Why You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Start Your Business

Debunking the 'Expert' Excuse for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

I love stories that challenge the status quo, and Jamie Erickson's journey with Poppy’s café in Brooklyn is a perfect example. She dove into the food business without any culinary background, proving that true expertise lies in understanding people and letting data guide your decisions. By building strong connections with customers and teaming up with skilled chefs, Jamie turned her outsider viewpoint into a superpower, allowing her to adapt quickly to what the market really craved.

The real magic happened during tough times, like the early pandemic shutdowns, when she shifted from a planned sit-down spot to a grab-and-go model based on community needs. This flexibility, combined with a smart, numbers-backed approach to inventory and sales forecasting, helped Poppy’s not just survive but become a neighborhood staple. It's a reminder that building a business isn't about following a rigid playbook—it's about listening, pivoting, and putting people first.

Entrepreneurs often hold back thinking they need all the answers upfront, but Jamie's experience shows that a genuine passion for community impact can drive lasting success. Check out the full episode to hear her insights and spark your own entrepreneurial fire.