Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erika Weissenborn, owner of Fresh in your Fridge, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Fresh in your Fridge is a healthy private chef service in Vancouver, Canada. We are a team of chefs and nutritionists who make awesome, totally custom meals for our clients on a weekly basis. Our focus is working with quality ingredients and putting time, energy, and love into each meal that is made. Our clients are health-conscious busy folks who might have some health issues or food allergies they need support with or are tired of average meal kits and looking for something way more elevated.
Tell us about yourself
I feel like entrepreneurship has been in my blood since I was a kid. I was a seven-year-old who started yard sale/consignment businesses and sold Avon door-to-door. It came to me somewhat naturally having an awesome self-employed mom. The little stint I had working in “real” jobs left me naively thinking I could do better and make more money if I did this myself! I started Fresh in your Fridge in 2014 somewhat by accident. After finishing nutrition school, I tried lots of different self-employment and small business ideas. Perhaps I was waiting for something to stick, and private chef services certainly did. Seven years later, what motivates me is my team, all the clients we help, and the excitement of building something continually bigger and better. Learning about business and entrepreneurship inspires me!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My team. I have 15 of the best folks working for FIYF. It’s so incredible to have a vision that other people can get on board with. It feels great to be able to pay other people and support their life, ambitions, and livelihood. It isn’t always easy; there are lots of people issues that come up, but it keeps it interesting and real, and you certainly get to know those around you well! I am proud that 4+ people have worked for the company for over five years. I put a lot of emphasis on my hiring process, and I like to think that’s taken me far.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The work. Be prepared to be tested in every way possible. Owning and growing a business is truly the most challenging thing I’ve ever decided to do. Of course, with that comes rewards, but in-between, there is uncertainty, deep learning, and massive roadblocks. I think at this point; I am addicted to the challenge of it all! The journey has strengthened my commitment to what I am doing and the love I feel for what I’ve built.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your people: Build your vision, and find those amazing people that are willing to sign up for the journey with you! Put emphasis and care into hiring, and it’ll take you far. I’ve used the method from the book “Who: the A method for hiring” that’s helped me build a strong team that’s with me long-term.
- Find your true supporters: Amazing clients and customers go such a long way. The concept of 1000 true fans (if you haven’t heard of it, look it up) is something I’ve lived by in business. Great clients will be your biggest cheerleaders, will refer other great people your way, and give you valuable feedback on how to make your service or product better.
- Take care of yourself: as someone who has firsthand experienced burnout and the lingering effects of “burning the candle at both ends,” self-care is so important! Know what you need to be successful in your day-to-day, including your health, and as hard as it might be, prioritize that above all else.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://freshinyourfridge.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freshinyourfridge/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshinyourfridge/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.