Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristina Malone, owner of Kristina's Kitchen, LLC., located in Dagsboro, DE, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My husband Sean and I own and operate our breakfast and lunch cafe with TONS of take-out options, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, and quesadillas! We also offer coffees, smoothies, acai bowls, and baked goods with plenty of gluten-free and vegan variety. Although we are a take-out facility only, we have a nice selection of outdoor seating areas which you are welcome to use and even bring along your pup. We also accept orders for dietary restricted baked goods such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and KETO - cakes, cupcakes, breads, and scones. We also offer take-out dinners and have a delivery food truck that goes out weekly to local businesses and is available for events!
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in a culinary enthused family ranging from fine gourmet dining to homemade baked goods and chocolates. For 15 years, I was a licensed Esthetician and Nail Technician (owning my own spa and wellness center from 2014-2018). I discovered the connection between diet and whole-body health, including the skin and nails. I started introducing smoothies and gluten-free baked goods to my clients, and "Kristina's Kitchen" was born!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Surviving a pandemic! Let's face it, the year 2020 was hard on SO many people, if not everyone, and that is the year that we opened Kristina's Kitchen in our current location to the public. In fact, two weeks after we opened, the state issued the mandatory shutdowns. We survived because we had a take-out concept from the beginning, offered delivery immediately, and even purchased a delivery food truck.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When you're a business owner, no matter what business it is, you have to be "on" 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The biggest challenge is "leaving it at work" and not bringing your work home with you; it's nearly impossible.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Stay strong in your passion, stay knowledgeable, and never stop learning, and no matter what - DON'T GIVE UP - be easy on yourself and trust you are doing the best you can.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I feel so incredibly lucky to be where I am today - the community is awesome, and their love and support are everything to me. To truly be doing what I love to do, what I'm passionate about, and the fact that I can help others is a blessing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kristinaskitchen19.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kristinas.Kitchen19/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinas.kitchen19/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.