Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food service but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chef D.J. Mendivel, a Personal Chef, based in Lincoln City, OR, USA.

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

I'm a Personal Chef. My clients run a wide range from tourists vacationing to corporate events and even weddings. I love feeding people, so we feed the community often for free.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a Chef through and through. We're connected to this earth through food and water. I have been in the restaurant industry for nearly 20 years—10 years of that in the kitchen. During Covid, I wanted to bring back the feeling of gathering in a safe way.

My family's roots are so vast and wonderful. My dad's family is Mexican, with roots in Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Zacatecas, and as far back as Spain. My mother's family has royal ancestors, including Robert the Bruce and many more. I am on a mission to learn how they cooked, ate, spoke, gathered, and the music they liked. I want to celebrate culture through food. All cultures are very important.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment yet was being profitable in my first year. That's almost unheard of in food service.

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

Having to be responsible for the well-being of others.

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

  1. Be courageous; it's only impossible until it isn't.
  2. Do what you love, even if you start from the bottom.
  3. Be positive.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm a very proud father of 3 with another son on the way. I'm four years sober from alcohol on 9/6. I really want to help people understand how to be ethical consumers as well.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.chefmendivel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefdjmendivel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefdjmendivel/

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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