Amy “Mia” Doebler…Entrepreneur ??????
Let me see, where do I start? A year and half ago I decided, because I had a need, to open health department approved kitchens for rent. “Great idea!” said all of my culinary friends. I was so excited about the whole concept.
I started to research the need and do forums with culinary professionals. This was met with lots of excitement. I jumped in with both feet. I hired a business coach, a life coach and worked and worked. Then, I lost interest, because I just could not get it together.
In walked Harriet (business coach) and I turned and ran in the opposite direction. Gone were the kid gloves and out came the boxing gloves. In three months the business plan and the financials were done (That is another post). A huge goal achieved, but I had no idea what was going to blindside me next. Angel investor letters went out, no response. Letters of interest to potential clients went out and very little response. No one wants me, no one loves me and I melted in to a puddle of tears.
Harriet grabbed me by my boot straps. She drags me off to an Entrepreneur’s Round Table meeting at Cal Lutheran University. I’m calling Angel investors with questions. I am meeting with graphic designers to throw around ideas. I keep hearing the same thing, “Great idea, someone is going to fund it.” Someone else said in a roundabout way, “If you give me money, I will find you investors.” A couple of phone calls later and I ended up being told that it was too good to be true, a rip off.
Now am going to sent up an appointment to meet with a person in the restaurant business to see if this person will share some insight on how he got his funding for 2 restaurants. I got out my copy of “Think and Grow Rich”, the author is Napoleon Hill.
And I read, “If you are ready for the secret, you already possess one half of it; therefore, you will readily recognize the other half the moment it reaches your mind.”
With action in one hand and my drill sergeant holding my other hand off we go to open Mia Cucina.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Denise Smith // Feb 9, 2009 at 8:04 am
I told you already that I will fund you 100%. Just need to run down the hill and pick up my lotto ticket. Being such a great winner, that I am, it will happen one of these times I know it, and you are my first investment! So get rid of the hand holding and just take action with you!
2 Mia // Feb 9, 2009 at 9:40 pm
You run and I will keep working. Thanks for the comments! I love to get them.
3 LunaCafe // Apr 11, 2009 at 2:25 am
Mia, you might check out organizations like the Food Innovation Center in Portland, Oregon that regularly put on a 12-week series called Getting Your Recipe to Market for wanna-be food entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs typically have only a little cash and need to rent a space to make their products. Perhaps with a handful of committed renters, you could get the investor you need. Just a thought. Best of luck! …Susan
4 Amy Hoffman // Jul 16, 2009 at 4:31 am
You go, Girl! Since renting health department approved kitchens is your passion, you should by all means do it!! And don’t let anyone (including yourself) discourage you.
I enjoyed reading your blog about meeting Julia Child when you worked at Sur La Table. She sounds like she was a lovely, genuine person and I can’t wait to see the movie, “Julie and Julia.” Take care and best of luck to you!
5 Mark Hill // Jul 24, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Maybe I should read “Think and Grow Rich” again.
Everyone loves my idea my idea of a gourmet meat shop and specialty food store that serves local organic and natural meats… but it’s to good to be true… oh you said that…
All my VC’s were in technology – tough transition from IT to Foodie…
Good luck…
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