Small State, Big Plate - The Rhody Hen
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tiffany Barrera, owner of The Rhody Hen, located in Pawtucket, RI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a small family-owned breakfast and lunch café that specializes in locally sourced food and beverage items. We love creating dishes that our guests can relate to while growing up and enjoying the atmosphere that our staff provides. Our guests come from all over the state and also throughout New England.
Tell us about yourself
I am from Attleboro, MA, and have lived in the area my whole life. I now reside in Pawtucket, RI, with my husband, Antonio, and my two daughters. I come from a family that loved farming, chickens, and beekeeping.
We were also cooking up something in the kitchen, and like a lot of people, some of my best memories were around the kitchen table. My mom and grandmothers had the biggest influence on me for the love of food and curiosity to try and create new things.
I first started working on my business during elementary school, when we had the 8th-grade bake sales. That was my way of showing my classmates that I love to cook. I continued through high school with the culinary program, and then I went to Johnson and Wales for culinary arts.
After my husband and I met, we decided to start our cafe because, why not? We both loved food, we both were in the industry, and we both wanted to be a part of something that would show our daughters that if you put your mind to something you and if you work hard, you can do anything. My amazing staff and family are my motivators. They empower me to create and do better each day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We were able to reopen and retain our staff during a horrible pandemic.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You are always worried about failure. But with a great team, you will succeed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Once you start, don't stop.
- Accept criticism and use that to your advantage. Build a better you.
- Always be prepared for the worst.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you have a dream, you are the one that will make it come true. There will be others to help and guide you, but you are the main source of your dream.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rhodyhencafe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therhodyhencafe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhodyhencafe/
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.