Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen Nikolaus, Founder of Yummy Healthy Easy, located in Trophy Club, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm Jen Nikolaus, the owner of yummyhealthyeasy.com. The people that visit my site range from all ages, and I like it that way! I have easy recipes that anyone can make at an early age, up to advanced recipes for experienced chefs. I have big-batch recipes for big families and small recipes for those cooking only for one or two.
Tell us about yourself
I have five siblings, and I'm the baby of the family. I grew up in Mesa, Arizona. I met my husband in college at ASU. Nineteen years later, we have four boys. I can't believe it! When I had my last two boys, who are only eleven months apart (yikes!), I got to thinking that I needed something to do from home to keep me busy - not including being a mom. I had a "family" blog with only family photos. I would feed my younger two boys baby food and would be checking out Pinterest for a recipe idea for something that I could make for dinner. And then the thought hit me. I can do that! So I started yummyhealthyeasy.com! That was eleven years ago! I've been doing it ever since, and it's seriously the best blessing (besides my kids) that I could have created.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have been featured on multiple big websites like Epicurious and worked with so many amazing brands. I've traveled all over to meet and cook with people like Sara Moulton. I got to be on the Rachael Ray show and travel the country to cook with multiple different companies.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is managing your time. It's so easy to get onto social media and get sidetracked from what you're doing. Also, doing the books and taxes is so hard to keep up with.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Tips for if you want to start, run and grow a business today:
- Know what you want and go with it. Don't second guess (I always do that. I'm guilty of this! If you feel good about something - go with it!)
- Hire people that can help make your life easier. Virtual Assistants have totally helped my sanity.
- Ask for help. Find Facebook or other groups to get into so you can run ideas by them and get opinions. It really does help to get other people's inside notes and ideas.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Running a website is HARD. People have a preconceived notion that it's easy - but it's not. Do your homework. Figure out what you want to write about, find a niche you want to work in, and ask for help. Hire those that can do what you don't want/can't do. I love what I do and have worked hard to get to where I'm at. I hope this was helpful! Email me at jen@yummyhealthyeasy.com if you have any questions!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.yummyhealthyeasy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yummyhealthyeasyofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yummyhealthyeasyofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenNikolaus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-nikolaus-1943b772/
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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