Nutritious, Whole, and Simple!

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food service but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tina DeJesus, founder of Veg Head Chef Inc., located in Farmingville, NY, USA.

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

For the past ten years, I have been working as a high-end private chef in the Hamptons, hosting yoga retreats, doing meal prep, teaching cooking classes, recipe development, and writing cookbooks. I recently started a luxury agency, Health Chefs, with my business partner and Chef Julia Chebotar. We have a collection of health-focused private chefs to pair with clients for any of their culinary needs.

Tell us about yourself

I was formally trained at Le Cordon Bleu, where I learned the art of French cuisine. Right after graduating, I worked in a fine dining seafood restaurant, gaining experience as a line cook. From there, my career led me to catering large events and intimate dinner parties. While I followed my passion as a cook, I also split my time with working as a lead server, bartender, & Maitre D, making me the perfect host.

I spent over ten years working in hospitality, which led me to live an unhealthy lifestyle of late nights followed by sleeping all day and repeating the same cycle. I decided to change my way of living in 2013, where I dove into all things plant-based, nutrition, mental health, and yoga, which led me to creating VegHead Chef, where I now create seasonal plant-based meals that are suited to fit any lifestyle, dietary restriction, and unique preferences. All the while keeping it nutritious and whole + simple!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments as a chef has been writing a plant-based ebook, cooking for A-list celebrities, and making my first 6K in year four of my business. My other accomplishments come in a series of small victories that happen every day!

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

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is finding a work-life balance. I have found that I am passionate when it comes to my business and that most of my focus is on my business, leaving little to no room for personal time. Throughout the years, I have learned to say no to jobs and yes to spending more time with family and friends. I find a small balance every day by having mornings to myself to prepare me for the day, which includes morning coffee while watching the sunrise, meditation, walking with my puppy, and going to the gym.

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

Hire an assistant. Being realistic about what you can do well and what you have time to do will help you become more successful + productive.
Get a job coach. This will help you figure out all the logistics to getting your business launched and running smoothly.
Read 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This allows you to help create a mindset around being and becoming successful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.vegheadchef.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VegHeadChef
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegheadchef/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-dejesus-4655b980/

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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