EmpowHERto asked Nicole Egberts of The Holistic Feast to answer some questions about her at-home chef business and entrepreneurial journey. 

Can you tell us a little about your at-home chef business and why you were interested in starting one?

The Holistic Feast is a nutritionally-based private chef company. Essentially, we create a meal plan based on a client’s health goals, allergies, dietary needs, flavor preferences, etc. We then have a chef come into the client’s home on a weekly basis to do all the meal prep. 

I started this company as a response to a need that I saw within the world of health and wellness: so many people have nutritional goals but lack the motivation, time, and inspiration to see them come to fruition. Providing food for clients within their home really helps them stay on track to a healthier lifestyle.

How did you come up with the name of your company?

Plenty of brainstorming sessions! I had a handful of keywords in mind that related to my idea and just kept switching them around and trying new combinations until The Holistic Feast came about.

What does “a day in the life” look like for you?

Always different! A lot of answering emails, menu planning, and writing to-do lists! One of the best things about having your own business is the freedom to work on the run. I have absolutely loved being able to change my day around based on what is happening. For example, I have the freedom to go out for breakfast with a friend and choose to work later in the day.

How did you build your customer base? Do you market your business on your own?

I have been lucky to have received almost all my clientele through word of mouth. Marketing is on my mind and needs to happen soon, but word of mouth has been effective so far. When you deliver a product or a service that people see value in, people will share with others. 

What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?

In a way, one and the same! It can be challenging to pour so much time into building a business while not being able to pay yourself until business picks up. While on the same hand, seeing something grow when knowing how much time you have poured into it is a special thing. 

How have you overcome any failures or setbacks?

Friends, family, hard work, and mainly a strong belief in the vision of the business. If you believe that your idea is valuable, then you will continue to push. 

How has COVID-19 affected your business?

Because we are an in-home business, we lost a lot of clientele due to COVID-19. Hopefully, this is just a temporary loss that will improve as restrictions lift, but this has caused us to feel a loss of momentum. 

What are some plans for growing your business?

We have lots of ideas. First, we want to start to market more and see where that leads us. We also want to become experts in one area before we diversify too much. 

What advice do you have for a young woman looking to start her own business?

Talk about your idea with lots of people to see if it is something that has a place in the market, and do not be afraid to change things as you learn what your niche is and how to fill it. Once you feel confident that your idea is a good one, be brave, and take the leap! I will be over here cheering for you! 

How can our readers get in touch with you or access your services?

Our website is a good place to start! There you can find how to contact us and see everything we offer. You can also search us on IG @theholisticfeast

Huge thanks to Nicole for the inspiring interview! Check out more interviews on our blog and IG @empowherto