Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food service but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lolimar Noghreh, Founder of Chef Loly Cuisine LLC., located in Leesburg, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a Personal chef & Catering boutique. My business consists basically of creating an eating experience for any small gathering. My service is personalized, and I create a menu based on the client's event. Then I do everything from menu design, table setting, and music; I do all the grocery shopping, prepping the food, and cooking the meals on-site. I served the food either family style, plated, or buffet style. I do all the cleaning after the service is done.
My clients are usually people who want to have a more personalized service or try a different type of cuisine. I specialize in theme menus for any occasion, from Mexican Night Menu, Paella Night, New American Cuisine, Venezuelan Cuisine, Alfresco Menu, etc.
Tell us about yourself
What first got me started on my business was my passion and love for cooking. I come from a family of great cooks; from a very early age, I was in the kitchen helping my mom with the meals. From a cultural standpoint, lunchtime and dinner were all about sitting around a table, playing music, lighting candles, and enjoying a meal with "after table" seating to talk about anything. Those memories inspired me to bring an eating experience to my clients. Family-style meals prepared by a chef that taste like home cooking! What motivates me every day is that I get to be creative and cook meals that reflect my personality in the kitchen. Latin flavors, Spanish flavors, or a fusion of new American cuisine!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment has been the satisfaction I get when my clients tell me they love my food! That's the reason why I cook with my heart.
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 the responsibility to do everything; I wear many hats, from being the accountant, PR, social media manager, chef, sous chef, event planner, and boss; it can take a toll mentally.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be patient.
- Love what you do.
- Don't think about how much money you are going to make. Think about how to grow a business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I always quote, "I cook with my heart to taste the love."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.chefloly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefLolymar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheflolymar/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.