Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roshelle Zielinski, Executive Chef, based in Sussex, NJ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I own and operate a Personal Chef and Event Catering Company. I offer great food and great quality service, and a one-of-a-kind overall dining experience.

Tell us about yourself

Coming from an eclectic background, I've always been passionate about great-tasting food. My love for food came at the age of 6. Growing up, I would often observe both my mother and grandmother preparing meals in the kitchen. Though I wasn't tall enough to stand at the stove, I didn't let that stop me from preparing my first meal. One day I finally decided to try cooking on my own...fried chicken and plain white rice were on the menu. The food was way horrible, but I ate it all the same. I was proud and wasn't going to let anything stop me from enjoying my first dish. After my failed attempt at making my very first meal, I returned home every day with my lunch money so that my mother could purchase local ingredients to be used in teaching me how to cook. My motivation is getting up every day and grinding, knowing I'm doing what I love most.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to bring people together through food.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The initial starting of the business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be original and creative.
  2. Listening to your clients.
  3. Taking food safety very seriously.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A few fun facts about me:

  1. You can find me at
    Roshellestestkitchen on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
  2. During my spare time, I mix Spice Blends for my spice line for @roshellespiceblends and my Herbal Tea Blends at www.roshellestestkitchen.com.
  3. I'm constantly researching and testing new ingredients and recipes.
  4. I travel to my area to build relationships with local farmers.
  5. I write my own menus and recipes.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.roshellezielinski.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefroshellezielinski/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshelle-zielinski-b1137a1b3/


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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