Dinner Parties, Cooking Classes, and More!

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food service but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Ross, Owner of Karen's Creative Cuisines, located in Tavares, FL, USA.

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

Karen's Creative Cuisines is a personal chef service. I provide services for dinner parties, cooking classes, and other special occasions. My customers are people who want that extra help with planning and preparing foods for dinner parties, birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, and more.

Tell us about yourself

My love of cooking started with helping my mom make dinner and baking cakes. From there on, I took home economics courses in middle and high school. I have had many great cooks in my family who are no longer with us. But I can visualize the wonderful times I had with them in the kitchen. The laughter and the joy of them showing me how to prepare some of their special dishes.

I've always wanted a business. I think everyone around knew that too. A friend of mine told me Boston University Culinary Arts Program was starting a program to be certified as a Private and Personal Chef. So, we signed up. I remember some of the other students asking me when I was going to start a business. Without thinking about the question, I said as soon as we finished this program. I did just that. I am motivated by knowing that I can and do help others to eat healthier and as well as enjoying cooking for those who love to indulge.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments is having longevity with this type of business. When Covid arrived, I had to restructure the way I do business. I didn't feel as comfortable going into someone's home, especially to do large events. I continued to cook for some of my regular clients, but it took two years before I took on new clients. Also, with restructuring my business, I've put doing weekly meal plans on hold.

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

One of the hardest things for me as a business owner is marketing. My services are not for everyone financially. I understand that, but some potential clients don't see that.

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

Don't listen to the naysayers.
Leap out on faith and truly believe in yourself. Make a vision board and focus on it daily.
Make sure you have some savings in case you run into bumps along the way to your success.

Meditate. For me, it's important because it will help you to stay focused.

Where can people find you and your business?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-ross-6774252/

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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