Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shavtia Smith, Founder of Dis Aint Vegan, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m a Private Vegan chef. I will arrive at your home with all of my ingredients & turn your kitchen into a restaurant. This service is great for people with large or small families looking to have a variety of tasty vegan meals for the week. I cater for all events. Juicing cleansing and desserts are available.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve been vegan for as long as I can remember. That’s at least 25 years ago. I’m talking about when there was only one type of milk to choose from, and that was Vitasoy. My parents witness the effects of the SAD (Standard American Diet). From asthma to allergies, hypertension to diabetes, they knew we had to change. That’s when our vegan journey began in Brooklyn. NY, we started eliminating meat/dairy from our diets.
My family owns several chain vegan restaurants, which led me into cooking from a young age. Taste has always been a priority for me. I struggled with the different textures and consistencies of vegan food. Life set in, and I began to raise a teenage boy who always seemed to be hungry and eager to try new foods that were not vegan. This bothered me deeply as no mother wants to watch their child suffer by feeling ostracized from society because he was not able to enjoy the same foods as his friends. That’s when I knew I had to do something. I got in the kitchen and began to cook fun vegan foods that I knew would have my son excited about being Vegan, and the rest is history.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Transitioning non-vegan families to a plant-based diet. My customers are satisfied, fulfilled & confident as newly transitioning vegans. I have confidence that they will make the best dietary decisions without me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most challenging thing about being a business owner is staying passionate and motivated. Getting new leads and diversifying my clientele. Creating content that can appeal to the masses. Staying competitive.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research.
- Love what you do and have a purpose.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I can be found on Ezcater as well. I deliver meals straight to your door as well as offer consultation juicing and desserts.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.disaintvegan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegancheftiyah/
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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