Today we’d like to introduce you to MJ.
MJ, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a native San Diegan who graduated from San Diego State University decades ago. I was an insurance broker for about 7 years. After that, I had transitioned into auto insurance claims for about 3 years. I had settled in and thought that I would retire in that field, but became unfulfilled, and the job was highly stressful. My sixth-grade goals were to graduate from college and own my own business.
Many years ago, after I had my daughter, I learned cooking home meals. I wanted her to prefer a home-cooked meal over fast food. Throughout the years, I developed a passion for cooking different types of cuisines. As I would patron restaurants, especially the smaller establishments, I always thought that I could do that.
The opportunity came to own a virtual kitchen, and I took a leap of faith to go after my childhood dream. I opened in July 2023 and am trying to thrive in this competitive and risky industry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have faced and are facing many challenges. Luckily, there is Google to help with some of the research. In structuring the business, it took me about 6 months to find an affordable and the right accounting team and CFO. In the beginning, I had to learn the right balance of how much food should be in each item to be profitable and have my customers satisfied, too.
Another challenge I face is that I am not very knowledgeable with social media, so my presence needs a lot of work. I am still working on that. To my downside, I stayed away from it personally, and now I am trying to catch up.
Lastly, just getting the word out on my business is a challenge. Having a virtual kitchen is a somewhat new concept so getting people to understand what it is and how it works is an ongoing battle. My business can literally be in the dark unless I shine light on it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I own two virtual restaurants. MJ’s Eatery Philly Cheesesteaks and More and the newly added Italiana Pasta. I lease a commercial kitchen space. I create delicious menu items for our customers. I am the sole proprietor. It is a lot of work, but I love it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
There were many factors were aligned for this to culminate for me. I would not have been ready any sooner. First, I had the goal and crafted my skill set both professionally and personally. I am such a stickler for details. I had the burning desire to own my own business. I was in a career that was extremely stressful and unsatisfactory; I wanted and needed a change as soon as possible. Lastly, I had put myself in a financial position to seize the opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mjseateryfood2go.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mjseateryphillycheesesteaks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjseateryphillycheesesteaks/
- Twitter: twitter.com/mjseateryphilly
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mjs-eatery-philly-cheesesteaks-and-more-san-diego
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=mj%27s+eatery+philly+cheesesteaks+and+more&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS893US893&oq=&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgAECMYJxjqAjIJCAAQIxgnGOoCMgkIARAjGCcY6gIyCQgCECMYJxjqAjISCAMQLhgnGK8BGMcBGOoCGI4FMgkIBBAjGCcY6gIyCQgFECMYJxjqAjIPCAYQLhgnGMcBGOoCGNEDMgkIBxAjGCcY6gLSAQkyOTU0ajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
