of Bailey the Chef, located in Washington, DC, USA.

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

I am a health-supportive personal chef and health coach and have a team of talented chefs in the DMV area. I enjoy utilizing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients to create healthy and delicious meals. All my services, including menu creation and recipe development, are fully customizable to best fit my client's preferences. I work with families, busy couples, and individuals looking for convenient and high-quality dishes to enjoy throughout the week.

Tell us about yourself

I've always been incredibly interested in the health, wellness, and food industry. I started my journey by becoming a certified health coach back in 2016. Afterward, I attended culinary school at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York. The week of graduation, I was eager to start my own business and grow a clientele in the city. I now live in DC and work in Maryland and Virginia as well. Working with clients on a personal level to help achieve their goals, rather it be the simplicity of having healthy meals on hand, working to lose weight, incorporating more plant foods, or assisting with a medical procedure or diagnosis, is incredibly rewarding and something I'm very passionate about.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

A large accomplishment of mine would be moving during COVID from NYC to DC, a city I was unfamiliar with, and re-established my business, now having more clients than ever before.

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

Balancing and creating time for myself, I love what I do so much that it can be difficult to carve out time aside from cooking, planning menus, and connecting with other chefs and clients.

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

  1. It can't be done without passion, so make sure it is something you love!
  2. Think of the end goal that will help keep you motivated and driven.
  3. Keep an open mind and network from every angle.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I work with chefs in different cities across the US, so if you are not located in the DC area, please don't hesitate to reach out as I offer other virtual services and do have chef contacts in various locations. Oh, and... food is fuel!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.baileythechef.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaileyThePersonalChef/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bailey_thechef/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bailey-cohen-107822126/

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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