Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daniel Green, Owner of Chef Daniel Green LLC., located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’ve been in the home shopping industry for 18 years as a host and endorsed the cookware brand Gotham steel for the last seven years. Our customer is all across the United States, and we reach 96 million homes.
I also specialize in healthy eating and have designed menus for airlines and hotels across the world. I’ve been on Food Network and major channels across the world. My biggest book was on the Paleo diet, and I have written 12 cookbooks altogether, with the latest out this year called The Cannabinoid Cookbook.
Tell us about yourself
I was motivated after losing 65 pounds 30 years ago. I loved the food I was cooking, and that helped me lose weight. I always wanted to share my story, and I was lucky to get a platform in the United Kingdom to go on many networks and share this. From the BBC to discovery health and then moving to the United States 18 years ago and being able to share my story here.
I’ve been on Food Network with two series, ABC, regular on the hallmark channel, I host on shop HQ for 18 years, infomercials for Gotham steel, and the Travel Channel.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There have been many accomplishments:
- The books which have been a massive part of my world
- Cooking for the oldest princess in Thailand, to the US ambassador to Thailand
- Winning the gourmand award for one of my books
- Last month an award in Malaysia for world gourmet
- Being a judge on two series for the Food Network
- Selling 10 million pans for Gotham steel
- Creating menus for airlines such as Cathay Pacific
There have been a lot, but I’d have to go back to my first cookbook in 2002; it was dedicated to my eldest daughter Eleanor. That holds my heart.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Well, more than being a business owner, I’m in front of the camera, and the hardest part of the business is rejection and when you have to immediately get back on your feet and go for the next contract.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It took me a long time to realize what I wanted to do in life, so my only advice is when you have a passion, you’re going to do it the best you can do anything in life.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Sometimes talent is enough, but tenacity is more.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.chefdg.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefDanielJamesGreen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefdanielgreentv/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-green-044a767/
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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