Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Richards, CEO of CowgirlQ Barbecue, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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

I am a woman-owned business in a male-driven profession: American BBQ! Healthy, beautifully seasoned food cooked over an open flame or smoked in a hickory bath then artfully presented is my passion. I'm always looking for a few good parties!

Tell us about yourself

For 39 years, I have been in the catering and special events business. Nothing has changed as far as motivation, its people, and a proper profit all the time. Creating individual events and being paid properly for the service is a rush.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Staying in business for 39 uninterrupted years is an accomplishment. Learning from each good and bad experience while mentoring others is very satisfying.

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

Bureaucracy! We are in a regulated business, and the laws, guidelines, and fees change annually. Most of the regulations are to protect public health, and I am all about excellence on that point. Short-term regulation changes are expensive, uncontrollable, and unforeseen.

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

  1. Know yourself. What do you envision as success in 5 years? Will you be happy?
  2. Inspiration and Innovation go hand in hand: stay fresh.
  3. Never run out of money: have a financial plan and the resources.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being in business, staying in business, and running a business is hard. By hard, I mean that emotions, relationships, finances, and family are impacted by entrepreneurs' decisions about their business plans. Listen to diverse people and tune out the rest. Use your instinct agility and have fun making a living. Make a living! Working for free is volunteer work. Be properly paid and proud of your effort.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cowgirlq.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cowgirlqcatering
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowgirlqcatering/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowgirl-q/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.