Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Lippe, Founder of Miss Lippe's, located in Pacific Grove, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I host dumpling-making parties, sell frozen dumplings and sell hot dumplings! My customers are a wide range, but largely women in their late twenties, early thirties, or families.
Tell us about yourself
I loved eating dumplings and needed a way to support the habit! I found that people were looking for new ways to spend time with people, and dumplings are a universal food that everyone can resonate with. I find so much joy in bringing people around the table and sharing the experience of making dumplings. I started selling frozen dumplings as a way to extend my reach and have a recurring business. While it means long hours in the kitchen, I love the reactions of people the first time they try my dumplings, and it makes it all worth it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Fiscally, I tripled my revenue in my second year of business by adding multiple streams of revenue. However, one of my favorite things that happened was that I hosted a wonderful party for a family who then included me in their thanksgiving and has now purchased my products for more of their family. It feels really good to see that my business is truly a community builder.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Long hours! I spend most of my nights and weekends working on my business and miss out on certain things because I have to prioritize the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't do it just to do it. People romanticize starting a business, but only start a business if you know your product, you know your customers and are ready to sacrifice your time
- Work on your business pitch early. Even if you don't have anyone to pitch to, it helps you to define your core values and goals and shape your own view of your business.
- Define the voice of your product. Especially if you are not the first to market, you want to be able to define what makes you unique and create a story around it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.misslippes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misslippes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misslippes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-lippe-53432a33/
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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