Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food service but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chana Robinson, owner of BiteSize Kitchen, located in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Private Cannabis chef that hosts non-infused and infused fine dining pop-up dinners every month. With fresh and local ingredients. Along with the pop-ups, I also provide personal chef services for whatever occasion, milestones, intimate events, or large gatherings.
Tell us about yourself
I am a navy veteran. Once I got out of the military, I started wielding at the local shipyard, but I kept getting laid off. I wanted something more meaningful, so I went to culinary school. I worked at a few local restaurants, resorts, and catering companies until I got the dream of becoming a private chef where I could be home more with my family—creating my own hours and schedule. My family motivates me to keep pushing and learning to better myself and my craft. Because without them and God, I would be nothing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is starting this business, keeping to it, and opening my mind up to keep learning.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is knowing when to turn off the business. Because once you become a business owner, there are no longer 9-5 hours; it’s 24 hours of you thinking and working on your business. Because now you've become everything, the HR, media team, performer, the janitor, etc. So just finding that balance is the hardest well for me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Some days it’s going to be challenging where you want to quit but don’t! Keep going, just refocus and go.
- Market, market, market yourself and your business in every way possible. Because if no one can see your business, you won't get any customers.
- Starting your business alone is okay, but you will need help. Don’t be afraid to bring more people into your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chana.robinson.5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitesize_kitchen_/
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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