Kim is a Queen Leader: From waitressing in high school to 2 restaurant locations & a catering empire!
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Listen to Queen Kim share her journey from budding poet to catering empire. Kim has catered for over 40 movie productions, sports teams, celebrities & hosts events at her restaurant Nosh, in Moore. Her giving heart & problem-solving prowess has led her to places she could have only dreamt of as a kid.
In this captivating episode of Queens Lead, we had the pleasure of hosting Kim, a remarkable figure in the restaurant business. Kim shared her inspiring journey, emphasizing the power of collaboration, and discussed the unique challenges she faces in staffing her establishment. Furthermore, she delved into the profound impact of Covid-19 on her business, with a particular focus on catering and events. Here's a summary of the episode:
Episode Highlights:
π½οΈ Kim's Restaurant Journey and Pandemic Adaptation
Kim's journey in the restaurant industry began as a waitress and eventually led her to become a successful caterer and restaurant owner. She shared insights into her past experiences, including a house cleaning business that faced challenges due to cash flow issues. The conversation also explored her problem-solving approach and adaptability during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kim revealed how catering and events became a more profitable focus during this challenging time and discussed innovative strategies to keep her staff employed.
π€ Benefits of Covid and Collaboration in Business
Amy and Kim discussed the unexpected benefits of the Covid-19 era, including the permission to be more human and the opportunities for sharing business knowledge within the industry. Kim emphasized the lessons learned from working closely with her father, who owned his own business, and the importance of working smarter, not harder. They also emphasized the value of collaboration and the willingness to share trade secrets.
π€ Collaboration and Staffing Challenges in the Food Industry
Kim stressed the significance of collaboration within the industry, leading to mutual growth and assistance. The discussion delved into the challenges of staffing, especially for large catering events and restaurant shifts. Kim shared her strategy of relying on a core staff and using word-of-mouth referrals for additional help. Amy highlighted Kim's strong networking within the community, which has created a robust support system.
βοΈ Work-Life Balance in the Restaurant Business
The concept of work-life balance within Kim's profession was explored, where Kim often involves her family in her work, finding it rewarding and exciting. Both Kim and Amy discussed the seasonal nature of the business, which provides opportunities for family bonding. Kim expressed her pride in her family, particularly her children and husband, who are visible in the community. The conversation concluded with advice for potential restaurateurs to gain experience in the field before fully committing.
π Networking and Adaptation in Catering Business
Kim and Amy engaged in a casual discussion about Kim's business, highlighting the extensive networking with other business owners. They explored the unique aspects of Kim's catering and restaurant business, which operates around the clock, requiring constant adaptation. The conversation also touched on Kim's experiences catering for movie productions, sports teams, and commercials, with Kim expressing admiration for her clients' hard work and accomplishments.
πΌ Hiring Confidence: Kim's Team Growth
Kim candidly shared her journey of gaining confidence in hiring and managing a team. Initially hesitant, she eventually grew more comfortable with her team as she matured. She mentioned her first hire, Jacob Moore, and emphasized her commitment to growing her business.
π’ Expanding Event Space and Upcoming Shows: A Catering Meeting
Kim unveiled her vision to expand their event space to accommodate more conferences and large banquets, a move supported by Amy, considering the scarcity of such facilities in their area. Kim also teased an upcoming Valentine's show featuring Dean Martin-type music and impressions by Michael Cooper. Both hosts agreed on the need for more events like these. They discussed upcoming changes to the catering menu and anticipated the new golf season.
Connect with Kim:
Kim's Website
Kim's Facebook Page
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of Queens Lead, where remarkable women like Kim inspire and lead the way to success! π
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