Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kiersten Gormeley, founder, and owner of Shaka Kitchen, located in Hoboken, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder, owner, operator, and executive chef of Shaka Kitchen, located in Hoboken, NJ. Shaka Kitchen is a fast-casual health food restaurant- everyday eats with Hawaiian fusion. Shaka Kitchen is the only fast-casual concept that harmonizes health and happiness in a purposeful and flavorful way. Our customers are those who seek a healthier alternative when eating out but without sacrificing flavor or quality. Every day, accessible and flavorful.
Tell us about yourself
Shaka Kitchen's journey began in 2014 when I lived on the Big Island of Hawaii alongside my sister. We went from having lived in the NYC metropolis our entire life to throwing ourselves into an entirely different way of life. There we found balance, passion, and appreciation for a different way of life- a slower, more simple way of living. We are passionate about eating well and the idea behind food being medicine. A healthy lifestyle is NOT an all-or-nothing lifestyle to us- we believe that life is found within balance, and that's what Shaka offers- balance. When I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer back in 2015 while trying to open my restaurants, it only fueled my fire further to help inspire those who want to eat well, feel well, and be well.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Surviving the pandemic with two restaurants within one square mile. To continue to evolve and have almost six years of business under my belt. Being a Food Network Chopped Champion. : )
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with owning a business would definitely be the team members. Getting them to trust you, to respect you, to understand you and your passion and your systems. Systems only work as well as they are implemented- so finding people who truly want your systems to work is incredibly difficult. People who trust and believe in your brand and show up wholeheartedly to make the wheels keep spinning are incredibly rare- when you find them, you need to hold onto them. Things go wrong every single day- identifying those problems and asking yourself how you can make those things better.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't get in it just to make money.
- Nobody will care if you fail or you succeed- sure, your family and friends will- but at the end of the day, it is going to be up to you to decide your fate. So make sure you're passionate- make sure you care, because no one else will.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.shakakitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shakabowl.kitchen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakakitchen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaka_kitchen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiersten-gormeley-b0666158/
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.