Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ranee Honesto, founder, and owner of So Board, located in Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
So Board creates custom charcuterie boards for all occasions. We deliver and set up for anyone wanting to entertain or wanting to send the perfect edible gift to someone special.
Tell us about yourself
I've always loved entertaining and preparing food for people. I have an elderly mother that I decided to care for independently. This decision led me to quit working. At the exact time I made this decision; COVID spread created a shutdown. I was quarantining with my close friends, and they would constantly request my elaborate charcuterie boards. It became so frequent I got fed up and said, "I'm so bored of cheese boards!" My friend then stated, "That's it!!! That's the name of your new business!" So Bored was conceived. Now almost two years later, I thrive on the concept that my boards are the center for great celebrations and can also be a comfort for people dealing with a loss. If only my boards could talk...
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is hearing my clients refer me to others. It's huge that they put their trust in me, and I don't take that lightly.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
If I make a mistake, I'm harder on myself than customers are. I firmly believe that if I make a mistake on an order, the customer comes first, and I should do anything to make it right. Also, as a business owner, it's important to understand that your customer can make mistakes too. I don't get offended by a canceled order or a delivery mistake. If you are fair and easy to do business with, they will come back.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Have a plan. Don't start a business without a firm plan in place. Don't try to take shortcuts to success. Truly successful people take time to cultivate their craft. To build a great business, people need to trust you, and that comes with time and being consistent with the quality of your product. Don't be afraid of change. As your business grows, you will need to change to meet different demands.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I love what I do every day. It's amazing that my product has the ability to bring people together. That is a happy thing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://soboardbr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoBoardBR/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soboardbr/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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