We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hannah Staddon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hannah below.
Hi Hannah, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I believe imposter syndrome is something we all experience, especially when we venture into new territory. The real question is, do we ever completely overcome it?
Whenever I try something new, I often feel like an imposter. However, I’ve come to understand that this feeling is a natural part of growth. Without pushing beyond our comfort zones, we miss out on valuable opportunities for learning. My biggest desire is to grow and learn, which inevitably involves making mistakes. I’ve learned to embrace these mistakes as they are crucial to my development.
Recognizing when I feel this way allows me to turn it to my advantage. I tell myself, “I don’t know anything about this. Who can I ask? Who can I learn from?” This mindset keeps me humble and open to learning from others.
So, while I may not have completely overcome imposter syndrome, I’ve learned to accept it as part of my journey. I use it as a motivator to continue learning, growing, and striving to become the best version of myself.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Hannah, and I am the founder of Funky Chef, the only company currently making fitted, flattering, and fun chef jackets specifically for women.
The inspiration for Funky Chef came from my own struggle to find chef jackets that fit my body without needing to be tailored, and they were always in traditional colors. I wanted to create something that was both functional and stylish for female chefs.
The most exciting part of running Funky Chef is receiving images and being tagged in videos of female chefs around the world wearing and loving their jackets. It’s incredibly emotional for me to realize that I, someone who never thought of herself as an entrepreneur, have created something that not just one person has bought, but many, and they absolutely love it!
Two of the hardest parts of this journey have been knowing what is important to spend money on and what not to waste it on, and maintaining a work-life balance with social media. I prioritize my family time by making sure my phone is off by 6 PM and limiting social media time to two hours a day.
A milestone I’m super proud of is reaching 30 sales a month, and I’m really hoping to continue that growth. I’m also excited to be launching seven new jackets by the end of the year!
My goal is to increase sales sustainably and hopefully turn Funky Chef into a proper business that can sustain itself. The biggest difference between Funky Chef and other companies is that I cater to a niche market. The chef jacket industry is dominated by males, with subdued uniforms and designs that fit men’s bodies. I make colorful, bright prints that fit women’s bodies.
For anyone looking to pursue a similar path, my advice is simple: the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll realize whether it’s a viable business or not.
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?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
1. Honesty and Integrity: My genuine love for my products and my commitment to ensuring every customer enjoys them as much as I do have been crucial. Being highly customer service-oriented has helped build strong relationships with my clients and fostered loyalty.
2. Authenticity and Confidence: Being true to myself and sharing that authenticity on social media has significantly boosted my confidence, which in turn impacts every aspect of my business. The positive feedback and sales driven by this authenticity have been rewarding.
3. Industry Knowledge and Fashion Design Background: As a full-time yacht chef with experience in fashion design, I’ve had a unique advantage. My deep understanding of the industry and my ability to create products tailored to it, combined with my knowledge of garment production, has enabled effective communication with producers and the creation of products that truly meet the needs of female chefs.
Advice for those starting out:
– Research and Ask Questions: No one will hold your hand through the process, so rely on yourself to find answers. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also boost your confidence in your chosen field.
– Leverage Your Existing Knowledge: Use your background and experience to your advantage. My work environment as a yacht chef and my fashion design history have both provided valuable insights and content for my business.
– Learn from Resources and Mentors: Read business books and seek out mentors. Books like “Diary of a CEO” offer practical insights, and mentors can teach valuable lessons in research and humility.
These strategies and insights have been pivotal in my journey and can be beneficial to anyone starting out.
What challenges are you facing at the moment?
Challenges I’m Facing
Currently, I’m working on increasing sales for Funky Chef. I’ve signed up with Amazon to reach a broader audience and am focusing on improving my SEO across various platforms to drive more traffic and visibility.
Another significant challenge is connecting with celebrity chefs. I understand that this is a numbers game, but it can be exhausting to contact numerous managers and not receive any responses. If there are any effective strategies or connections that could help in reaching out to celebrity chefs or boosting our visibility, I’d love to explore those opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.funkychef.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkychefco/
Image Credits
John Caimbriello
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
