Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jean Civil, Owner of Chefs for Seniors of Gaston County & Lake Norman, located in Mount Holly, NC, USA.

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

Chefs For Seniors is a business that caters to Senior Citizens ( although we can help anyone). Seniors Citizens want to age in place, but a good deal of them are malnourished and lonely. Chefs for Seniors combat those issues by cooking for the seniors in their homes, and accompanying them while we cook.

Tell us about yourself

I love to work with Senior Citizens. I have worked 90% of my career as a Respiratory Therapist in Senior Living facilities, and almost every senior I came into contact with wished they could have stayed at home. They were unable to do so because they were malnourished and lonely. This is a great fit to help seniors age in place for as long as they can. If someone has put their whole life into their home, they don't want to leave it. I like to be part of the reason they get to stay in their home.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am just getting started, so I would say having the nerve to get started is my biggest accomplishment so far.

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

I think that having the faith that it will all work out is the hardest thing. Looking at the big picture over months and not daily ups and downs.

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

  1. Make sure you have enough capital upfront. It takes longer than you think it might get started.
  2. Make sure all of your systems are up and running smoothly and make your life as easy as possible.
  3. Don't be afraid to network with like-minded people. Those connections will be your lifeline.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Be passionate about what you want to do. I wake up grateful every morning for what I am accomplishing.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://chefsforseniors.com/Gaston-Lake-Norman-NC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jean.civil.39
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefs4seniors/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chefs4seniors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-civil/

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.