Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
I agree with this to some extent. I think it depends on what industry you’re in. I have a friend of mine who owns his own business. He is in IT, and he thrives in routine and being at the office at the same time every day and making sure to get in that meditation and the reading before going to work. For me, the 9 to 5 routine doesn’t really work because I’m also creative, so part of the work I do is run the company but also do the recipes and create the baking kits and line of swag wear which I need to feel inspired. If I feel the routine is the same every single day, I have trouble feeling inspired to create. Yes, I am at my desk every day and there’s a routine to an extent, but I am not afraid to switch it up to keep things interesting. That’s when you’ll go somewhere that you weren’t expecting to get coffee with someone, and then you’ll talk about a new trending product, and it may spark an idea for a new creation. For me, it is a combination of both.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
Always. I’ve never had a job or very few, and when I did, it didn’t feel right. I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so both my parents have never had salaries or full-time jobs. I come from a family that is a go-getter, and if you want to accomplish something, then you’ve got to build it yourself.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
I would say 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Emails start to die down a little bit before they pick up at night, and during that time, I can focus on the creative stuff.
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
I think there are several skills. You definitely need a strong backbone. You can’t let yourself be discouraged, and remember to use the weekends to create the life you want and not to escape the life you already have. And I repeat that to myself every day because it is very easy to escape for a day or two when there is so much stress going on. Always have your eyes on the prize. It is a lot easier said than done but trying not to get discouraged when bad things happen because they will.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
Really both because I have found wonderful support from women and I have filled a board of directors with women who are empowering and amazing but you also have those struggles when you’re facing panels of just men and you’re just a woman and they may think you’re not up to the challenge or can you handle it because you’re by yourself.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
I will definitely have my own show and this will be a multi-million-dollar company.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
My parents both influence me in my everyday life and how I run this company and give me the strength to do it and the financial support to do this.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
Amirah Kassem who owns Flour Shop has built a baking empire that I truly respect.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
When you are an entrepreneur or starting out your company it is really easy to work in your business because you have to do everything from marketing, branding, and website design that you forget to work on your business. When you’re not working on your business you’re only going as far as the status quo. It is very important to remember to do both of those things. Work on the business development side and work on talking about your company because if you’re not talking about it nobody is.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
I have a sister and she was until she had kids because it is much harder when you have kids. Right now she has a job and doesn’t run her own company like she used to but she has an entrepreneurial spirit and I’m sure she’ll build something again soon.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I think you’re born with it. I think you can learn some techniques along the way but that drive has to be there and it is not for everyone.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA 2X Chopped Champion- Award Winning Chef- Founder/ CEO Bake It With Mel New York, NY website: https://www.bakeitwithmel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakingbossbabe/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodie-asseraf-7188a6150/ and https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bakingfomo-story-melodie-asseraf/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doughitnow Telephone: +1 917-238-4844 email: [email protected]