Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Tresoline, owner of Bella Foodie, LLC., located in Springfield, MA, USA.

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

My love of food started at a young age helping my Italian grandmother and great-grandmother in the kitchen. After being diagnosed with MS more than a decade ago, I found myself taking a whole new approach to overall health. From there, Bella Foodie was born with the mission to create delicious, homemade healthy meals for all! The passion I have for my craft is unparalleled, and my clients can attest to over-the-top enthusiasm and dedication. I believe that health starts from the inside out.

My customers are anyone who needs a little help with their healthy eating goals or is just too busy to cook nutritious meals for themselves. We teach cooking classes as well as cater parties and special events. We keep people of all ages eating healthy no matter their health challenges or preferences.

Tell us about yourself

I am a personal chef/food educator/blogger who has shared her love of health and wellness through food for more than seven years. After living with MS for over a decade, I have discovered the power of clean eating and had to share it with my community. My expertise has allowed me to educate all age levels, from 4-to-100, on the value of healthy, organic food and its impact on overall health.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I don't like to look at things as big or small accomplishments. I think all accomplishments and benchmarks you hit as a business owner are worth celebrating because sometimes they are few and far between, especially the last few years. Right now, I can say my favorite accomplishment as a business owner is my show Food for Life on E360TV, an online content network. You can also watch every episode on my Youtube channel as well.

Food for Life is probably the most personal and the most me I have ever been in front of the camera. I love it because we get to share people's inspiring stories of wellness through food, tips & tricks in the kitchen, and delicious recipes to help you in your own food healing journey. I also love throwing in guests that cover other health and wellness topics that affect us all and may affect our eating or food. I am so proud of the show.

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

Learning that you are not an expert in everything. When you are starting out, you have to wear many hats, but you also need to learn to know when to ask for help. When you can hire experts that can help in areas you are weakest or are too time-consuming for you. I have an accountant I love and people that help me with graphics/social media because it is too time-consuming for me to do it. Having them helps me focus on other things that I love and my clients.

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

  1. Don't underestimate the power of social media and clear, beautiful content.
  2. Do your research. ( Permits, budgets, state and federal laws, LLC or S Corp, etc.)
  3. Reward loyalty. Always make sure you are keeping your regular clients happy. If you can do that, then the ones that were with you at the start will be with you forever.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I love what I do. I am so happy to help people and see them realize their goals, whether it be revamping their diet because of a health challenge or learning a new technique in the kitchen. I want all my Foodies to be healthy from the inside out!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bellafoodie.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellafoodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellafoodie7/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-tresoline-5035198/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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