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

Alright, Erin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

This subject plagued my existence when I first took the plunge into full time entrepreneurship in 2019. I was operating under the misnomer that your friends and family would be your biggest supporters simply because it’s YOU. I was incorrect. Over the years I’ve built my dream on the support from complete strangers. They rallied behind my dream and placed orders, booked catered events and through word of mouth helped cultivate this dream. As time has passed friends and family have joined in. But I’ll never forget the way it’s been the people I’ve never met that have watered the seeds I’ve planted from the very beginning.

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?

I started cooking with my Grandmother around the age of 9. She’d delegate tasks to me to assist her in the kitchen; mixing batter, prepping vegetables, tasting things to see if more seasonings were needed. I fell in love with cooking and the entire process in her kitchen. She passed away in 2016 and left me her recipe box. I started Elevated Soul that year, the month after her passing. I knew how to cook but being educated in the business aspect was critical for me. I went to Huston Tillotson and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business in 2019. That, coupled with my cooking knowledge, and kitchen skills acquired over time have helped create Elevated Soul. It’s my continual mission to provide excellent customer service, delicious food, and enjoy this journey every step of the way.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My side hustle started the day I catered a lunch potluck at my then full time job. Everyone loved the food and I knew then I wanted to cook full time. It would be years later before that happened. I sold cheesecakes, various appetizers and even breakfast burritos for months until I had the opportunity to start this business in 2016. I was so determined to do what I loved for myself every single day so I made it happen. The obstacles, awful work experiences, and struggles only made the desire for entrepreneurship stronger.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

2020 was a rough year for small businesses with the onset of a pandemic. I was forced to pivot my business from mainly catering events to focusing on private chef services. This was a bit of a different focus for me, but it was a fantastic decision. I am currently working 5 days a week as a private chef for my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elevatedsoul.biz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevated_soul_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatedsoulbiz/

Image Credits
Elevated Soul