Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Renee Faubert, owner of Renee's Kitchen, located in Natick, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer "heat and eat" meals, something different every day! My customers range from young parents with children trying to get a healthy, delicious meal on the table for their families to elderly people looking for lower sodium, delicious meals to busy professionals wanting a high-quality meal without the fuss of going to a restaurant. We also have in-house baked goods, sandwiches made to order, and plenty of soups and sides available every day.
Tell us about yourself
I've loved to cook all my life. I received my Chef Certificate from Cordon Bleu in London in 1985 and my B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management from UMass in 1989. My passion is food - cooking it, growing it, sharing it, enjoying it. Having spent many years as a family childcare provider while my children were young, I would be cooking supper when the parents came to collect their children. They'd always seem too envious that my family was getting a home-cooked meal, so I started letting them know in advance what I'd be making. If they wanted to, I'd make some for them. My dream evolved into wanting to do that full-time. Once my children could all drive, I gave up childcare and took the plunge!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been learning how to develop employees based on their specific skillsets and abilities. Having always been someone who did everything herself, I realized that I had to learn to let go a little bit. Had I not been able to do that, this business would never have taken off the way it has.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Again, human resources. You have to realize that you won't always have the perfect crew, and yet you have to continue to produce a consistent product. Some days are harder than others; it's always a balancing act between maintaining control and letting people develop their own style.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First of all, realize that it's going to be a LOT of work, especially at the start. Plan on spending twice as many hours at your business as you would if you were doing the same job for someone else. Second, don't commit to anything at the start that you're not willing to keep up. If your customers receive something from you once, they'll expect it again in the future. Keep it realistic. Third, take care of yourself! It's hard. Set up your schedule to include something that will keep you going, keep you healthy, and make you happy.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It's great growing a business and becoming a part of a community - my customers are awesome, and the relationships I've developed. And continue to develop, making all the hard work totally worth it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://reneeskitchen.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReneeFaubertsKitchen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneeskitchen16/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-faubert-3baa39b/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.