Andrea Kapner

The presence of health in social media is huge right now, and fruits and veggies are popping up across social platforms in a very trendy way. That really excites me.

 

Andrea Kapner is the founder of Tiny Turnips Kitchen, New York City’s premier in-home cooking class and culinary experience for kids and their parents. She is a nutritionist, healthy foods chef, children’s cooking instructor, and former picky eater and now an expert on the topic!

Where did the idea for Tiny Turnips Kitchen come from?

Growing up, I was a picky eater and I could count the number of real foods I enjoyed eating on one hand. When I say “real foods,” I mean foods that comes from plants or animals, not ones that comes from a bag, box, or carton. Because I refused to eat a variety of foods, meal time was an absolute struggle, so I sympathize with parents of picky eaters. For me personally, it wasn’t until I began cooking my own meals that I felt the connection to food. When children are served fully prepared foods that they took no part in creating, they aren’t able to explore their own taste preferences in a hands-on, encouraging way. I started Tiny Turnips Kitchen because I believe that when children are part of the process of cooking and preparing their own meals, they are more likely to eat what they have made!

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I start the day with emails and phone calls, respond to social media, and take care of all admin after. Each day is different since my clients are located in all areas of the city! I have regular clients on certain days, and I do work at a few schools, but I also have one offs and special events! So typically, I am running around most days, out shopping at the farmers market or Whole Foods, prepping food, or working at clients’ homes. It’s always varied and interesting!

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring my ideas to life through cooking, baking, and preparing food with my clients!

What’s one trend that excites you?

Health! The presence of health in social media is huge right now, and fruits and veggies are popping up across social platforms in a very trendy way. That really excites me.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I am a true multi-tasker! Maybe it’s not always the best habit for my personal sanity, but my mind is constantly focused on more than one thing. For example, while riding the train I am drafting emails, while waiting in line at the grocery store I am jotting down notes for recipes or class, and while watching Netflix I am brainstorming ideas!

What advice would you give your younger self?

Remember why you started, keep going, and always ask for help.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Always keep dreaming!!! They do come true.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I have a positive mantra I say to myself every morning. It started in a yoga class, and I transferred it to my daily life! It makes me feel powerful and like I can conquer the day!

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Connecting with like-minded people on social media. I am always reaching out to Mommy bloggers, folks in my industry, and others who I feel would be a good fit to collaborated with – any way I can get my name out in the world is super helpful!

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

As Tiny Turnips Kitchen was getting started, I met a dietician who was interested in starting cooking classes for adults and wanted to hire me. She had a wonderful background in marketing but no real interest in cooking or teaching. After teaching two classes, she realized it wasn’t for her. At this time, I pushed my own business aside for a few months to help her to see where it would go. I was able to jump back into my business and I quickly realized that partnership at that present time was not the right path for me. We were not on the same page. It was a good learning experience!

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Shazaam for Food!

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A Vitamix blender! It was more than $100, but I am able to make so many different sauces, smoothies, nut butters, milks, etc. with it. Amazing purchase!

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

I love Google Drive. I use it on my phone and laptop. I share docs and folders with clients and interns, and it automatically saves files. I love the cloud storage and it helps to keep me super organized.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

You are a Badass. It is a very empowering read about how to change what don’t love, and accepting what you can not change.

What is your favorite quote?

“Teaching kids how to feed themselves and how to live in a community responsibly is the center of education.” Alice Waters

Key learnings:

-If you are a multi-tasker, use that to your benefit! It’s fine to work on multiple things at once if you’re lucky enough to have a brain that functions in that chaotic yet productive way.
-Figure out if you are a morning or night person then use that time where you feel most energized to be extremely productive.
-Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are your most valuable resources in creating your business. Reach out to them and connect.
-See failures as lessons that help you grow and refocus. It may feel like a setback, but in actuality, you are moving closer to your end goals.
-Positivity is the key to life and business. Your business will naturally go through ebbs and flows. Staying positive will keep you looking towards the future with hope no matter what the situation.

Connect:

www.tinyturnipskitchen.com
Instagram: @tinyturnipskitchen
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tinyturnipskitchen