Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Keith Aisner, founder of The Humble Dumpling, located in Portland, Oregon, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Humble Dumpling is all about exploring foods, flavors, and dumplings from around the world to create uniquely delicious experiences. We don't limit our adventures to existing dumplings; rather, we enjoy blazing trails and experimenting with the unconventional. That's why some of our best-selling dumplings are some of the most unusual, from Chicken & Waffles to Cheesecake. There's no limit to the combinations of foods and flavors, and that's reflected in the overwhelmingly positive reviews and the adventurous diners who love our food.
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved to cook. When graduating high school, I chose a music scholarship over going to culinary school, but I never stopped cooking and learning. Eventually, I went into marketing and became an entrepreneur specializing in the wine and cannabis industries. After moving to Portland to help build a cannabis co-packing business, I became fascinated with food production and revisited my love of dumplings. But after a devastating experience in cannabis, I reoriented my life and its priorities.
Maybe it sounds naive, but I created The Humble Dumpling from love, believing that any enterprise that starts from love and is guided by wisdom and hard work will succeed.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that our profits come from making people happy. Seriously. I'm not in the restaurant business. I'm in the people business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Prioritization. Especially in the start-up phase. Understanding what takes priority means being organized enough to make informed decisions.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don't be greedy. Find people of integrity who share your vision. Embrace consistency unless it gets in the way of improvement.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Kindness is underrated.
Where can people find you and your business?
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.
