Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Violet Favero, Owner of Yiayia’s Market, located in Melbourne, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m the owner of Yiayia’s Market, an online Greek Marketplace where you can find your favorite Greek seasonings, candles, jewelry, and more. Inspired to share my Greek heritage, I started this business to bring an authentic taste of Greece into your home. My customers are every one that loves Greek food and travels to Greece. Because I import many Greek specialty items, the majority of my customers are Greek Americans.
Tell us about yourself
I’m a children’s picture book author to a number of Amazon’s #1 New Release books. My author mantra is Silly Yaya. I visit schools around the country, getting children excited about reading. I began to attend Greek festivals with my books as a vendor, then started to expand from just selling books. I began to import some of my favorite items from Greece, and the Pandemic hit! Now I had all of this inventory and no festivals to attend. I was brainstorming with my adult son, and we devised a plan for me to open an online store to sell my items. I’ve been online now for over three years and have greatly expanded my business. I am always looking for new and exciting items from Greek artists to add to my store.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting a business during the Pandemic was certainly challenging! The supply chain issues, international and domestic shipping challenges, and more each brought their own set of challenges. I feel so accomplished to have had the ability to navigate through all of those issues and continue to grow my business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Because I have a very specific customer base of Greek Americans, the ability to see growth in the business is challenging. There are a set number of potential customers and many other Greek-themed businesses online, all competing for those customers. I find it very challenging trying to write new books while running the online store. Multi-tasking to the extreme, many days!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know what you want to do, research how to get it done, talk with other industry experts, and most of all, stay true to yourself, and let who you are be your brand.
- Set yourself apart from other similar businesses by offering superior customer service. Respond quickly to emails and inquiries. Offer something that your competitors do not. I offer exceptional packaging and gifting services.
- You must set time aside each day for yourself. Self-care is very important when you run your own business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.yiayiasmarket.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YiayiasMarket
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiayiasmarket/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-favero-9003a2123/
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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