Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roberta Massetti, Owner of RobyChef - Personal Chef & Caterer, located in St. Petersburg, FL, USA.

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

I'm working in the Tampa Bay and South West areas, bringing my experience and passion into the private houses. My clients are primarily from other states because many people are moving down here in Florida because of the warm weather.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a private executive Chef and caterer with more than ten years of experience in hospitality in Europe and the US. I came to St. Petersburg in 2015 from Bologna in Italy. At that time, a friend of mine was looking for an Italian Chef to run his restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, and I was so excited to cross the ocean and jump into the new world. Unfortunately, the restaurant has been sold.

Since then, I have never left this country and have grown daily as a professional, and I'm proud of my decision. I have worked hard as a chef in many restaurants around Tampa Bay, but for a woman, it is not easy to win the trust, so I decided to open my own business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

So far, after almost one year, I have so many clients enjoying my excellent food. I developed the best-known and unknown Italian recipes and worked on them to create something extraordinary and different. I enjoy making vegetarian and vegan courses, and I'm specialized in gluten-free options as well. My business is focused on the most exclusive service and always includes wine paring and Sommelier service. This is the key to my success through hard work with my esteemed crew.

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

Nothing is easy when you start running a business since one of the toughest parts is learning to face all the issues you could have and being aware of how to solve them. It means that your job it's not just - BE WHAT YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE - but you have to be more than what you are.

I am learning and improving day by day to offer a perfect service. This is the best you can do for your business. Before you open a business, you should know how to manage it correctly and what problems you could have. Just be aware, don't let the unexpected events catch you unprepared.

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

Be capable of multitasking, be aware of your potential competitors, and make sure to save some money to invest in marketing for your business!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would like to share with all of you my best recipe:

  • A huge amount of passion
  • A big amount of knowledge of your job
  • A right amount of organization
  • A good amount of patience

This recipe is good for everyone; it doesn't matter if you are Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, or Omnivorous!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.robychef.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robycheftampa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robychef_tampa/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-massetti-chef/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnMf2b21kE3ifOYooiQQcrQ

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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