Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zoe Deleu, Founder of Zoe Deleu Catering, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the Chef and Owner of a catering company. I cater to all types of events: business lunches, photo shoots, corporate cocktail parties, store openings, private dinner parties, and weddings. The list goes on - from 20 to 800 guests.
Tell us about yourself
For as long as I can remember, I've been obsessed with eating delicious food. Growing up in France, my mother always cooked. We spent every Saturday morning at the farmer's market. It's a big part of why my food is always super fresh. I cook for my clients the same way I cook for my friends and family, with a focus on making sure the main ingredient of each dish is always the star. My first career was graphic design. But after fifteen years as an art director, I decided to follow my first passion: cooking! Naturally, with design in my background, I love to play with colors and textures when I cook. To me, a beautiful presentation is just as important as how the food tastes. I moved to New York from Paris 15 years ago. Before I launched my own company, I worked in several catering companies' kitchens. Working in a kitchen is a tough job, but the reward of serving delicious food to happy clients is priceless.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Well, starting a business that keeps growing, from scratch, with no business knowledge. Surviving the year and half of COVID was a huge challenge, but I was able able to keep my business going with a lot of work and the help of my community and amazing clients.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's a 24hrs job, 365 days a year. It can be stressful, especially when there are some down times. Keep the faith!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you get all the information needed before starting or hire someone who has this knowledge (insurance, taxes, payroll, etc.)
- Be passionate about what you do. You will be working long hours, if you don't love your job, forget about it!
- Make sure to have the right person working with you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.zoedeleu.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoedeleucatering/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoedeleucatering/
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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