Meet Marvin Lim

We recently connected with Marvin Lim and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marvin, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?

It all started with a simple question while I was scrolling through Instagram reels, watching content creators whip up incredible dishes: “I wish this person…”—but then, my thoughts shifted. I remembered my relatives, talented chefs who lived paycheck to paycheck. They loved cooking, but their passion was slowly extinguished by overwork and underappreciation. I began interviewing chefs, and the story was heartbreakingly universal: 95% of them faced the same struggle. All they truly wanted was to cook the food they loved and connect with people through their creations. That realization sparked TheKitchenTable.

Building this company was no easy feat. The early days were filled with challenges—finding our first chefs, attracting customers, and proving our value. I put myself in their shoes: If I were a chef, where would I go to seek new opportunities? This mindset, combined with relentless effort, helped us gradually gain traction. But when it came to users? That was an even tougher nut to crack, requiring constant experimentation and adaptability.

Over time, my decision-making skills evolved through necessity. I learned to make decisions quickly because in this fast-paced industry, hesitation could be the difference between leading and falling behind. I embraced a mindset of try, fail fast, and adapt faster. Every decision brought lessons, and every misstep became an opportunity to pivot and improve.

At TheKitchenTable, our core principle is simple yet profound: For diners, it’s about enjoying exceptional food without breaking the bank. For chefs, it’s about empowering them to reclaim their passion and become their own bosses. We’re not just serving meals; we’re fostering connections and rebuilding dreams, one plate at a time.

One pivotal decision stands out. Initially, we focused on mobile development, believing it was the way forward. But within three months, our website had outpaced the app in both usability and customer impact. The decision to pivot and prioritize web development wasn’t easy, but it catapulted us ten steps ahead. Now, with both a mobile app and a constantly evolving website, we’re positioned to serve chefs and diners better than ever.

As the co-founder and CEO, every decision I make holds significant weight. One wrong move could lead to setbacks, but I’m fortunate to have an incredible team that stands by me. Together, we’ve learned that perfection isn’t the goal; resilience and adaptability are. When I stumble, we regroup, adjust, and move forward stronger.

Ultimately, TheKitchenTable is a testament to the power of bold decisions and the unyielding passion of people who live to cook and share their love for food.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Spreading the Word: TheKitchenTable
At TheKitchenTable, we’re revolutionizing the way people experience food. Our mission is to create a platform where chefs can reclaim their passion and connect directly with diners who crave high-quality, heartfelt meals—without emptying their wallets. We believe in breaking down the barriers between creators and consumers, and our platform brings people together around something universal: the love of great food.

What makes TheKitchenTable truly special is our dual commitment. For diners, we offer a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class meals in intimate, personalized settings. No more overpriced fine dining; instead, you get access to chef-crafted dishes at an affordable price, served with stories and a personal touch. For chefs, we’re more than a platform—we’re a launchpad. We empower them to be their own bosses, giving them the tools to showcase their creativity, connect with food lovers, and build sustainable, fulfilling careers.

We’re proud to be more than just a marketplace. TheKitchenTable is a movement. It’s about community, passion, and making fine dining accessible to all. It’s about giving chefs the freedom to cook what they love, while building meaningful connections with the people they serve.

What’s New and What’s Next:
We’re always growing and evolving. Currently, we’re preparing to launch an updated version of our platform that seamlessly integrates both mobile and web experiences. This upgrade will make it even easier for diners to discover local culinary talent and for chefs to manage their businesses on the go. Beyond the technology, we’re excited to announce partnerships with several up-and-coming chefs who will be hosting exclusive dining events in cities across the country.

Additionally, we’re expanding into new markets to bring TheKitchenTable experience to more communities. Stay tuned for announcements about pop-up events, chef spotlights, and new features that will continue to elevate the dining experience.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our growing community, and we invite everyone to join us at TheKitchenTable. Whether you’re a chef ready to share your passion or a diner looking for an unforgettable meal, there’s a seat waiting for you.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey with TheKitchenTable, three qualities stand out as game-changers: risk-taking, adaptability, and a love for learning.

1. Risk-Taking & Persistence:
Building something meaningful requires taking bold risks and pushing through setbacks. From launching TheKitchenTable with no guarantee of success to navigating countless challenges, I’ve learned that perseverance in the face of uncertainty is crucial.

Advice: Don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. Embrace the unknown, and remember that failure is often just a stepping stone to success. The key is to keep going.

2. Adaptability:
In a fast-moving world, adaptability isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether it’s pivoting strategies or responding to feedback, being flexible has allowed us to stay competitive and relevant.

Advice: Be ready to change course when necessary. The more adaptable you are, the quicker you’ll turn challenges into opportunities.

3. A Love for Learning:
I wasn’t an A student—in fact, I was a C student. But that never stopped me from learning. Today, I thrive on absorbing new knowledge and skills every day. Everything is learnable if you’re committed.

Advice: Don’t let past academic performance define your potential. Approach every experience with curiosity, and trust that with enough heart and effort, you can master anything.

For Those Starting Out:
If you’re just beginning your journey, focus on these three qualities. Take risks, embrace change, and never stop learning. The road may be tough, but these traits will help you navigate challenges and unlock your full potential.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! At TheKitchenTable, we’re all about building meaningful partnerships and creating unforgettable dining experiences. We’re actively seeking collaborations with a wide range of individuals and organizations, including:

1. Airbnb Hosts: Enhance your guests’ stays with personalized, chef-prepared meals.

2. Event Spaces: Host exclusive dining events, pop-ups, and private gatherings that bring people together over incredible food.

3. Event Planners: Curate extraordinary culinary experiences for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.

4. Local Grocery Stores & Farms: Source fresh, high-quality ingredients while supporting local producers and the farm-to-table movement.

5. Content Creators & Food Influencers: Share the inspiring stories of our chefs and showcase unique dining experiences to a wider audience.

6. Culinary Schools: Offer budding chefs a platform to launch their careers and gain hands-on experience.

7. Busy Parents: Provide high-quality, chef-prepared meals that save time without compromising on nutrition or flavor.

8. Fitness Enthusiasts (Gym Junkies): Enjoy customized, affordable meal plans crafted by private chefs to fuel your lifestyle.

9. Chefs Looking to Break Free: If you’re stuck in a box and dream of being your own boss, we offer the tools and support to unleash your creativity and connect with food lovers.

10. Food Enthusiasts Who Can’t Cook (like me!): Experience exceptional meals crafted by passionate chefs, bringing restaurant-quality dining straight to your home.

At TheKitchenTable, we aim to connect people who love food with those who live to cook. If you fit into any of these categories—or even if you don’t but want to collaborate—we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us via email to ‘tkteats@hotmail.com’ or visit our website, and let’s create something amazing together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tkteats.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekitchentable_official/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thekitchentable/