Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joseph Gera, owner of From Scratch Media & Keystone Cue, located in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Well, I am a chef who's recently left the corporate restaurant world that's now striking out on their own. I have both a YouTube channel & a BBQ company that are both at varying stages of development, and I am constantly working on expansion.
Tell us about yourself
This is a career switch for me, but one that I absolutely love. Oh, also, I have celiac disease, and I hope with my continued persistence in the culinary world, I will be able to de-stigmatize and help people understand my autoimmune disease.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly? I've built a channel, social presence, and catering operation from nothing and operated on a shoestring. It's always daunting to strike out on your own, but I feel that's the largest hurdle I've been able to clear.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Figuring out payroll your first few months while keeping the books tight, especially without any outside funding. When you read about a lot of 'startups,' quite often, they're started by very wealthy people who have the connections and cash to not worry about losing money for years at a time, plus they get more publicity than they need. But that's not the case here!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan. Even though your plans will inevitably have to adjust, make sure you've got a very solid long-term plan in place for where you want to go.
- Focus on your core competence. Whatever you're best at, make that your foundation. The rest can be figured out once that's in place.
- Don't listen to people who don't want you to succeed. This can come in many different forms, but remember that you're the one in the driver's seat.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fromscratchmediagroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frscwithlove
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frscwithlove/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/frscwithlove
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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