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

Kathleen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I retired from the military in 2017 and later started my business in 2019. Starting a business had been a goal of mine for 15 years. While I was always confident that I could make it happen, there was also a fear that kept me from taking the plunge sooner. What if I failed? What would people think of me? The questions went on and on, but eventually, I decided to just go for it.

Looking back, I’m glad that I started my business when I did because now I can see the skills, wisdom, and experience I acquired over the years that have helped me be successful in what I do today. Had I started sooner or later, my experience would have been much different. If I had started sooner, I would have lacked the life and career experience that has helped me to succeed. On the other hand, if I had waited any longer, my fear may have taken over and prevented me from ever starting at all.

In retrospect, I’m happy with my decision to start when I did. It wasn’t perfect, but I was able to learn and grow as an entrepreneur which has allowed me to be successful. So in answer to the question, do I wish I had started my business sooner or later? The answer is that I’m glad I started when I did. It was the right decision for me at the time.

This is why I always caution people to trust their gut when it comes to starting a business. Every situation is different, and the timing of when you start your venture should be based on what works for you at that moment in time. No matter the decision you make, do not let fear prevent you from reaching your goals because, with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

By taking these steps, you will be able to make the most out of your business journey and create lasting success. So no matter when you decide to take the plunge, have faith that you have what it takes to succeed.

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

I’m a small business owner and entrepreneur with over 21 years of military experience. This has given me the good order and discipline that I apply to my work today, enabling me to provide high-quality services and products for my clients.

I started my journey in business after facing a tragic loss of a loved one. Rather than allowing myself to be overcome by grief, I decided to turn my pain into something positive. I built my business from the ground up and have been most proud of the growth it has experienced since then.

I specialize in producing creole seasonings, sauces, and rubs. We also have a brand line of air fryers and other kitchen items. I have extensive knowledge of a wide range of culinary skills, instructing, advising, and more. My experience and training in the military have helped me develop a unique perspective that sets me apart from other entrepreneurs. I strive to provide an innovative approach to problem-solving for my clients, helping them reach their goals in the kitchen, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Above all else, I want potential customers and followers of my work to know that I’m driven by passion and a lifelong commitment to excellence. My goal is to make a positive impact in the lives of my customers and those I work with. I believe that quality, hard work, and dedication can help one achieve their dreams and goals. I’m excited about what lies ahead! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

When I decided to start my business, I had my savings to draw from. I wish I had taken the time to develop a budget for my business initially, but hindsight is 20/20. That being said, my savings got me going and my business has been up and running since.

However, ongoing funding is one of the biggest challenges my business currently faces – even though my products have been successful, my sales revenue alone isn’t enough to cover my expenses. This is where I have had to start looking for alternative sources of funding such as loans and government grants. While this can be difficult and time-consuming, it is necessary to ensure my business continues to grow and succeed.

Ultimately, securing sufficient funds to support my business is a necessary step that I have had to take for my venture to continue. It has not been an easy journey but it is one that I am proud of, and I am dedicated to growing my business into a success.

By taking the time to create a budget and looking for alternative sources of funding, my business has been able to stay afloat and continue growing. This is a lesson I have learned that I would like to share with other entrepreneurs starting their venture – planning will make all the difference in the success of your business.

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

I believe my personality has been the major factor that helped me build my reputation within my business. By consistently providing quality products and services while also being personable with my customers, I’ve developed a good rapport with them. Additionally, my social media following has grown fairly quickly over the past couple of years, which has also aided in increasing my brand recognition. Lastly, my presence at various public markets has also been beneficial in fostering my reputation as a business owner, since I’ve had numerous opportunities to directly interact with my customers and get their feedback on my products and services. All of these have helped me build my reputation within my market.

Overall, it’s important to be consistent and reliable in my services and products, and also to be present in places where my customers are. This helps me create a strong reputation for my business, which is essential for any small business owner.

I am grateful for all the support my customers have provided throughout my journey so far, and I look forward to continuing to build my reputation within my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https//msmickeys.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickeyspices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msmickeyscreoleseasonings
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msmickeys/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MickeySeasonin1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzNkBc97N7fW_nKIZ0_BOUw

Image Credits
Photographer: Courtney Cheatham / @cothephotographer