Caribbean Cooking Courses - Urban Pilón
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food service but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roberto Pérez, co-founder of Urban Pilón, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Urban Pilón is a movement to change the perspective of Caribbean food into a positive light. Moving away from processed foods and celebrating natural colors and flavors. One of my main facets is an educational component teaching all ages everywhere. In addition, since the beginning of the pandemic, I proudly have been cooking for a mutual aid called “Farm Food Familia,” feeding families affected by covid. We have made more than 25,000 meals today. Today, I’m the corporate executive chef at La Criolla Spices. Today you can find my personal artisanal spices at a store near you.
Tell us about yourself
Well, my beginnings came from tragedy. In 2010, I was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to a workout supplement I was taking. I was jaundice, bed-bound, and lost about 20 pounds. I was scared and miserable, but food was my medicine. That’s how I was able to bounce back. I promised myself to push forward and change how I eat, even if it means rejecting popular culture.
I love the feeling of teaching folks how to cook. Helping them through their insecurities and transforming their roles at home. Many times they become the providers and are now cooking for their families.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Giving up the 9 to 5 is a big accomplishment as a business owner. That happened to me about three years ago. It was scary, but it all worked out for the best. When you have your own business, you work harder because there’s little room for failure.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Staying true to yourself. Just because you could make money doesn’t mean you need to compromise your values. Research who contracts you. Make sure they line up with your beliefs. In addition, you don’t need to say yes to every job. Burnout is real. Especially with the pressures to be successful or portray being successful.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your niche, your specialty. Corner the market so that people go only to you to find this product. Don’t do what everyone else does. That’s also boring!
- Find different streams of income. Create different facets to your business that makes money. Passive money is even better. That way, if something fails, you have other streams.
- Find time to be creative. You can’t just work work work. Or you’ll be doing the same things without evolving. As small businesses, we need to evolve because the market will constantly change.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Stay consistent. Even when it’s difficult, keep pushing. The longer you do it, the better you will become.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.urbanpilon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanpilon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanpilon/
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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