Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roni Zaide, owner of Roni's Kitchen, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I teach vegan cooking classes and have a vegan cookbook. My customers want to include more plant-based options in their diet, enjoy a healthier lifestyle, or just explore new recipes and cuisines! My mission is to reconnect people with food, empower them through cooking, and help people feel more comfortable in their own kitchen while demystifying recipes that may seem intimidating at first.
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved cooking for people and sharing my passion for food. I used to teach in-person cooking classes and loved gathering with people in the kitchen to create amazing meals together. When Covid hit, I started teaching online classes. I noticed that a lot of people would watch the recording, so they could take the class on their own time - which inspired me to film 9 classes that are now available on my website, so people can follow the individual videos whenever works for them, and in the comfort of their own home.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I self-published my cookbook - it has 100 delicious vegan recipes, and I am very proud of it! My book is now in over 20 stores and can be found on my website as well.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
At the end of the day, running a small business is like having a child - sometimes it will keep you up at night, there will be hardships, and you don't have control over many things - so when something doesn't work or goes wrong, it can really hurt.. and it can feel really personal when a customer gets upset. Personally, I feel that there are many more advantages than disadvantages in running your own business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Follow your heart and instincts, but also talk to people who have gone this path before - there are some lessons (and mistakes) you will have to learn for yourself, but I find it so helpful chatting with people who have done something similar and learn from (some of) their mistakes.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://roniskitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronis.kitchen.food.love/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roniskitchen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ronis_Kitchen
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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