Simple, Yet Sophisticated - That Cheese Chick

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sheila Guthrie, Cheese Executive Officer of That Cheese Chick, located in Slidell, LA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

That Cheese Chick is a locally owned cheese shop in the heart of Slidell, Louisiana, also known to the locals as Olde Towne. About 30 mins right outside the world-famous New Orleans! We serve up custom cheese board selections carefully crafted and curated by C.E.O. (Cheese Operating Officer) and owner Sheila Guthrie and staff. Selections often vary based on what's in the season as we prefer to get as many products sourced from our local farmers market and other small businesses. Our customers are anyone who loves cheese as much as we do! Cheese is a fantastic gift to give.

Tell us about yourself

In 2009 I got accepted into the Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge, LA. Cooking and being in the kitchen have always been a passion of mine. My Love language is FOOD, and feeding people is what I'm fluent in. That sadly was short-lived as I could no longer afford the tuition as we were in the middle of a recession, and we had the wonderful news that our family was going to be expanding as we welcomed our second son. Fast forward to 2020 and a few more kids, a devastating flood that resulted in us losing everything and being left homeless; we finally settled in our forever home in Slidell. By that time, I had successfully started a Digital Marketing Company "Guthrie Digital Media" as you know, 2020 was when the pandemic started, and sadly lost a few AD campaigns. To make up for lost revenue, I put my culinary hat back on and started to make cheeseboards out of my kitchen, something I would do for fun and just to enjoy myself for 10+years. I posted on Facebook and hired my first employee, who just so happened to become one of my best friends, and the rest is history.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For me, it's being able to be a part of so many people's special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, etc. being lost in a pandemic and not being able to see loved ones made it so special to be part of bringing back the art of gathering with family and friends. Secondly would be obtaining my first store location within a year of opening my business.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The fact that you never "clock out" I am always in some way working. It also has been hard to balance that along with a husband and four kids, but there are also many ups to being the owner. I get to make my family and my kids a part of what I love to do.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Treat your employees with respect and love. They are a big part of your success.
Be consistent.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thatcheesechick.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatCheeseChick/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_cheese_chick_/

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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