Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Taylor DeCosta, Owner and CEO of Taylor Made Cuisine Inc., located in Irvine, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the CEO and Executive Chef of Taylor Made Cuisine, a boutique catering and meal delivery business in sunny SoCal. Our customers are those who host events and are looking to provide their guests with an unforgettable experience without the associated hassles! Our customers know what high-quality food looks and tastes like but do not have the skill or time to create it themselves.
Tell us about yourself
Cooking is something that has captured my fascination since I was a child! That passion for food and feeding others only grew over time, and I started culinary school in 2012 to follow that passion. I love feeding people because I get to be creative every day while also making meaningful impacts on real people. Food is a part of our culture, and it’s what brings people together. Many of us associate food with comfort and happiness! For these reasons, I am blessed to own a food business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We survived and thrived during the pandemic!! Being able to keep my team healthy, happy, and working is something I will be proud of forever!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Even if you’ve reached a place where you aren’t involved in the day-to-day operations, you’re still the one who gets the phone calls at 4 am when the power is off, and we have a busy day ahead. The job of a business owner (especially a small business owner) never ends. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had to put out a fire while on vacation or sick!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Keep costs low in the beginning, and start making money before investing resources in expensive projects. Done is better than perfect!
- Be authentic. In a world that is increasingly fake and edited, don’t be afraid to be you (branding). People are craving that without even knowing it!
- Don’t compromise your integrity, and always do the right thing even if you see competitors cutting corners. Karma is real in this world and also in business!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.taylormadecuisine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorMadeCuisineInc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_taylormadecuisine/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-decosta/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.