Teyoshe Smith, the brilliant mind behind Bite by Bite & Co., has successfully turned her kitchen island venture to a profitable entity in Richmond, Virginia. What started as a simple mission to share exquisite charcuterie has now grown into a flourishing business, employing a dedicated team, operating from a full-fledged commercial kitchen, and serving a wide variety of gourmet charcuterie boxes.
Smith, in collaboration with her sister-in-law, began this noteworthy venture in May 2022, initially crafting charcuterie spreads for family events before expanding to selling boxes filled with carefully curated gourmet food items. Their dedication and commitment initially sold 25 boxes in a matter of two days, which eventually increased to 50 boxes in the following week despite pandemic supply challenges.
Their passion for gourmet food and commitment to quality, combined with the support from their local community, transformed their humble kitchen venture into a thriving gourmet food business. The local media’s attention and a dedicated customer base were earned in a matter of a few months, and their future plans involve experimenting with innovative flavors, diversifying their product range, and expanding their business regionally.
Smith’s journey serves as a powerful testimony to the power of passion, delivering high-quality products consistently, and valuing the support of the local community.
Turning kitchen hobby into successful charcuterie enterprise
Even while working as a Project Manager at Capital One, Smith balanced her business perfectly and saw a revenue generation of $84,000 within seven months. This success prompted Smith to leave her job and fully devote herself to Bite by Bite & Co., expanding it further with their own store in Richmond and a professional kitchen in Atlanta.
The subsequent year witnessed an impressive revenue of $379,000, primarily credited to their unique offerings and Smith’s commitment to nurturing and helping others. Smith also plans to expand further, with two new franchises expected to be launched this year.
Despite these successes, Smith points out the challenges of entrepreneurship, citing her initial branding issues that ended up in a lawsuit. She advises new entrepreneurs to have a thorough understanding of their finances, taxes, and even consider getting expert advice. Stressing on the importance of a strong team, adaptability, and a constant market understanding, she believes these factors, along with unwavering passion and resilience, reveal the ultimate roadmap to entrepreneurial success.
