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

Debunking the Expert Myth: Starting a Business with Heart and Data

I love stories like Jamie Erickson's journey with Poppy’s café in Brooklyn—it reminds us that passion and connection often trump formal expertise. Jamie dove into the food world without any chef background, yet she turned her vision into a community staple by truly listening to her customers and letting their needs guide her decisions.

Pivoting Through Challenges

When the pandemic hit, forcing a rethink of her launch plans, Jamie adapted swiftly, shifting to a ready-to-go model that met the moment's demands. This flexibility, paired with a commitment to efficiency, helped Poppy’s not just survive but thrive as a beloved caterer and spot for locals.

Numbers Tell the Truth

What stands out is her reliance on data—predicting sales from past patterns to avoid waste while keeping shelves stocked just right. It's a smart, practical approach that underscores how even non-experts can build sustainably by focusing on what customers really want and backing it with solid insights.

This tale is a breath of fresh air for anyone hesitating to start because they don't feel 'qualified.' Check out the full episode to get inspired and see how people-first thinking can create lasting impact.