Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cornelius Jemison, Founder of Corny.Co, located in Gary, IN, USA.

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

My only angle as a cook, chef, or guy making your steak is to proudly present my ideas to people and hope it is an interaction they will remember and try their best to conceptualize to their friends (Which I love hearing about whenever we dine together again.).

My clientele is often individuals and groups who never experienced a more intimate style of hospitality that restaurants cannot provide. With no kitchen walls up, they see I am a laser-focused professional who not just cooks for or with them but also freely laughs, sharing, and relishes at the moment.

Tell us about yourself

The pandemic. Lol. When every kitchen shut down, people didn't stop eating. I started selling comfort food in a to-go fashion out of necessity, and it hit me. I can do what I want. Colleagues who knew my background trusted me to release and refine my ideas without a director or chef's permission, and I was anxiously steadfast to see what I could do. Being able to do something that feels as natural as preparing a Sunday Roast with loved ones for a living. I apply that same amount of vigilance to any brunch, wedding rehearsal, or anniversary celebration I cater, so it "almost" never feels like work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Continuing to be a business owner first and foremost. Learning early on that if you combine the two biggest tools, skills and personality (just being me and not a brand), opportunities for growth and community outreach are endless.

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

You are quite literally signing up to be on the clock 24/7 but also deciding when you take a vacation.

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

  1. If you feel like you are ready or overly confident to pursue anything entrepreneurial for the first time with your name, money, and heart behind it, you are probably not ready. You truly just go for it.
  2. Know your worth. You owe no one affordability, including family and friends. The clients that want and need the value you provide will give you everything you need and then some.
  3. Be disciplined in your efforts and growth in all things economic, personal, and interpersonal. At the end of the day, the only things we can control are our actions and our reactions.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There will be $10,000 weeks and $1000 weeks. Sometimes it is out of our control, but we can not create new aspirations if we do not allow time to stop and smell the roses. Take care of yourself first, and the business will follow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.corneliusrjemison.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorneliusJemison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cornyguyy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_CornyGuyy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelius-jemison-6a0b10126/

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.