Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Denny, owner of Leaf & Sage plant-based cuisine, located in Fairfax, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Leaf & Sage offers personal chef and catering services featuring a whole-food, plant-based menu. Our customers live in Marin County, CA, and are looking for easy ways to nourish themselves, their families, and their employees.
Tell us about yourself
My deep interest in the concept of food as medicine started when I saw firsthand the power of a plant-based diet to heal the body and ward off chronic disease. After watching my mom transition to a vegan diet in her battle against stage IV endometrial cancer, I quickly realized the potential power of individual food choices as a means to combat illness. I was amazed, inspired, and finally awake to the undeniable health benefits of nutrition. The more I've learned, the more committed I've become to my new calling. After a 20-year career in healthcare and recruitment marketing, I launched Leaf & Sage, bringing my vision for plant-based cuisine to life—and now bringing healthy, vegan-inspired personal chef and catering services to my community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Staying committed to my values and following my passion for optimal nutrition and sustainability.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Laying the foundation of awareness in my community without a big ad budget, it can take time to do enough grassroots outreach to gain traction with new clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do market research to find out if there's a gap/opportunity in the market for the product or service you're selling.
- Develop a series of "must-dos" for each week so that you can stay consistent in building your business' foundation and continuing to connect with potential clients.
- Network, network, network! You never know when a conversation can lead to an opportunity.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.leafandsagecuisine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leafandsage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leafandsage/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leafandsage/
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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