I learned about Ally’s entrepreneurial spirit in a roundabout way. A family member of Ally’s brought her up in conversation, expressing his admiration for her talent and motivation to start her own business.
I had to learn more! I hope you enjoy this interview with Ally as much as I did.
Meet Ally Epstein!
When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
A vet and a chef! I loved animals at an early age but I also loved being in the kitchen. My mom actually found a few recipe cards I wrote as a kid so I guess I was always meant to be a chef!
How did you come up with the idea to start Naturally Catering & Events?
My journey with food started with being a vegetarian and realizing the lack of dining options for those with plant-based diets, especially when it comes to catered events. I wanted consumers in my area who choose a plant-based or gluten-free diet to be able to enjoy foods that are familiar to them, as well as dishes from around the world, whatever the occasion. Naturally Catering & Events caters to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free & omnivore diets so there is always something for everyone.
What is the biggest struggle you’ve encountered as an entrepreneur and how did you solve it?
My biggest struggle was getting started! I had this idea for four years and I just couldn’t bring myself to make it into an actual business. I was balancing school and work at the same time, and once I graduated I felt I needed to find a good job. But for cooks like me, it usually meant working overtime at a restaurant to work your way up to the salary position. I decided to stop preventing myself from doing what I really wanted to do and left my job to start a catering business full time. Sometimes your biggest struggle can be with yourself and believing in your own dreams, but I was able to get over it by making small goals to make the big picture seem less unattainable.
What do you think are the pros and cons of being a womanpreneur?
The best thing about being a womanpreneur is that you are your own boss and you define where your career path takes you. You can truly do anything you set your mind to if you try. But there are also cons to those because you have to make all of the decisions yourself, good or bad, and find your own motivators. Where there usually is someone to look to for advice or motivation at a job, working for yourself means you are that person instead and it can be difficult.
Do you have any mentors or coaches that you work with?
I do not.
What advice would you give to someone reading this that has the entrepreneurial “itch”?
I would say take your time with developing your ideas, but also make a checklist with deadlines so that you meet your goals. Dreams don’t work unless you do so you really have to push yourself! It’s okay if your idea won’t become a business tomorrow, it takes time and hard work!
What is the secret to achieving work-life balance for you?
I think the secret is to work a normal 9-5. Working for yourself often means working from home, which makes it easy to wake up late and work in the evening. It’s important to maintain a regular schedule so you do other things you enjoy and not get consumed in your work.
How do you find inspiration?
Whenever I’m in a creative rut I look through cookbooks or food pages on Instagram. There’s always something to learn and it’s refreshing to see all the things others have done.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is the Alchemist!
What is your favorite quote?
“Dreams don’t work unless you do.” -John C. Maxwell
What do you do to decompress?
I like to workout! It actually helps me get rid of all my stress and tension and I always have a clearer head afterward.
Naturally Catering and Events is located in Westchester County, NY (I am very jealous of you locals out there…I wish I could enjoy it here in Florida!).
Scrolling through her menus made me quite hungry…there is so much to choose from!
Ally’s dedication is admirable. Her talent is unquestionable.
Please connect with Ally via her website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Check out the previous Womanpreneur Wednesday spotlights:
If you know of a womanpreneur that you would like to see showcased on my Womanpreneur Wednesday series, please comment below!
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