Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in baking but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Hsiao, Founder of Kitsby, located in Brooklyn, NY, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Kitsby is an Asian-owned culinary experience company. Our mission is to bring a taste of Asian-American upbringing and nostalgia - whether at home, in the kitchen, or at one of our events. The very essence of the Kitsby brand is inspired by our own childhood memories shared at the dining room table. Over the course of 6 years, our company has evolved from a local dessert café based in Brooklyn, New York, to an eCommerce and event-planning franchise.
Tell us about yourself
Kitsby's brand concept all started with my passion for food and baking. As a first-generation Chinese-American woman raised in Chinatown, New York City, My fondest and most memorable experiences from my upbringing were surrounded by food. Despite growing up in a diverse city, I realized the food I ate at home was not represented in the retail food market. She wanted an opportunity to celebrate her Taiwanese heritage, and home cooking flavors passed down through generations. I wanted to create a company that prioritizes ingredients - like salt egg yolk, Japanese hojicha powder, and sesame - that I'm accustomed to. In 2017, Amy and cofounder Maverick Wong founded Kitsby. They've since opened a dessert café in Brooklyn, New York, launched more than 10 food products, and operate out of two warehouses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is creating loyal fans who follow an internal team we can nurture and grow.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the constant struggle of finding funding as a minority women-owned and operated business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- There's no correct timing, but also make sure you can support yourself without immediate income.
- Be flexible and willing to pivot.
- Often, it's not about the business but the team behind it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kitsby.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitsby/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekitsby/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thekitsby
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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