Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Casey Jones, chef, and owner of The Occasional Chef, located in Huntsville, AL, USA.

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

After being a chef for seven years and working in F&B for over half my life, I wanted something of my own where I could do whatever I wanted with no boundaries in the food industry! My main focus is gourmet charcuterie boards, but occasionally I will offer other items as well, hence my business name, The Occasional Chef! My customers are the husbands who want to do something nice for their wives, the expectant mother who wants something different at her shower, the bride who wants to have a massive grazing table for her guests to talk about for years to come, the game night crew, the husband and wife who want a date night at home, the best thank you gift you can receive and give, my client is everybody!

Tell us about yourself

After becoming a mom in 2017, I left the restaurant business for a job in the hotel industry (you know, the normal 8-5 weekday job that everybody in restaurants desires to have). When a little thing called COVID hit, the hospitality industry was obviously immediately affected. After being unemployed and home with my son, I wanted something where I could be able to make money but still be a stay-at-home mom! I started creating menus and making food from scratch for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and every holiday in between.

Charcuterie was something I've always loved eating and enjoyed creating, so it naturally made its way into my menus. Eventually, word of mouth got out, and I was booking weddings, showers, etc.! In 2020, I decided to pick up photography, took classes, bought a camera, and decided that I ultimately wanted to do food photography and put my two passions together! Taking photos of pretty food is almost as fun as creating it! Being able to have a job that I absolutely love that brings me joy is something that motivates me every day. I love that I can do what I love while also being able to be present for my son! Having a job that truly brings happiness is something I don't take lightly. Life is definitely too short not to take that leap and try new things!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm not the biggest charcuterie company in town, I don't have the most followers on social media, but I do have amazing and loyal customers who not only believe in me but believe in my product. It's hard to start a business by yourself (of course, with the support from my wonderful husband/family). I can honestly say that I'm proud of myself and that hard work does pay off! It certainly is not easy, but I will say that having the experience and knowledge from 17 years of working in food and beverage and a bachelor's degree in Restaurant and Hospitality Management has absolutely helped me get to where I am now.

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

I don't have a staff, it's just me, and I hate saying no to people, so I try not to! They say if you work for yourself, you work 24/7, and that's the truth! I wouldn't change a thing, though.

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

  1. First thing is, do your research. Is anybody else offering the product or service you want to offer? How can yours be different or better?
  2. Marketing! There is so much free marketing nowadays with social media; it's the best way to get the word out!
  3. Take that leap!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm so thankful for this opportunity in life to do what I love, and I thank you if you've read this far! Cheers & eat cheese!

Where can people find you and your business?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoccasional_chef/

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.