Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Koren-Roth, owner of Taste of Troy Food Tours LLC., located in Delmar, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a walking food tour company - providing a delicious, memorable way to spend time with friends, family, and or colleagues. I am located in a secondary tourist market, so while I do have tourists from other parts of NYS, the US, and overseas - I also have many locals.
Tell us about yourself
As I was preparing to retire from the State as a public health nutritionist, I felt I wanted to do something that would engage me with others and that I was passionate about. Food tourism allows me to combine my love of history (I have a BA in history), my love for travel (I lived overseas for six years and have traveled to more than 30 countries), and my love of food (both cooking, baking and exploring others food through restaurants and recipes.) I have been on more than 35 food tours in addition to my own. It just clicked with my skills, and the food scene in my area has improved greatly since we moved here 28 years ago.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have established great personal connections with my vendors. I am all about supporting small, independent businesses and having my tour guests learn about them and become repeat customers.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
My workday doesn't have a hard end. I feel it important to be responsive to emails and calls; they come at all times of day and night.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something you are passionate about.
- Do your homework and gain the skills you need, or pay someone to do the items you lack the skills for.
- Networking is key; always be on the lookout for opportunities.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My business required a minimum initial investment. I could have grown it more if I had been willing to hire guides, but I chose not to supervise others. I get a great deal of satisfaction from my business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tasteoftroyfoodtours.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tasteoftroyfoodtoursllc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteoftroyfoodtours/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-koren-roth-she-her-047b191b/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.