Growing Into the Business – From Home Cook to Food Entrepreneur

Becoming a food entrepreneur wasn’t as simple as swapping my apron for a business plan. Being a great home cook doesn’t automatically equip you to run a food business—and let me tell you, building something from scratch without experience (or a network) can be incredibly lonely.

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So, I hit the reset button. I went back to basics, humbled myself, and sought out people who knew more than I did. Working in a production kitchen taught me the real nuts and bolts—things you don’t see from the outside. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was vital. I soaked up every lesson I could.

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Finding My Tribe at Mission Kitchen‍

A game-changer for me was Mission Kitchen a vibrant space built for food businesses like mine. It’s more than just a shared kitchen; it’s a community of small-to-medium producers, all hustling, all passionate, all learning together. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this.

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Shoutout to Yep Kitchen

‍If you haven’t tried Yep Kitchen’s chilli oils, stop what you’re doing and grab a jar. Seriously. Find them here.‍

Tom, the founder, is one of the kindest, sharpest people I know. His mentoring gave me the confidence and clarity I needed to navigate the food world. His sauces? Next-level delicious. His advice? Game-changing. Safe to say, Tom and I are great buddies who share very discerning palates! Get your Yep Kitchen fix, you will wonder how you ever lived without it!

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My Latest Foodie Faves‍

Every cook has their toolkit—here’s mine right now:

• Favourite restaurant: The Great Indian in Archway. Proper curries, killer cocktails, and a cosy vibe that feels like home. Visit them here

• Kitchen essential: My trusty silicone spoon—a small but mighty tool I use for mash, sauces, scraping, smoothing, and more. It’s the unsung hero of my kitchen.

• Favourite dish: Soft scrambled eggs in a white crusty bun with Yep Chilli Crisp. Just YUM. Great for hangovers, soul-feeding brunches, or a late-night snack. Ready in a matter of minutes. The secret to utter satisfaction, keep those eggs soft, scramble over a low heat and just as they start to set, turn off the heat and serve with Yep Kitchen Chilli sauce of your choice. Go on, you deserve it.

• Star ingredient: Turmeric—my golden secret. It’s my go-to in everything from pasta sauces to curries, even hot milk with honey, for a soothing antibiotic drink. Healing, warming, and totally essential. Go and get some, keep it in the cupboard. You won’t regret it.

This new phase hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step. Here’s to growth, community, and food that makes your soul sing.