Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carla Freeman, Founder of Purple Pantry Meal Creations, located in Cordova, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a Personal Chef Service that provides custom meals tailored to the dietary needs and preferences of my clients. Today, so many of us have special nutritional needs like gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb meals, just to name a few. As a personal chef, I provide customized menus, shop for groceries, and prepare fresh, nutritional meals to be stored in the fridge for simple reheating. I service a mixture of working professionals, busy couples, retirees, and families with kids. It pleases me to know that my services actually minimize the stress of planning and preparing meals. My clients can spend more time with their families and friends. They feel special knowing their specific needs are fulfilled in every meal I prepare.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in a home where delicious, wholesome food was an everyday experience. My mother and father were excellent cooks, and I always admired their attention to great taste and flavorful food. Thankfully, I carried those traits with me as I transitioned into motherhood. My true passion for cooking really grew as I prepared meals for my two children. Even when they carried lunches to school, I wouldn't make the everyday lunches most kids ate. I'd prepare croissant deli sandwiches or pasta dishes and put them in thermal jugs along with some fresh fruit. Cooking meals for my family was never a daunting task. Instead, it was extremely satisfying and even therapeutic. I began to make different dishes for family occasions and special events at my corporate job. Friends and family would often express how much they enjoyed my food and even suggested that I should start my own catering business or open a restaurant. With all their encouragement combined with my own culinary experience, I finally decided to pursue my love of food as a Personal Chef. I started my business offering meal prep services and healthy snacks, which evolved into custom meal prep services and catering for private events.
I absolutely enjoy being a personal chef to those who need and use my special services. Knowing there are hundreds and thousands more potential clients who could eventually benefit from my services drives me to reach for excellence on a daily basis. My desire is to serve far beyond my current geographical area and to help those who need extra dietary attention.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is a well-diversified clientele. Since starting my business, I never wanted to serve just a specific group. One of my main goals is to extend my business across the board to a wide variety of individuals who see Purple Pantry Meal Creations as a fit.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things I've experienced as a business owner is not knowing when to stop working and allow time to relax, reset and rejuvenate. Even times when I'm not working, I find myself slipping back into work, creating menus, bookkeeping, or ordering supplies. Although a lot of hard work goes into being an entrepreneur, I realized scheduling downtime is equally important as putting in the hard work. I've worked some long hard hours with very little rest and ultimately got a nice amount of work done. But I soon found out that I'm much more productive, creative and attentive when I've taken care of myself first.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure your business starts from a passion. If you're passionate about your particular product or service, you'll make sacrifices, push through the difficult times, and not see your business as a hustle but as your destiny. Your passion can take you places you could never imagine.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. If there's one thing I really had to open myself up to, it was realizing that sometimes I needed help. I had good resources but a limited amount. It was critical that I let go of my ego. As your business grows, bringing in an individual(s) to assist and contribute to certain areas of your business is inevitable. No one person can always do it all.
- Stay in the learning process. As business owners, we must stay relevant. Continue building your craft and keep making it as special and unique as you can. I'm still learning about trends and patterns in the personal chef business. To ensure I remain a valuable resource, I even study my competitors to understand what makes them successful. In other words, you never want to become stale or an afterthought. When there's a need for tailored meal prep or specialized catered events, I desire to be one of the top resources considered in my area.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Becoming an entrepreneur was one of the best decisions I've made in my lifetime. Never give up on your passion and dreams. The path to greatness is never easy, but never give up or wait and wait for the right time to pursue your dream. The time is now. Your true passion, along with perseverance and hard work, will take you places that will literally blow your mind!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://purplepantrymc.squarespace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purplepantrymc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheffree6/
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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