Emphasizing Celiac Friendly Foods - Honest Foods

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Aaron, Founder of Honest Foods LLC., located in Parker, CO, USA.

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

My personal chef company is dedicated to providing individuals and families with healthy foods that focus on fresh, high-quality, and sustainable ingredients. My primary service is weekly meal preparation, which entails providing clients with individualized, fully prepared meals with easy reheating instructions. I also offer in-home cooking lessons and in-home dinner parties/special events. I strive to provide all of my clients with delicious foods that accommodate various food allergies and sensitivities, especially individuals that are gluten-free. As someone with celiac disease, I know that it can be disappointing to inform a restaurant of your food allergy and either receive poor-tasting food or food that has been cross-contaminated with your allergen(s). I also know what it is like to grow up in a household with two working parents. Before I started cooking for my family, mealtime was stressful and unpredictable. It often led to us eating out at restaurants because it was the most convenient option, but our physical health began to suffer. It means everything to me to provide busy families or individuals with a convenient way to eat a stress-free, healthy meal every night so more energy can be spent focusing on the things that truly matter in life.

Tell us about yourself

My love of food began in childhood when I started to prepare meals for my family every night at the age of 12. I loved the power cooking had to bring us all together because I did not always have an opportunity to spend time with my parents due to their jobs. Some of my happiest memories from childhood involve being in the kitchen with my mom or grandma, scouring cookbooks for the most challenging recipes, and absorbing knowledge from my idolized celebrity chefs. It was one of the few places where I felt most at peace. Though cooking never entirely left my life, I had many circumstances happen that led me down a difficult path that initially did not involve a culinary career. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with celiac disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis. Needless to say, my life completely changed when it came to mealtime. Not only for me but for my wife as well. These diagnoses reignited my passion for cooking, and I began to re-evaluate a career that would truly make me happy in life. With the support and encouragement from my wife, I left teaching to pursue my business. Owning my own business is challenging and fear-inducing at times. The reality is that I am lucky to be alive today, and I have been given many second chances in life. Despite the pitfalls of owning a business, I am driven to continue what I do each and every day because I love to cook. I want to have a life with happiness, meaning, and purpose. I want to help families and individuals that struggle to provide a consistent and healthy homecooked meal every night. I have a vision of where I want to be in life with respect to my company. I have not reached that point yet, but I am driven to grow my business and help as many families as I possibly can.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is finding the right clients that need and value your service. It takes time to find the right clients. Once you do find them, you will notice that more and more people start seeking your services.

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

1. Join your local chamber of commerce or other networking communities. Word of mouth is a great way to expand your business, and there is a strong and supportive community amongst small business owners.
2. I never created a formal business plan, but I did develop a vision. My vision included things like why I want to do this, what my business is, who is my ideal clients, how I will promote my services, etc. My vision helped guide my actions and reminded me of my purpose.
3. Never give up! Owning a business can be difficult. Circumstances come up that you never dreamed would happen, and you need to find ways to solve those obstacles. If you love what you do, find a way to make it happen.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Never give up on what you love or your dreams, even if you question the monetary value of your passion. True passion differentiates a job from a career. If you love something enough and are willing to put in the work, monetary and invaluable rewards will inevitably follow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.honestfoodsllc.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honestfoodsllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honestfoodsllc/

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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