Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lucia Pineda, owner of Le Gourmet Central, located in Miami, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business was born in 2020 during the pandemic when my family and I decided to create a little corner online to share all the flavors and gourmet experiences we learned from other countries and enjoy them at home whenever we wanted.
With that idea in mind, we gathered a selection of signature global gourmet ingredients and food products in one easy-to-access online store called Le Gourmet Central.
My clientele ranges from gourmands, home and professional chefs, companies looking for original corporate gifts, to anyone looking for high-end international products.
Tell us about yourself
My love for food and passion for traveling inspired me to create an online space dedicated to those food enthusiasts looking for original flavors that remind them of the great happiness they get from cooking, sharing, and enjoying gourmet meals.
There is nothing I like more than creating and sharing elevated food experiences with anyone who is open to trying them. I believe that food is the universal language that can connect you with people all over the world, no matter the culture or country.
What motivates me: I am always researching for new products, and every day I wake up knowing that there is a new flavor I am able to taste and later share with my clientele.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am passionate about connecting people with the food they love or have never tried before. My biggest accomplishment is that my customers thank me for sharing products that remind them of a special trip to Europe, a childhood memory, or where they came from. The reviews from the happy customers we serve mean everything to me. Nothing beats that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The biggest challenge is that there is always something you can improve on or do better, and that makes it hard to switch off from work sometimes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Patience. Do not expect that your business can thrive and be successful from one day to the other. It takes time, hard work, and consistency for you to see results, so never give up!
- Be wise in selecting your employees. Your working team is the most important asset to your business' success.
- Listen to your customers and ask for feedback. Things like are they happy with the shopping experience? What aspects can be improved? What is the information that can improve your processes within your business?
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My passion for creating elevated food experiences inspired me to launch Le Gourmet Central, and I personally invite you to discover our huge selection of curated products that makes your one-stop shop for those hard-to-find specialty ingredients.
We import our food products from trusted producers to ensure that it meets our sustainability, transparency, and high-quality standards. We also specialize in specialty gifts, from preset gift boxes to customize gifting.
Customers can sign up for a subscription and get 15% off their first order. Bonus - FREE shipping on orders over $79.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://legourmetcentral.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legourmetcentral
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legourmetcentral/
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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