Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Williams, owner of L’amour Private Chef, located in Houston, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a private chef. I prepare food for all kinds of people and host events such as extravagant date nights, parties for adults and children, weddings, and brunches. Let L’amour cater to you.
Tell us about yourself
My birth name is Sarah. I was raised in Acres Home, TX (Some of us call it the “44”). At the age of 6, my mom, Edith, and my aunt Minnie had me up at the crack of dawn to learn how to cook. My playtime was eventually taken up to learning life skills, attending church because my dad is a pastor, and attending school. Mom taught me everything in the kitchen, and before we ate, I had to set the table and wait for dad to come home from work before we could eat. I began to watch cooking shows and buy cooking magazines. Every moment I had, I was in the kitchen mimicking a new dish.
In early 2020, the world was hit hard by COVID-19, and I was laid off from my job. I was devastated, but I also knew where my help came from. My parents have always taught me that everything you need is already instilled in you. I took a leap of faith on September 1, 2020, and promoted and advertised L’amour Private chef. L’amour is “Love” in French, which is considered the language of love. I love to cook. I cook from the heart. When I provide my services to couples and families, I love to see their smiles, the surprise looks, and the happiness on their faces. That is what motivates me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is seeing my business grow. I’ve met some amazing families who consistently book me as their private chef. I also came out with two new products from my seasoning line. The Seafood butter rub and my Season Anything Spice Mix.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things being a business owner is managing work-life balance. As an entrepreneur, I am driven to achieve and am willing to spend any amount of time getting there. I have a three-month-old daughter and a seven-year-old son, so I'm managing time with them and then my business. But I’m grateful for my support system, which includes my husband and my family.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be Consistent
Consistency is a key component to being successful in business. You have to keep doing what is necessary day in and day out. This will create long-term positive habits that will help you make money in the long run. - Provide Great Service
Many successful businesses forget that providing great customer service is important. If you provide better service for your customers, they’ll be more inclined to come to you the next time they need something instead of going to your competition. - Learn from Competitors
It's important to be aware of your competition and adapt or improve their successful strategies. Competition breeds the best results. To succeed, you can’t be afraid to study and learn from your competitors.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
• Success requires ambition, a hard work ethic, inspiration, and motivation. Never give up on YOU or your dreams.
• Remember to know your product better than anyone, know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed.
“You got a dream, you gotta protect it. You want something, go get it. Period.”
-Will Smith
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lamourprivatechef.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lamourprivatechef
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef.lamour/
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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