Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Winstead, Owner of Sweet Melissa's, located in Greensboro, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a Personal chef and catering business. My customers are busy professionals, families, or individuals who want to eat well and gain back time in their day. I also cater intimate gatherings to celebrate special occasions as well as corporate office catering.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up with most of my best memories taking place in the kitchen. From learning to bake with my Easy Bake Oven to eventually catering weddings and private parties, my passion has always been food. I've traveled all over Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, and North America. I enjoy sharing my travel experiences through the food I prepare. I am trained in cooking for a variety of dietary needs, including, but not limited to, diabetic, heart healthy, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian and kosher. I believe in cooking with local, organic, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible.
"Sweet Melissa's" is the name I chose for my business because "Melissa" means honeybee, one of the hardest working critters out there! Not only do I work like a busy bee, but I also thrive from sharing the fruits of my labor with my family, friends, and community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being in a place to mentor chefs who are interested in being a private chef and starting their own businesses is something I'm most proud of. When I started, I felt completely on my own and without a blueprint for how my work life should look. After meeting with some other chefs in my field, we decided to create a place where we could be less isolated and share our wealth of experiences. I co-founded the SF Lady Chef group, which is a collective of women chefs/food professionals where we support each other in a male-dominated industry.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Paperwork, invoicing, budgeting, all the things that take me out of the kitchen.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be confident in your skill set, be prepared to work for very little or free in the beginning to build a name for yourself, and find like-minded people to support and nurture your growth.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.sweetmelissachef.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetmelissachef
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetmelissachef/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-furano-winstead-24365725/
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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