Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roux Kehoe, Owner of The Pink Waffle, located in Portland, ME, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and operate a waffle-themed food truck, doing sweet and savory waffle creations for folks in the Portland, Maine, area!
Tell us about yourself
I've been cooking professionally for nearly 20 years. After about 6 years in management positions, I decided I wanted to work for myself. I started writing business plans and, after a couple of years, landed on doing waffles. Waffles were a staple in my household and also in my chef career. I did some research and discovered there were no waffle-dedicated food businesses in Maine! At this point, it was 2020, and I was deciding whether to start a food truck or a restaurant. The pandemic helped send me down the food truck route, and we've had two successful seasons under our belt already!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having a business to be proud of is my greatest accomplishment to date. I wake up excited about the fact I've carved out a fun food career for myself, and I'm part of a great community of small businesses here in Maine.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The amount of work that you do as a business owner is astonishing. I'm someone who comes from kitchens, a world of working long hours for mediocre pay and little perks. I thought I would fit right in with this kind of work habit, but it can really wear you out!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Your biz will probably differ from what you initially dreamt up.
- Create healthy work boundaries! It's easy to get lost in your work, especially if you are passionate. Keep that enthusiasm going by making sure you rest!
- There are tons of resources available to folks who want to start their own business, do research and see what could work for you!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thepinkwaffleme.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3u9QAGO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepinkwaffleme/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roux-kehoe-a074ab219/
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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