Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Willie Mewborn III. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Willie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

Asking friends and/or family to support your business should be a guaranteed habit but somehow it’s not. In other words, spreading and promoting your loved ones skills only feels right if you truly love them. However, based on my experiences most family and friends decide to show support only when you show certain progress. It seems like most want to see you reach a certain level or accomplishment which isn’t a bad thing. It gives them more excitement. Many people seek support from their loved ones and when it doesn’t happen it can create a disappointment. Even I had moments when I expected my friends to share my business on social media just from the kindness of their heart. When it didn’t happen I felt like they weren’t as supportive. I learned through the process that people are attached to execution, accomplishments and new levels. Now I created this zone in my mental space that I will continue to progress, work hard and just focus on excelling. I share this to say to all business owners or creators please do not let the minimal support of others enter your emotional space. Honestly, the goal is to expose your business to new people through advertising and marketing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello everyone my name is Willie Mewborn III and I was born & raised in New Haven, CT. I relocated to Atlanta, GA in 2017 and at the time cooking was just a job to stay afloat. I worked in many different types of restaurants such as Cheesecake Factory, Pappadeaux, lounges and clubs. In 2020 when Covid 19 entered the world I started my business by doing meal preparation. I made my business a L.L.C and business started booming. The quarantine was really a blessing for me because it gave me the opportunity to showcase what I learned over the years. Through referrals, word of mouth, instagram and in person networking I elevated from meal prep to other services. Those services included all types of catering, cooking classes and consulting. My brand even helped me to receive positions as a sous chef and head chef. As I was expanding I wanted to ensure I was helping people reach their fitness goals, body goals, teaching them food facts and how to cook, My whole purpose is to impact by satisfying them but still making their food healthy which is a lifestyle I promote. I believe my concern for my clients’ health sets me apart from a chef just trying to make money. If I can present new healthy foods or implement a healthy way of consuming foods that would bring me more joy than receiving their money. I am most proud of the impact I made with many people of all walks of life through conversations, laughs and food,

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Nowadays the smart way to fund your business could be applying for a loan, a grant or just from savings. However, I didn’t have any of those options to fund my business. Unlike many I didn’t have a real plan starting my business and I just jumped into it. This occurred because Covid began and the demand for food delivery increased drastically. My job at the time didn’t give me a raise I deserved so that motivated me to work hard and fast on my business with momentum. The money I used to fund my business consistently was from my secondary job I had. My primary job’s profit was for bills and my secondary job’s was invested into my brand. At the time I had two jobs and my side business which kept me busy. Even though this way worked out in my favor my suggestion would be to use the banks or companies for a loan or grant. Doing it that way is more beneficial so you can start a savings or avoid touching your extra profit. Also, do not let not receiving a loan or grant hinder you from starting your business. I took the mindset of just starting and worrying about the rest later which can erase delay from accomplishing what you inspire to do as well.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

There are a million of ways to growing your clientele. You can grow your clientele through social media, networking, referrals and etc. In this industry I have discovered that referrals/word of mouth is the most effective way to grow your clientele. I feel this way because once people taste my food and enjoy it, it makes the referral happen naturally. For example, on social media your product can taste or look good but until people try it they will never know. Most people will always wonder about your product until someone else tells them and then they will test it. Satisfying your current clients is always the most important and quickest way to grow your clientele because people will believe a friend over a stranger.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chefwillmeals.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefwillmeals/?hl=en

Image Credits
Mike Smith