Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shannon Montgomery, Founder of Musa, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

I am a Personal Chef in the LA area, and I cater to a wide variety of clientele interested in food service. My services include fun, intimate dinner nights for special occasions like bachelorettes, birthdays, and holidays to daily in-home meals fresh or delivered. My experience working in Michelin restaurants has given me an edge to create new and delicious flavors for everyone to enjoy!

Tell us about yourself

I've always been an entrepreneur, and my passion has always been food. I started my first business in high school as a cake decorator. I decided to attend school and gain experience in restaurants when the pandemic hit, and I lost my job. At first, becoming a personal chef was a means of survival, but it quickly became more. I love seeing the excited reactions of people after they've tasted something I created and the amount of fun we have altogether as we go through the courses. It's this that motivates me to keep doing what I do. It's just as much fun for me as it is for them!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm still at the beginning stages of my business, so for me, the biggest accomplishment has been the daily decision of believing in myself and trusting my abilities to deliver the best service that I can. I rely on my client's positive reviews when they've told me they had an incredible experience. This keeps me going.

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

I've spent so many years working behind the scenes in restaurants learning how to cook, so it's hard for me to put myself out there - the marketing, advertising, and getting creative to reach new clients. It's a whole other skill I'm still learning, slowly but surely ;)

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

  1. It's a Marathon, not a Race. So make sure you're ready for the long road ahead of you. Endurance, Persistence, and Determination sound about right.
  2. Passion has been the driver from the very beginning and is still today. I can't imagine doing something I'm not passionate about every day. I love what I do, and it shows through my work. People can feel it. It motivates me to be better. I don't have to do a lot of marketing because people talk when they feel this energy; it's attractive.
  3. Have a Vision. Where are you going? Why are you doing this? What's the end goal? What's the bigger picture? I'm trying to help save the world through the world of food. Creating healthy and delicious food through new and exciting ways. Educating as I go. What are you doing?

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Have fun! Stay inspired, and trust the process.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.musapersonalchef.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/best._.slm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-logan-montgomery-15b92287/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.