Wanda Blake first learned to cook in her mother’s kitchen, and in the kitchens of her grandma, aunties and friends.
Wanda’s Cooking started in 2015 as a Pop-up Restaurant to share her passion for food culture. Recently, her Hot Pepper Chow Chow was featured in Bon Appetit. We asked Wanda to share a few tricks for small business success.
WHAT LED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Honestly, I got tried of training people who got paid more than me. I also felt I had the temperament and training to be my own boss – experience in Accounting, Operations, Human Resources and Supervising. Add to all of that my training as a Chef!
WHAT DOES BEING A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER MEAN TO YOU?
It's really personal – I have a responsibility to my customers, product and staff. I’m fully engaged in my business I have more responsibility to myself, as well.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE?
My featured product, Pepper Chowchow, a classic Southern condiment, has a history of enhancing the flavor of food. I took that history and expanded on the texture, versatility and visual appeal.
WHAT'S A SMALL BUSINESS TRICK YOU'VE DISCOVERED THAT HELPS YOU BE SUCCESSFUL?
First, know your capacity and have a support network, because your business can grow in a large leap. What can you handle and who can you call? When my business made that leap, there’s no way I could’ve survived if I hadn’t sent out an SOS and didn’t have the look of 911 on my face! LOL, seriously. Bottom line: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
