We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Hollimon and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffany, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business has always been something I’ve dreamed of doing as cliché as it may sound. To do something I’m passionate about and having the freedom to work my own schedule while still being able to be an active mom was very important to me. I’ve always worked a 9-5 but it was never something that fulfilled me and always left me feeling half empty, unappreciated no matter how hard I worked. I mean, it definitely paid the bills but I often felt like I wasn’t living in my purpose. These were definitely some of the thoughts that helped me transition into entrepreneurship.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a Chef and a Foodtruck owner from Houston. I create an eclectic variety of food, I travel often and cater events internationally. What set me a part from others is my uniqueness, passion and drive for the love of my business. Being in the food industry has its downfalls just as any other industry of course and it’s something you have to be built for. Operating a restaurant business is more than having a great recipe and someone telling you how great it is. I’m most proud of the amount of times I found myself feeling overwhelmed and wanting to give up but I didn’t because these were the moments that helped strengthen me and this is what helped me get me where I’m at today. This journey definitely wasn’t easy. For example, before I built my Foodtruck there wasn’t any manuals on how to run it, operate it, the type of appliances needed, how to create the proper menu, and how to target your audience. Needless to say I’ve had my share of trial and error.
What I would like for others to take away from my brand and my story is to never give up. Do what makes you happy and what brings you peace and that every business begins with a dream. There may not be many who believe in you and that’s okay cause all you need is for you to believe in you.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friends visiting the area and was in charge of the itinerary there’s many places I would take them. Such as visiting the theater district and watching a Play, finding a great Steakhouse or Seafood restaurant then of course invited them to enjoy some our Foodtruck. Because I absolutely love being on or near the water I would find us a nice restaurant overseeing the ocean or lake. Check out a concert only if our favorite artist is performing. This would all take place over a week long trip of course cause Houston definitely has a lot to offer. There’s really no limit to what we could do cause I just love a good time while enjoying great company.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s actually quite a few amazing people that I’d like to dedicate my shoutout. I’d like to start off with my two amazing children. They have been extremely supportive throughout this entire process. I’ve had many days of feeling completely stuck in thought because I’m known to be a perfectionist when it comes down to the things I love and cherish, and they will give me ideas that actually works. I would like to also say thank you to a special person in my life as he has always had my back no matter what! From the sleepless nights, days of feeling like I’m doing everything wrong but in actuality I’m not, and feeling completely overwhelmed he’s always had my back and I appreciate you being my rock throughout it all.
A lot of people don’t know this but I built my business from scratch without anyone knowing what I was working on. So to do things in that nature was challenging at times but it was extremely rewarding in the end. Lastly, I would like to shoutout my number one lady, my late grandmother. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t know half of what I know today. My grandmother instilled the proper foundation in me at a very young age and had it not been for her I wouldn’t be the amazing cook I am today. She is the reason Eleven 07 exist today.
To all of my friends, family and customers, the feedback from you all has had a positive impact on my growth and I would like to say thank you for your support!
Website: thee07experience.com
Instagram: Eleven_07_
Facebook: Eleven_07
Yelp: Eleven 07