We recently connected with Carmen Friday and have shared our conversation below.

Carmen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Four years ago, I made the risky decision to quit my job of over 17 years in retail management to start my own business. That small voice was continuing to grow louder telling me that I deserved more than clocking in and out of someone else’s schedule and answering to someone else’s bottom line. I wanted to create my own success and build my dreams. It was a huge leap of faith, but by taking that risk, it has led to greater success and freedom than I ever could have imagined.

I must admit that my second year was the hardest, I struggled to maintain consistent revenue trying not to rob Peter to pay Paul to pay my bills. But I refused to give up, giving up is a non-negotiable for me. So, I stayed focused on my mission and kept taking one step after another towards building my business no matter the position or situation.

You will never find the “perfect” time to take a risk, so stop waiting for ideal conditions and just take action, if you leap, the net will appear. The only way to truly shape your destiny is through risk-taking and facing those challenges and your fears head-on. You have to overcome the fear of failure and be willing to make mistakes. Muster the courage to turn toward uncertainty and face the things that frighten you.

Success is built through relentless action, not through hesitation or risk avoidance. I built my business through determination and perseverance, not by waiting for the stars to align. Taking risks is how you forge new paths, create opportunities, and achieve beyond what others think is possible.

The risk I took in leaving my job has rewarded me in ways beyond just financial. I have elevated my passion and found my purpose, surrounded myself with amazing individuals, and helped many clients in meaningful ways. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t taken that first risky step into the unknown. By unlocking a world of endless possibilities and personal growth I now have the freedom and flexibility to live life on my terms.

The future belongs to the bold and courageous. Take the risk, start that business, ask for that raise, change that career, write that book, or whatever ignites your passion. Have the audacity to create the future you want rather than accepting what others say is practical or realistic.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Carmen Friday and I’m the Culinary Artist, published author, and President behind ‘Cooking with Carmen LLC’. I am a skilled artistic cook with a passion for baking and creating delicious meals with exquisite presentation. I was raised in the kitchen at a very early age and because I come from such a huge family, I learned the value and quality of a thoughtful meal. It is a known fact that “food brings people together,” and I simply enjoy watching people connect, relax, and fellowship over food that’s made from the heart.

As a private chef, caterer, and instructor, I’m passionate about using food to enrich people’s lives. I see cooking as so much more than just preparing a meal – it’s an opportunity to nourish, connect, teach, and inspire. My engaging teaching style makes learning fun and empowering. I live out my passion for food and spread it to others through every bite, every lesson, every interaction. It feels amazing to ignite that spark in my students and customers.

I am most proud that I gave birth to a dream of the one thing that I’m so passionate about!

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

The most effective way that has grown my clientele is by participating in several events and mainly through word of mouth.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’ve built my reputation within the market by being consistent with my business. I started by introducing myself to many people in the community by posting my food on social media and offering samples of my food at festivals or events. I always make sure my customers are satisfied with their experience and answer any questions they have about the food or myself. By doing this, it allowed them to see how much knowledge I possess about food as well as get a feel for my personality which helps build trust among them because they know what to expect from me when they come back. Being more personable gives me an advantage over other businesses that are just trying to sell their product without any care. I make it a point to know my customers by name and learn their orders that’s important!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cookingwithcarmen.online/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookingwithcarmenf/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookingwithcarmenf
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-friday-12186831/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/BOY_aPkQleE