Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tanesha Trippett, owner of Jacobs Catering LLC dba Brotherly Grub, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I specialize in southern and international cuisine. My brunch menu focuses on southern classics with a twist of Philly. Our catering menu focuses on high-end international cuisine. We thrive on having a diverse menu to accommodate our guests, wow their taste buds, and introduce them to the world of flavors and traditions.
Tell us about yourself
I worked in finance for 15 years because it paid my bills and allowed me to spend time with my children. But my passion has always been good and people. My family is from Savannah, Georgia, and southern hospitality has always been something my family took a lot of pride in. From the food to make sure you were comfortable. The core values in my family, the work ethic, and sacrifices the women in my family made to make sure my mother was taken care of. When my grandmother's mother passed, my mother was only five years old. She also had seven other siblings. My great Aunts and 3 of my mother's siblings took care of all the children.
Which meant they could not pursue professional careers and were left to do housework and sell platters and cakes for extra money. My great aunts were phenomenal cooks. Even though education was unavailable to them, my great aunt, who raised me as a grandchild, eventually earned a GED at 60 years old. She started a daycare center because she believed deeply in education and provided children with home-cooked meals.
My grandmother instilled that it's never too late and I'm never too old to have anything I want. And she has done so much so I wouldn't have to go through the things she had to go through. I want to provide delicious food, and I get a warm feeling when someone has a great experience that is centered around my food.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner to date is training a high school student studying to become a chef to showcase her skill. She was awarded a presidential scholarship for the Culinary Institute of America.
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 continuing to remain determined and passionate when business is slow and the bills are coming faster than the income.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never give up.
- Learn from your mistakes.
- Your destiny is between your passion and helping others.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Everyone has a gift. You have to nourish it, learn as much about it as possible, and make a plan. It’s ok if no one understands because it’s your vision.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.brotherlygrub.biz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chefnesh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobsnorthwest/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brotherlygrub1
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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