Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food & beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Jensen, Owner of La Cuisine, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
La Cuisine makes healthy and delicious meals from scratch for private clients in the Chicago metro area. Clients range from people too busy to cook to individuals with health or dietary restrictions.
Our meals are prepared from scratch in our commercial kitchen, using all fresh, unprocessed ingredients. We focus on healthy, super flavorful meals for busy, hungry clients!
Tell us about yourself
After working in marketing and public relations for ten years, I switched to personal cheffing. I have been a chef for over 20 years and have never regretted changing careers!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe my most significant accomplishment has been my ability to grow a business but still keep the same philosophy as when I started. We can make high-quality, creative, and healthy food for more clients without sacrificing our cuisine's quality, taste, or creativity.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is weathering the ups and downs. Our workload is often cyclical and dependent on our clients' schedules.
We have to be ready for the slow times as well as the very busy ones. This isn't an easy task for business owners who like planning! We are often not in charge of our work schedules from month to month, yet somehow we manage to make it work!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You must be fully dedicated and willing to put in long hours on the job. Absentee ownership will never work in a small business, especially during the first few years.
- When expanding, be willing to delegate and relinquish some control if necessary. Hiring talented, trustworthy employees is the best way to grow a successful business.
- Be open to sharing ideas and resources with colleagues in your field. You never know where your subsequent referral will come from!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lacuisinepcs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaCuisinePersonalChefService
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacuisinepcs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lacuisinepcs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-jensen-cpc-4035415a/
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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