We were lucky to catch up with Chris Mitchell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I developed my confidence and self-esteem later in life. When I was younger, I was much more reserved. Over time, I began doing things like playing team-based sports (football, baseball, soccer, etc.), which helped me build a stronger sense of confidence and self-worth.
Of course, everyone is human—there’s only so much we can maintain that feeling every day. When I’m having harder days, I usually get a fresh haircut, practice some self-care, hit the gym, and do whatever I need to realign myself and get back to business.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Kitchen Candy is a multi-purpose business offering catering, meal prepping, event planning, private dinners, and more. I specialize in creating a brand-new dish every week to consistently sharpen my skills and push creative boundaries. I enjoy experimenting with flavor combinations you wouldn’t normally expect to work together—yet they often turn into masterpieces.
I also make it a priority to connect with clients on a personal level. Understanding why their event matters allows me to tailor the experience and make it just as meaningful for me as it is for them. Whether it’s traveling, hosting, or planning, I handle everything from start to finish.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When it comes to owning a business, every owner develops a unique set of skills and knowledge that supports not only their own growth, but the growth of their company as a whole. The strengths I believe I bring to the table are being personable, adaptable, and open to criticism.
Starting with the last one — taking criticism — I feel it’s essential to set aside ego and pride when you run a business. Things can’t always go your way or remain set in stone. You need the ability to adjust, especially when feedback comes directly from your clients. Many business owners push customers away in those moments, assuming their system is perfect, and ultimately end up hurting their business in the long run.
That ties directly into adaptability. I’ve made changes to myself and to the company on a regular basis — some for the better, some that didn’t work out. But growth requires trying new things, pushing the envelope, and making the adjustments needed to reach your goals or handle high-pressure moments. In the service industry especially, being able to pivot can make the difference between a good experience and a great one.
Lastly, being personable is a trait I value highly. When a business feels too transactional, people can sense it — they feel like just a check or an opportunity. While yes, this is a business, I make it a point to create a sense of comfort, trust, and confidence around every event. That personal connection is what keeps clients coming back.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely. I’m a big believer in working with people within my industry and my community. Why focus only on growing my own “plants” when I can help others grow theirs too? Collaboration only makes the whole field stronger.
My next few projects include things like podcasts and pop-up events, so if you work in any of these areas, reach out. Let’s connect and shake up the industry together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thekitchencandy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchen_candy_?igsh=MXNpbG1reW03cGFodQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/kitchencandy?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAOpY2pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAadfSmbVVWj-dQOiuknenIalObcZ5Wcnb80b23fTGeXCKZFc491lfwOaLM9PAg_aem_2fifFVT16R65joGUGAF8mA
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