Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christina Hammond. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Christina, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room who is effective and successful has a snowball effect when you share your opportunities and successes with other people. I will never gatekeep knowledge or an opportunity to anyone who comes my way. If my star is shining bright, I’ll help the next person shine brighter.
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?
I am a small charcuterie catering company located in Huntsville, Alabama. We started in 2020 in the thick of Covid. When all the restaurants shut down in my city, I was becoming really antsy and depressed, and I could see other foodies were as well. I started with small boxes of charcuterie with local honey and then we grew into a catering company focusing on weddings and corporate events.
Our style is over the top and grand highlighting quality ingredients and small charcuterie farmers. We were the first in our city to offer hands on charcuterie classes, we have worked alongside other wedding vendors at numerous styled shoots, and we participate in markets around the city.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
When I first started this journey, I was working a full-time job at a CPA firm, in grad school, and nursing an infant. Though it seemed like I was extremely busy Covid gave the illusion that I was not, and I yearned for people interaction and some sort of fulfillment.
If I had to choose three qualities or skills that were most impactful during this journey I would call them ambition, enthusiasm, and persistence. In order to be successful with your own small business you have to have some level of ambition that bleeds over into your everyday life. I was very enthusiastic about starting because I love food and have a restaurant background. I am also extremely outgoing and love people.
The most important is persistence. Personally, I believe this is the number one quality that makes or breaks a small business owner or really anyone in whatever life path they are on. It’s important not to give up after you have those first few doors shut on you. I have had 20 doors shut on me only for 1 more to open. I have people I have never met before who won’t work with me. It’s all business and I have to remember to be persistent and keep going. That would be my best piece of advice for anyone.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My biggest obstacle currently is trying to balance it all. I have a career in finance, two small children, and was diagnosed with kidney cancer in late 2022. I cannot take every job that comes my way because of my career. There is the never-ending mom guilt of time quickly passing and me not spending enough time with my children. There are the constant doctor’s appointments, health scares, and worries that come with having kidney cancer.
I am learning to be present, grateful, and optimistic about all things in my life whether positive or negative. I am an extremely hopeful person pertaining to my outlook on everything so that has helped me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.honeyboxhuntsville.com/about/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyboxhuntsville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honeyboxhuntsville/
Image Credits
AmandaLyn Photography Brittanie Wichael Photography Jeff&Rachel Photography Katie Sue Photo & Film Freeman and Co Photography
