Have You Met…Lisa Franklin?

I first met Lisa a few years ago when she was hired to be my personal chef. I absolutely loved her attention to detail as well as her attentiveness to her client’s needs. When I hired Lisa, I was transitioning from eating beef to a more vegan lifestyle and was interested in changing my eating habits. Although being a vegetarian didn’t last very long (I still don’t eat beef), I’ve always admired Lisa’s tenacity and service. Plus the lady can throw down in the kitchen. With an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in Culinary Arts, this Miss Business has a mission of bringing families back to the dinner table. Meet Lisa Franklin, Chef and Owner of Heart and Soul Personal Chef Service. 

Tell us a little bit about your business
‪I am Chef/Owner of Heart & Soul Personal Chef Service. I provide Weekly Meal Preparation for Busy Families, Private Dinner Parties, Candlelight Dinners for Two and Group Cooking Classes.

How did you get started as a personal chef?
I have been cooking since I could reach the stove. As a child, I would help with dinner and in college, everyone would flock to my room for home cooked meals. For years, I would host my friends for Sunday Dinner at my home. Yet, at the age of 39, I found myself 13 years into a career in healthcare technology and I was miserable. I asked God to rescue me from my stress-filled job. He answered by showing me that my talent and passion for cooking was not just a hobby, but that the talent he gave me would sustain me. I asked Him what to do and He said very clearly, “Turn and walk in that direction.” So I did just that. Within six months of that revelation, I left my job in Raleigh, North Carolina and moved to Charlotte, and enrolled in Culinary School. I landed my first client under my personal chef services just 3 days after I relocated.

What would you say has been the biggest hurdle in running your business?
‪Learning to say “no”. I am one of those “yes” people. I would say yes to a job way out of my scope or yes to a second event in the same day and then immediately stress about how I would get it done. I have learned that I have to stay true to who I say I am. Making money can’t be my only decision point. I sold my soul in Corporate America for those big paychecks all those years and ended up miserable. The beauty of being an entrepreneur is that you can make the rules. Why create a stressful environment in my business?

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently?
‪I would have gone into Culinary School right out of high school. I can’t change that now, but what we can all do as parents is recognize your child’s strengths and passions and encourage them in that direction. Teaching kids to pursue money first is doing them a huge disservice.

What advice would you share with others who are interested in following in your footsteps?
‪Have faith. Sometimes you just have to step out there and take a chance. If you want to change your life, you can. Learn the business. Perfect your craft. Find a mentor. Surround yourself with people who are on the level where you want to be. Stick to them like glue. You will naturally elevate yourself. Recognize your underdeveloped strengths and work to develop them. Read as many books as you can on success, business, finance, customer service as well as your intended field/industry. Listen to your customer. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow and do things better.

How do you balance having a business and family?
‪Keep first things first. I invest in my relationship with God and therefore, my spirit leads me and guides me. It keeps me tuned in to where I need to spend time. I have date nights with my 20-yr old son. I make time to call and visit with my mom and my sisters and my nieces. We plan family vacations for holidays so that we can all be together at least a couple times per year. I do work a lot, but I share all of my success with my family.

What are some words that you live by?
‪Strive for Perfection because even if you miss, you will land in Excellence.

What are 5 things you have learned as an entrepreneur?
1.  Satisfy your customers – This is key to success for every business.

2. Learn your craft. Learning is a continual process – when you stop learning you stop growing.

3. LQ is more important than IQ. What’s your Likeability Quotient? When you are an entrepreneur, you ARE your business. People will ultimately choose to do business with you because they like you.

4. Learn Accounting. If you plan to make money and keep that money, you’d better learn how to count it.

5. Focus your efforts. If you have too many things that you do, your customer won’t have a clear picture of who you are and what you offer. Pick a few products or services and focus on those. It’s better to do a few things in excellence than to do many things in mediocrity. 

What has helped you to live your best life?
‪Faith. I lived for many years thinking I was in control and trying to do things my way. Sure, you can experience a level of success that way, but you will put in 10x the effort and still have sorrow. You know the expression “Work Smarter, Not Harder”? Well, it’s the same principle. God steps in and takes on a lot of the work in your life when you let Him. He will put you on that “inside track’ of life. Now, I cannot imagine life without my faith in God. I have no worries. I have hope and confidence because I know I am walking in line with God’s will. There’s so much safety and so much peace there. Now I still have those things I sought before – money, reputation, friends, etc. But, now, I have protected money, favor with God and man, better relationships and PEACE!

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Lisa’s shared one of her quick and simple recipes for you to try at home. Perfect for bringing a dish to a gathering or having something light to eat as your meal.

Are you thinking about changing careers or starting a business?
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