Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food service but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marla Roscioli, Owner of Chef Marla Roscioli, located in Miami, FL, USA.

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

I am a Private Chef, running my own catering, classes, brand videos, and consultant services. My customers are Latín and American people who want exclusive and customized services. Entrepreneurs who want to start their own business with strong foundations. Restaurants and food brands that require a customize consultant.

Tell us about yourself

I have a Marketing Degree with Franchise Specialization. With this, I worked at one of the most important fast and full-service food chains in Venezuela as a Marketing Manager for six years. I got the real know-how about the food business and just fell in love with it. This experience awakened my desire to be a restaurant owner, but I didn't know how to cook. I wanted to create my own menu, so I decided to enroll in a cooking academy.

Then terrible social crisis in Venezuela just blew up. I had to quit the idea of being a restaurant owner, but I have been a strong believer that in crisis time, you have two options, crying or selling wipes. I always take selling wipes. So, I used the power of social media and created my own Cloud Kitchen for meals. It was really successful and drove me in all the amazing ways that I couldn't imagine. Being a private chef for an embassy, a cooking teacher for adults and kids, a chef host on national TV, developed recipes for food brands... And this unknown but amazing way to be creative and connect with people makes me stay and fills me with joy every day.

Even now, in this new beginning as an immigrant, a new mom, dealing with a new language and system. I have to say; I am a challenge lover! My biggest motivation right now is my little daughter. I want to show her that borders only exist in mind. I am 42 and still learning, But I feel stronger and more motivated for her and to be in a new country.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For me, my biggest accomplishment is not the money or the work that I do, it's knowing that I win the trust of every customer that I have, and they stay loyal to me, becoming friends and recommending me. This is my biggest prize.

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

Keeping the trust of your customers, handling costs, and dealing with no loyal competitors.

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

  1. Create a plan. With no plans, you won't know which route to take, and you only will be working for money.
  2. Put your personal brand on every product you create. Difference is the key to making pop between all these amazing entrepreneurs running into this world right now.
  3. Work and offer quality. This will make all your customers become loyal customers.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

No matter how often you have to start, successful people succeed because they persevere every day until they make it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://chefmarlaroscioli.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068721262630
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefmarlaroscioli/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/almuerzostogo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marla-roscioli-ba810461/

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.