Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dan Wilson, Founder of Heartbeet Chef, located in Louisville, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My Business Is Heartbeet Chef, which is a Personal chef service and catering geared towards a healthier, cleaner approach while still having bold culinary twists and flavors, whether that be Paleo, Gluten-free, Dairy-Free, Keto, Pescatarian, Vegetarian, and Vegan. I will have a solution to make a fun a, tasty experience for you.
Tell us about yourself
So I come from a long Culinary Background working in kitchens since the age of 15, working in every position from dishwasher to prep cook, to line cook, to lead line cook, lead banquet cook, sou chef to Chef. I went to culinary school at age 20 and began a career in the hotel industry, working my way up and in 3 different hotels until one day I got the opportunity to go to Thailand and start a Food and beverage Cafe on the beach, mind you, I have been training Muay Thai since 18 years old, so it was a dream to not only go to Thailand and cook but to train in there national sport of MuayThai.
After doing so, when I returned after a year, I realized that I did not like What I was doing working in the hotels with the crazy long hours and extremely hard work, so being in Thailand inspired me to be an entrepreneur and work for myself, make my own hours and make things the way I want as a chef. So I was exploring options on my next move, and through a mutual friend Who was a Personal chef, she hired me on her team; I started with one client, to 2, to 3, to 4, to 5 and decided to build my own business Heartbeet Chef.
So being an Athlete, what I put into my body always reflected the outcome of my performance, so my passion grew towards that in hopes that if you stick to a plan and work out, you can live a much happier and healthier life. So when it comes to motivation each day, its the fact that I'm working for myself, I'm happy about my schedule, and I build personal relationships with my clients, so they become like family to me, and I do it for them, plus Hardwork and perfection are what I strive for so that's what sums up my motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is this business is successful; you know, when you open something new, there are a lot of what-ifs and hesitation that go through your mind, so watching this business thrive for over five years has been an accomplishment never saw myself doing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me is not the cooking but the business and numbers side; doing my own books and taxes can be quite daunting.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Gotta be prepared to grind, treat your business like your baby, and focus and you will see it grow.
- Dedication, no half-assing, you gotta be all in.
- Motivation gotta be motivated and self-driven to steer each step and take risks that lead to opportunities.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.heartbeetchef.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heartbeetchef/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheartbeetchef/
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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