Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Blanchard, Founder of Healthy Living With Jess LLC, located in Rock Hill, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Healthy Living With Jess Service is the preeminent resource for prepared dinners, in-home event catering, corporate events, weddings, and birthday parties!. We are a relationship company that understands the power of culinary experiences to bring people together.
Tell us about yourself
Born and raised in CHESTER, SOUTH CAROLINA, I started cooking at a very young age. I began working, absorbing, and falling in love with food at ten years old. My grandmother Jessie Mae Simpson would have my sisters, cousins, and me in the kitchen every day cooking something. They called her the cake lady, and she would have us baking with her and preparing dinner! Those were the good days. I had so much fun learning new and old family recipes! Now what motivates me is still the same, honestly. Every time I step foot in a kitchen, I get the same feelings of happiness and joy as I did As a child. Sharing my food with others and seeing the joy on their face is a great motivator! I know I am making my grandmother proud!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would be when I switched from just doing meal prep to becoming an in-home personal chef! My business has thrived since making this switch! And I’m very grateful to my clientele and past clients for helping me get where I am today!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me as a business is managing schedules. I love to help people; it’s difficult for me to turn down people because I’m overbooked. It’s also hard because I like to help everyone (a heart like my grandmother), but that can intern hurt my business by offering so many discounts.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The three tips I will give anyone looking to grow or start their business is just to do it! A lot of people are afraid to start a business because they think they have to have everything lined up and in place. And if you’re waiting for everything to be right, you never get started! I found that if I take the big leap and do the things that seem impossible, it is not as unreachable as I thought! I’m constantly updating my contract, the menu options, etc. Due to learning something new or coming across something that I experienced as I was catering. Always ask for help; you’ll be surprised if the people are willing to help you make your dreams a success!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you so much, GoSolo, for the opportunity to be in your publication! I hope to inspire someone else to live out their dreams!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.healthylivingwithjess.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLWJESS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlwjess/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hlwjess/
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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