Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Antwon Brinson, Founder of Culinary Concepts AB, located in Charlottesville, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Culinary Concepts AB is revolutionizing how people and businesses connect through food. Whether it's our award-winning in-person cooking experiences or our life skills-based culinary training program, all of our classes are designed to help you on your culinary journey.
Tell us about yourself
I founded Culinary Concepts AB in 2018. My goal was to design a socially-minded company that creates personal development and mental growth space, attracting passionate home cooks and aspiring culinarians. Since conception, we have had the honor of helping over 500+ students achieve milestones in life and establish long-term goals through culinary arts.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Over the last five years, Culinary Concepts AB has created a remarkable footprint in the workforce development world through our life skills base culinary arts training program. Through strategic partnerships, both public and private, we have connected over 150+ people to opportunities in the hospitality industry, both paying a livable wage and offering upward mobility.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that we have faced year to date has been navigating the pandemic. Through our strong partnerships and creative thinking, we continued to add value to our community through our farm-to-table virtual cooking classes. This allowed us to sustain through a very tough period, but it also blessed us with the opportunity to help people improve their cooking skills from the comfort of their kitchens.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure your vision is clear (strategy).
- Align yourself with the right people (networking).
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes (growth).
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My favorite quote: "The man who says he can and the man who says he can not are both correct." - Confucius
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://culinaryconceptsab.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culinaryconceptsab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryconcepts_ab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abculinary
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culinary-concepts-ab/
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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