Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Raina Mirchandani, co-founder of Did You Khado, located in Queens, NY, USA.

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

We are Raina & Gautam from New York! We run a food business called 'Did You Khado.' We cater for film sets, host unique culinary experiences for companies, and have opened our home kitchen to teach authentic recipes that we grew up on. We create unique recipes for private dinner parties based on where the client has traveled and what they like. Our customers love how they can bond in new ways with their families and kids over food.

Tell us about yourself

Gautam and I were high school sweethearts. A few years after I finished culinary school, we bumped into each other in India and ate our way through the country. We soon got married and moved to New York. I cooked every evening with Gautam, and he always loved my food so much. He encouraged me and helped me find my voice and create a brand. We started learning new recipes and exploring hot spots in the city together. Our love for food grew, and now he is also a certified chef! He continues to support and encourage me every day we run the business together.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been riding the COVID wave and pivoting the business from just catering to cooking classes as people want to learn cooking more than anything. We also recently assisted in catering for Amblin Films, had a food & color fight for team building with Story Syndicate, and a group cooking class for Work & Co. Sustaining the business, securing clients through this, and growing is my biggest accomplishment.

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

Seasons and news affect the business dramatically, and we underestimate that sometimes. Running a food business is a constant effort of set up, breakdown & cleanup. The ingredients themselves are a unique expression of art- more so than anything I could manipulate them into. Over time, the ingredients reveal themselves and require sensitivity to fully understand and get the most out of them.

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

To start a business, you need to be willing to put everything aside and feed your time into the business like it's a living, breathing thing. Eye for details, finding better ways of doing what you do, and automating what can be. Taking care of your own mental health by taking a break and rewarding yourself has also been invaluable.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We are creating unique spice blends inspired by our trip to Portland, Maine. Sometimes you have to go out of your way to find inspiration instead of waiting to be inspired.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://didyoukhado.setmore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/didyoukhado/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/didyoukhado/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/didyoukhado
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/did-you-khado/

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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