Day in the life of a business owner: Beverley Ward, Vicky's Kitchen
Beverley Ward
Beverley is the founder of Vicky's Kitchen, an award-winning, Caribbean-inspired food company. With a background in venue Event Management, Beverley learned the intricacies of business through trade and consumer events in exhibition halls. Witnessing brands come to market and their strategic growth over time, alongside working on the Great Taste judging, Beverley was inspired to launch her own food brand.
I set up my business because…
I wanted to be my own boss. From the start of my working life, I knew that I wouldn’t be climbing the corporate ladder to Directorship. I wanted to create the environment I wanted to work in and also the community I wanted to work with.
My heritage and lived experience have played a part in my career decisions…
By giving me the strength and determination to succeed. My parents came to England as part of the Windrush generation and it’s their lived experiences and advice that urged me along the way.
I have also been fortunate to have teachers that encouraged me to participate in arenas I didn’t think I was good enough to be in. It has given me the attitude to just go for it and see what happens.
A typical day for me is…
Well, there is no typical day! I do have a day-by-day task schedule that I try to stick to, ensuring admin and accounts are checked regularly. In addition, I have a delivery day and a collaboration update day each week.
The biggest challenge of running my business is…
Cash flow and getting on top of my numbers, it isn’t my strongest skill. Operating a product-based business means invoices can be slow to be paid and you need continuous funds for manufacturing.
Mostly working on my own, keeping on top of social media is also a challenge and at a time when our margins are shrinking, we do not have the additional funds to outsource services.
But the biggest reward is…
My network and the people I get to meet and work with. As a solopreneur the days can be quite lonely, therefore an extended community is vital. There are amazing business owners in several communities I am part of that offer unconditional advice and support…I wouldn’t be here without them!
“Failure” in business isn’t always a bad thing…
It’s never a bad thing. As many others have said, failure is a part of growth. I can honestly say there isn’t anything that I’ve failed at in business that I have dwelled on, it has only made me stronger.
The best career advice I’ve received is…
If you feel the decision you are about to make takes you closer to your goals, no matter how obscure it may seem, go with it. (John Dashfield, State of Mind Business Coach and friend)
The advice I’d give to women / women of colour wanting to set up their own business is…
Go for it. There are so many more support groups and networks now than even five years ago, that will give top tips and advice and they will really relieve the fear of getting started. I belong to the Milton Keynes Ethnic Business Community among others.
The Rose Review will also give you the foundation and insights you need.
The three qualities I think you need for this career are…
Determination, patience, and honesty.
What I do to switch off..
As a musician, to switch off I love to sing and I am a member of a community gospel choir and I also play the violin. I love gigs and follow a lot of DJs and producers, mostly my age or older, and attend their events…I love dancing!
You can check out and buy Beverley’s products over on the Vicky’s Kitchen website.
