Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janette Gomez, Owner-Chef of The Fig & The Knife, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a small, woman-owned micro-business that focuses on Artfully Balanced Flavors. "I love to take familiar ingredients and flavors and give them a creative twist." I love to cook, I love to teach, and I love to inspire my guests who are celebrating their own milestones. I specialize in anniversary dinner parties, birthday parties, graduations, and any other moment that deserves to be honored. I take a different approach than other Private Chefs. I ask my guests what they want, what inspires them, or what dishes get them excited. I then create menus and/or class curriculums based on what they tell me. I don't have menu templates as I feel they encourage uninspired dishes. I prefer to create a menu that gets my guests excited. I invite anyone who wants to have an intimate celebration and would like a chef to make it special to reach out and tell me about your celebration. And my In-Home Cooking Classes celebrate the skills my guests have and build on those, as well as teaching dishes to spruce up their culinary repertoire.
Tell us about yourself
I have been cooking all of my life. From an early age in my grandmother's kitchen, I loved to spend time with her more than my coloring books, and I LOVED my coloring books! I've also been fortunate to travel a great deal. Art and cuisine were high up on the experience scale for me, and I would always relish the culture by way of both. In addition to cooking, I have a background in Art/Art History and Photography. Both of which help me in creating the inspired dishes and classes I make. It's almost as if I am being commissioned to create a work of art. That is how I approach my work and what inspires me. Additionally, when potential guests ask me what I can cook for them, I ask them what inspires them. Even those with a small cache of their own favorites find something to get excited about. That is what inspires me!!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe that the biggest accomplishment I've had is starting a business. I've often thought about opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. And it is not out of the picture; however, I enjoy the experience of getting to know my guests and creating a lasting memory in their life's celebration. Managing to stay afloat during COVID has also been an accomplishment, but I feel that not having the overhead of a storefront has enabled this accomplishment. The Fig & The Knife is in its sixth year of operation, and I feel that it is a huge and rewarding accomplishment on its own.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I believe that any business owner will agree that the hardest thing about being a business owner is stability. There are many highs and many lows. Income and profit are not guaranteed, and sourcing ingredients can sometimes be difficult, but so far, I have persevered.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get Inspired! Look at what others are doing, and then create your special version of it.
- Care about your guests. They are in need of your guidance and want your expertise.
- Network. Not just joining groups but reaching out to what many would consider "your competition." You'll find more often than not, you will create an ally in the industry.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The Fig & The Knife also has a full line of Artisanal Spice blends. All of which are locally hand crafted, with little to no salt or sugar, no gluten, or other fillers. Our flavor profiles enable you to travel through the dish on your table in your own home. All of which can be purchased right on our website.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thefigandtheknife.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefigandtheknife/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefigandtheknife/
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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