Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julie Frans, Owner of Your Joyful Kitchen, located in Carlsbad, CA, USA.

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

I am a kitchen coach. I teach people of all ages how to cook. From knife skills and kitchen setup to cooking methods, techniques, mindset, and healthy kitchen habits. My customers are primarily moms, however, I teach kids, young professionals, retired people, businesses, and really anyone who wants to learn more about cooking for themselves and their families.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a professional chef for 22 years. I've worked in just about all culinary positions imaginable, from yacht chef to personal chef to catering chef to executive chef to trainer to culinary director and more! I started my coaching business in the summer of 2022. I'm a mom and need the flexibility of this type of role, but more importantly, I LOVE teaching people how to cook. There is nothing better to me than seeing people connect with the food they are making and eating and, in turn, develop more confidence in themselves. People bloom right in front of my eyes! They become connected and radiant with joy when the transformation happens. It's awesome.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

People are always telling me proudly how they did "this or that" in their kitchens or how they have changed their ways in one way or another, thanks to my teaching and inspiration. I love knowing that people are watching, listening, and incorporating the tips, hacks, methods, and cooking motivation I am putting out there. I feel accomplished every single time someone tells me or shows me that I've inspired them in the kitchen.

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

You have to keep going, no matter what. When you launch a new product and there are crickets or promote your services, and no one signs up, you cannot let it get you down or take it personally. You have to gather yourself, reassess, refine, pivot... whatever it takes to keep trying new things until something clicks. You have to get outside your own head and into the mind of your customers and be ready to take hard feedback and put it into action. It's challenging to get up every day and keep pushing... and pushing... and pushing. But that's what being an entrepreneur is about. It's definitely not for the timid, meek, or insecure types! Business owners have to greet each day with confidence, perseverance, and the authentic belief that they have a gift to share with the world and won't stop until they reach their goals.

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

  1. Make sure what you are offering is something that people actually want and need, not just something you THINK they want and need. Validate your idea and get constant feedback before you launch.
  2. You might need to try many different things, products, and angles of messaging before you find the sweet spot. The first thing you try probably (most likely) will not be "IT." Remember that Rome was not built in a day, and no one gets rich overnight. Try, try again. And then, keep trying till you find the secret sauce.
  3. Get ready to get uncomfortable. You want to start a business because you are good at something. But that won't be enough to launch. You'll need to learn the tech, messaging, marketing, networking, data analyzing, and financial pieces. There is SOOO much to do in business. The skills and talents you bring to it are just a piece of the puzzle. You have to be open and ready to learn everything else, too. It takes time, work, and dedication. If you know that going into it, you'll be more patient and give yourself more grace as you get it off the ground.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.yourjoyfulkitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Your-Joyful-Kitchen-108327508765701
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourjoyfulkitchen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliefrans/

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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