Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shelby Lewis, owner of Eat Dank Food., located in Vail, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a Private Chef Business creating custom Dining Experiences for Foodies in Vail, Colorado. I work with my clients to create Dank Meals, no matter what their dietary restrictions or needs are.
Tell us about yourself
I got started working on an Organic Winery and Farm in Healdsburg, CA, as a Winery Apprentice and began cooking for the entire staff, which sparked my love of creating meals for people. I then went on to complete a Culinary Apprenticeship in Vail, CO, and worked my way up through Fine Dining Restaurants in Vail, San Francisco, and Philadelphia.
I started my business in 2014 and worked my way out of restaurants and into doing it full-time, and I couldn't be happier. I keep my events on the smaller side so that I can give each meal the proper attention that it deserves.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is learning to keep a work-life balance at the forefront. I work hard, I play hard, and I take my mental/physical health very seriously. You have to in this business, or you'll burn out fast or just end up hating what you do. I love what I do, so I want to keep this going!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a sole business owner is that, well, it's my baby. I take my time to rest and relax, but I'm always spinning my gears on what's next. What's next? I kind of like that aspect, honestly, because I don't think I've ever been good at the whole 'clock-in clock-out mindset,' but it is hard to turn my mind off of grand scheme entrepreneurial ideas.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Make sure that it is something that you love and will continue to love. Hard work doesn't seem quite as hard when it fulfills you. Also, Quickbooks is a godsend for categorizing expenses and getting yourself an awesome accountant. I started into the financial side of my business a little blind, and I can't tell you how comforting it was to know that someone had my back on that end and knew how to explain things in an uncomplicated way. I even have a bookkeeper on call for when I'm trying to reconcile and need a little extra help. It just puts my mind at ease knowing that it's done right.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://eatdankfood.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatdankfood
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatdankfood/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vailshelbylewis/
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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