Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aliza Devenyi, Owner of Cured Catering, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Cured Catering is a catering and custom gifting solutions company. Our customers range from individual retail all the way up to fortune 100 companies.
Tell us about yourself
I am 29 years old and started my first business at 22. I originally opened a restaurant that I ran before the pandemic. When the pandemic happened and I closed the restaurant, I still had corporate clients needing catering, and I was forced to pivot into the new landscape. Regardless if a customer is using us for gifting or catering their own event, we are always included in special occasions; our product is used to indulge or treat. We love working with our clients to custom-curate and elevate their events to be memorable. Being included in so many special milestones never gets old!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment, which still requires daily attention, is a happy staff and a positive work culture. We spend a lot of time at work, and I believe with happy, positive staff, we set ourselves up to be able to produce the best product for our clients, and we hope it shows!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part about being a business owner, and creating my own hours, is creating a work/life balance. Knowing when to close the computer! If I wanted to, I could work 24/7, and the issue is I do want to! Ideas come at all hours of the day/night, and there is always something that can be done or improved. I learned early on to set strict hours for myself, as coming back with fresh eyes is almost always worth it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
There are so many moving parts to any business, and three things I would say are most important when building a foundation you can expand on are:
- Create an engaging online presence. Don't overthink it, and just start! Start by recognizing what draws you to websites and social pages you follow, and just start posting today! Your style and strategies will change over time, and that's okay!
- Automate as many things as possible! Your time is valuable, and anything you can do to save you time is worth it!
- Trust your gut, and maintain your own personal touch! You have the vision; no one knows your business better than you!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ordercured.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cured.cateringg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cured.catering/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliza-devenyi-868206154/
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.
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