We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patrice Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patrice below.
Hi Patrice , thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
It was definitely one step at a time! And in the food industry if you don’t want to take out a large loan or have financial backing it might seem impossible but it’s still definitely possible! In the process of building this business I learned how to create content on social media which actually gave me a safety net and helped bridge the gap through building this business. I’m the world of social media and being able to utilize it for monetary purposes I highly recommend because it doesn’t take a lot of time away, it benefits your business knowing that skill and it’s not something you need to physically leave for!
Patrice , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Well for starters my name is Patrice and I am a mama of two, soon to be three! Prior to That cheesy mom I actually owned a meal prep company called That Meal Prep Chick. I got into that business with just a love for cooking and wanting to mix clean eats into it for those who didn’t want to sacrifice taste for health. I also started that business because I was tired of leaving my son at that time to go to a 9-5. I wanted to be more present so I just dove in head first! It grew exponentially and it was definitely my hustle season but by the time my second was one I decided to dive more into a social media presence as a way not to be tired to my kitchen. About 6 months away from the kitchen I realized I missed creating with food and was asked to do a charcuterie board! Let me tell you this, practice makes progress! I laugh when I look back at that first board but I’m so grateful because it let me to create and build That Cheesy Mom to what it is! It allows me to create beautiful charcuterie spreads and grazers for clients special moments while still choosing my family! It’s really the best of both worlds!
Have you ever had to pivot?
As a small business owner pivoting is a necessity! I had this business during Covid and sharing platters or grazers was definitely a NO GO! I also taught/teach workshops so this definitely came to a vault! This is where virtual came into play. Not only did I utilize social media but I taught classes via zoom! I also started making individual “brie boxes” and it just grew from there! If there’s one thing I can recommend is to not be scared to do something you have never done. Jump in, try something new with your business, worst case you pivot again!
How did you build your audience on social media?
I actually also help other small businesses with their social medias here and there and my number one tip is to let the audience know YOU! They can buy a charcuterie or a cute sweater or even a smoothie from a plethora of places but at the end of the day people want to support YOU (and of course your family!) Show your face, share your family and who is behind the business. As far as social media, utilize instagram, it’s resources and If you have the capability outsource someone to teach you! You truly can learn anything! There are so many trends that can grow your social media, you don’t have to be an expert. The resources are truly endless and at the touch of your fingertips!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thatcheesymom @patrice_thompa
- Other: Email me at [email protected]
Text or call 619-578-1212
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/katherineelainephotography?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==