Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Mangum, co-founder and CEO of SupperTime, located in Raleigh, NC, USA.

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

Hi! We are an app called SupperTime, a platform that connects home cooks to users looking for unique, one-of-a-kind dining experiences. We're like the Airbnb of dining- if you love to cook, you can make money by hosting meals in your home. You don't have to be a food professional, and since this is private dining, it falls outside of needing to cook in a licensed kitchen. It's for anyone!

Tell us about yourself

I love to create opportunities for connection. I believe strongly in community, and that, especially after the difficult few years we've had, it's more important than ever to build relationships with people. Isolation literally leads to ill health, and SupperTime is a way that our hosts can a) recover from the financial blow of the pandemic and b) create community. For our guests, it's a way to have a new experience, create connections, and support your own community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have deeply enjoyed getting to know so many amazing people throughout this process. From our advisers, customers, hosts, investors, and new friends in the entrepreneurship community- each one of them has been helpful, encouraging, and kind. I have so many wonderful cheerleaders!

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

Sometimes I just stare at my computer and don't know where to start- there's so much to do, and there are so many ways to do it. Which way is the right way? Which will yield the best results? It's hard to know a lot of the time, and sometimes you spend all day on a bad idea. But it's how you grow!

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

  1. Trust yourself. Stay true to who you are, and let that be your guide when you're getting conflicting advice. A lot of times, you know the answer.
  2. Meet everyone! Go to as many networking/small business/entrepreneur groups as you can. Even just the energy in the room can inspire a good idea!
  3. Keep going. Do it every day. Keep to your schedule. Somedays, you might rather stare at the wall than deal with whatever you're stuck on, but your problems won't fix themselves!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It's so satisfying to work for yourself. It's incredibly empowering, and you learn so much! Maybe you won't do it forever, but it's worth it to try.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://suppertimeapp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SupperTimeAppNC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suppertime.app/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-mangum-b1651221a/

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.