Today was the SF Street Food Conference, which fell on the heals of the festival this past weekend. I wish I had partaken more in the festivities, but I am grateful for what I did experience. The conference sold out for the Monday panels. Gioia called me and told me to come take her spot for the end of the day. She went to the conference for "work" but she wanted to get to the office to return emails, etc.
We had a great panel of people from Liba Falafal (foodtruck), Wise-Sons Deli, nolafoodtrucks.com (an incubator organization for entrepreneurs), Inticing Creations ( a cake decorator), and Blue Bottle Coffee.
I thoroughly enjoyed their perspectives on starting a company, hiring and growing a company, embarking on dramatic career changes, and taking all of the necessary risks to follow a passion. Lizzy Caston shared some cool anecdotes of coaching entrepreneurs through the process. I liked when Gail Lillian urged us to "follow our gut" and do what feels right. I loved when James Freeman talked about "ignorance is bliss." Sometimes it's better not to know about something and just to believe you can do it. Otherwise, the obstacles might deter you. James also said that when you take out a loan from a bank or a third party investor, with whom you have no personal connection, it's easier to mis-spend that money. Whereas, when you spend your money, each and every penny is considered invaluable. THey all said to start small. They all said that it's crucial to test your product before it goes to market.
Farmers markets may or may not be the best place to start (for us, I think they will be great!). Lillian said that they food world is only just beginning to transform in San Francisco. Some people are starting by bike. Lizzy told the story of a rich Nike principal quitting her job to ride around on a bike, selling curried pop-corn.
I am really empowered and inspired to take the next steps, and I genuinely look forward to all that I am going to learn in the process. I look forward to the journey.
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