Meet Kaitlyn Cruz

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaitlyn Cruz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kaitlyn, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

The first thing that comes to mind is my mom. No matter when, where, what day or time, if someone asks me this question, I immediately say “my mom”.

From the time I can remember, my mom has been one of the hardest working people that I’ve known. She has always stuck herself out there to make sure our family has had what we needed.

I’ve always looked up to her work ethic, and I think over time it has taught me that failing is okay. Failing once or twice doesn’t mean its over. Whenever it came to school or work, I believe that I have followed in her footsteps in trying to overachieve.

Still to this day, trying to break the cycle of the “American Dream”, I am working ever so hard to reach the goals I have set for myself. Working so hard to be that person retired my 30, to enjoy what life has to offer.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As far as current events, my husband and I tackle the breakfast industry day in and day out on our food truck. As of September 2023, we launched our breakfast food truck called “Cookin’ & Cruzin'”. We travel all around Charlotte, inside and out, serving fine and fresh breakfast sandwiches and french toast.

It’s pretty difficult to call it “work”. I throughly enjoy the whole thing. It’s not perfect, just like everything else in this world, but I love opening our window and sharing a product that I worked hard to put together. It gives me a sense of joy when I give guests their food and to hear that they love it or “this is some of the best breakfast I’ve ever had”. Believe it or not, I’ve had guests comeback to me and say those kind things. I makes my whole week usually.

With that being said, my husband and I are always, ALWAYS, talking and brainstorming how we can be better. It can be the smallest thing, like changing our packaging, or testing new ways to build the sandwich itself for better flavor, appearance, etc. To continue our journey on improving ourselves and our brand, we are currently working on a project of renouncing our menu, and to make coming to our truck a more fun and memorable experience

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?

For those starting out, please make sure you do the research on operating a business. To be the most honest as I can, having knowledge on business helps tremendously. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and get a degree in business, it just means do your due diligence.

Patience. Starting your own business takes so much patience. It’s not a get rich quick thing, as much as people want it to be. I’ve even had times where I wish it could be. I find myself comparing our business to others that have been in it for 5+ years. I always need to tell myself that my time will come, to just keep improving and working on the business.

Ambition and drive. For us, we know whats at the end of the tunnel. Once you’ve established the brand enough to hire it out and step away from it, that is the light at the end of our tunnel. That is what drives us to get up every morning and make it work, keep trying until we reached our goal. Everyones goal is different and that’s totally okay. Whatever the end goal is, set it and it’ll build that ambition

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My husband. Answering this question doesn’t even begin to explain how helpful he has been through building this business. Business wasn’t the only thing he’s been helpful with, he’s been been my biggest help and support through the past 7 years with me as a person.

He has done the work, built the skills, learned the qualities it takes to make it in this world and I can’t thank him enough for all that he has done for me. While we are both on the same path, and have the same end goals, I’ve always felt when I had a question or needed direction, he knew what to do, he knew the right answer. I still feel that way to this day.

Don’t be scared to have a helping hand in some shape or form. Whether they help you physically, mentally or emotionally. Trying to build something for yourself completely alone can be so tough.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookinncruzin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550516335169
• Yelp: Cookin’ & Cruzin’