Ep. 2 - Raveena Oberoi - From Pastry Chef to Serial Entrepreneur

In this conversation, Raveena Oberoi shares her journey from studying pastries in Paris to becoming a successful entrepreneur and judge on the Food Network. She discusses the importance of taking risks, cultural influences on her career, and finding one's 'why' in business. The conversation also delves into mental health, building a strong team, and the systems necessary for scaling a business, especially during COVID-19. Ravina emphasizes the importance of representation in the industry and how her experiences have shaped her approach to entrepreneurship. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of running a bakery business, including the intricacies of white labeling, profit margins, pricing strategies, and the importance of time management and automation. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their business models, the exploration of vending machine sales, and the innovation behind creating protein gummies. The conversation also highlights the significance of building strong partnerships, financial management, and the unique value that small businesses bring to the community.  

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background 01:14 Defining Identity Beyond Work 03:05 Cultural Influences and Entrepreneurial Spirit 05:38 Navigating Non-Traditional Paths 07:45 Understanding the Importance of 'Why' in Business 09:10 Mental Health and Personal Growth 11:28 Balancing Hands-On Work with Business Management 14:11 Building a Strong Team and Company Culture 16:40 Systems and Processes for Business Efficiency 19:40 Hiring for Values: The Importance of Integrity 22:07 Creating Sweet Memories: Customer Experience in Business 24:36 From Home Business to Storefront: The Evolution of Operations 30:51 Adapting to Change: The Impact of COVID-19 on Business 35:01 Innovating for Success: The Rise of Cake Jars 36:15 Navigating Profit Margins in Wholesale 38:12 Challenging Seasonal Business Narratives 39:31 The Shift to E-commerce and Automation 42:58 Time Management and Delegation Strategies 46:01 Exploring New Revenue Streams 49:12 The Importance of Diversification in Business 53:44 Innovating with Vending Machines and New Products 56:33 Crafting a High-Protein Candy 59:01 Scaling Production and Overcoming Challenges 01:00:49 Building a Brand and Distribution Network 01:02:44 Navigating Financial Challenges 01:05:48 Understanding Customer Perceptions 01:09:51 The Human Side of Entrepreneurship