Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lexi Dietrich, founder of Ting's Things Food Truck, located in Longmont, CO, USA.

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

The name of my business is Ting's Things. My name is Lexi, also known as Ting. It has been my nickname since high school, and I've carried on the name over the years. We are bringing Colorado all of the things to make life delicious! Ting's Things is a fresh pasta and Italian cuisine food truck that supports local farmers, ranchers, makers, bakers, and more. We love supporting and giving back to our local community in and around Boulder County, serving up some of the most delicious Italian food. Ting's Things started as a food blog and sold culinary spices, seasonal scented candles, and free weekly recipes. Now, we are a full-time food truck. My husband, Chris, and I work full time on the food truck. You can still find some of our recipes on our website! We make all of our fresh pasta weekly, and it is never dried. Our meats, breads, and a majority of our produce are sourced locally in Boulder County. Our menu changes seasonally depending on what is available near us. Ting's Things works with breweries, at Farmer's Markets, events, and we cater!

Tell us about yourself

I originally graduated from a small culinary program in Denver and, soon after, took a trip to Italy. After spending time alone traveling and studying in Italy, I came back extremely inspired. I traveled to different regions, studying the local cuisine and how it differed in each region. I graduated from the Barilla Academy in Parma, Italy, and knew I wanted to pursue this as a career. I dedicated the next few years to learning about the food industry in Colorado, from soil to plate. I worked as a line cook, a host, a manager, a farmhand, a sous chef, and everything in between. I learned about what grew in Boulder County and what it means to source locally. My husband and I met at a restaurant we both worked at, and he has been my number one supporter from day 1! We are beyond blessed to live in an area that has some of the most responsible, passionate, and talented farmers, ranchers, bakers, and chefs. I am motivated by the incredible community we have and are a part of.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Every day that we are able to provide a quality culinary experience to all of you is an accomplishment in itself. In this competitive market and through some trying times, we continue to thrive as a small business.

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

One of the most important skills I've learned as a business owner is adaptability. There are many challenges that arise that you must be willing to face and problem solve with patience and confidence. The joys of being a business owner often outweigh these challenges!

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

  1. Be open to learning. Find your people and your community, ask questions, and learn from them. There is a lot of trial and error. All of it is an opportunity to learn and grow!
  2. Be passionate, authentic, and love what you're doing. Being a business owner requires a lot from you, and it feels great when it's something you love, and you're proud of.
  3. Work smarter. That could mean cutting costs, bigger events, change, finding your niche, etc. This is our 2022 motto!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A big shoutout to everyone that has supported us from the beginning! We wouldn't be here without the love and support from each one of our amazing customers, friends, and family. We are excited for 2022 and beyond!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tingsthings.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tingsthings.co/

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.