Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Crystal Render, creative director of Magnificent Morsels Catering, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Magnificent Morsels is an innovative catering company changing the face of catering in the food & hospitality industry. Our "all-inclusive" approach & unmatched artistic flair are what allow us to provide a multitude of services from private parties to commercial output. MMC is your one-stop shop for catering!
Tell us about yourself
My love & passion for food & family is what got me started in the business. Coming from a large family, big meals and great gatherings were just an everyday occurrence, so, over the years, I decided to expand on that and build MMC. Years prior to me starting MMC, my mother and her identical twin attempted to open their own carry-out restaurant but didn't have much success being able to stay open. They were wonderful cooks, but the business side seemed always to be an issue. So once I decided to get into the industry, I was determined to do it the right way and make it successful, So I revamped and rebranded the original plan and turned it into the catering company you see today. Magnificent Morsels is now a thriving company changing the face of catering in the food and hospitality industry. Continuing my mother's dream is what motivates me daily & wanting to leave a legacy for my children is what keeps me going when things get tough.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was providing 40,000 meals within a ten-week time period for children K-18 that were food insecure & needed healthy meal options while schools were closed. This one sat very close to my heart and truly embodied the values that MMC carries daily. Normally these children would have gotten granola bars & deli sandwiches for the most part as their only menu options. MMC decided to incorporate a whole new menu providing real meals with fresh fruit and fresh vegetables so the kids would have variety & tons of flavor! MMC's thought process was "there's no use in giving out a meal the kids don't want to eat" that's just non-beneficial overall, so we chose to take the high road, which is often harder most times (and this definitely was) and do the right thing by providing super nutritious and healthy meals every single day for the summer of 2021. Introducing the kids to at least one new item every week, whether it was a new meal, fruit, or vegetable.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, I think the hardest thing about being a business owner is the background support mentally and emotionally that you will need to get through hard times because sometimes you doubt yourself. You need a strong support system to remind you are capable of still doing what you set out to do in the beginning.
The other is learning to delegate and reach out for help. We tend to want to do everything on our own, but that is definitely not the smartest thing, so I would say learning to outsource and get help is the next most difficult thing, but it is necessary for true success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build a strong network.
- Research every aspect of your industry.
- Prepare yourself (build your credit & save money), so you can obtain capital for your business successfully.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Surround yourself with people who are just as driven as you are. This is more important than anyone will ever know because if not, those around you will talk you out of doing what you intend to do just because they don't understand your vision. When you surround yourself with people who have the same drive and tenacity as you, when they see you falter or slow down, they will push you and motivate you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mmcaterz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magnificentmorselscatering
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnificentmorselscatering/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalmarierender/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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