Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ai Willis, Founder of Ai Made It For You, located in Victoria, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Ai Made It For You (aimadeitforyou.com), a food blog where I share gluten-free and dairy-free recipes. My customers are looking for recipes that are easy and approachable as a novice in the kitchen but don't compromise on flavor. In 2019 I also started working with brands and offering recipe development and food photography services.
Tell us about yourself
I started my blog in early 2016 as a creative outlet. I was working as a full-time learning support teacher at an elementary school while taking night classes to get my Master's degree in education. I was burnt out, to say the least, and baking and blogging on weekends felt therapeutic. What's kept me motivated since then are the positive feedback and comments from people who have tried my recipes!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is that I have kept up my blog for six and a half years. It may not seem like much to some, but as somebody who struggles with consistency due to anxiety, continuing to develop recipes and write blog posts for this long is a big accomplishment, and I'm proud of myself.
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 how lonely it can be. When you wear many hats in your business, it's easy to feel alone. What's helped me is connecting with other bloggers who can relate to my experiences and struggles and being a positive light to each other.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your community: It's so important to build connections when growing your business. It's essential to connect not just with your customers but with other business owners and share knowledge so you can support each other.
- Find your zone of genius: Figure out what you do best and what you enjoy doing the most in your business, and aim to hire out other tasks. This can lift the weight off your shoulders and help you focus on what you love doing the most.
- Keep going: You got this! Believe that you will succeed. And if you have any doubts, fake it 'til you make it. Speak positively to yourself and about your business, and trust that success and abundance are on their way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.aimadeitforyou.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aimadeitforyou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aimadeitforyou/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ai-willis-4612b356/
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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