Today we’d like to introduce you to Moe & Vanessa Hosseini.
Hi Moe & Vanessa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always had a passion since I was a young girl for food and cooking. I use to watch my grandmother Mary Lou cook for my grandfather and would be amazed at all the dishes she would make because it was a lot. Since then when I had my own family I would cook for us but would have enough to feed an army everyone would say. I love cooking for others and always would feed my co-workers I feel I learned that from my mother who was always participating in potlucks and her dishes were always a hit which was another inspiration that drove my love for cooking for others.
I always dreamed that one day I would open up my own restaurant but was always hesitant because I was comfortable and secure having my 9-5 job with full benefits, retirement, and a comfortable weekly paycheck. Until one day after almost 10 years, I decided to make a move in January of 2022 to join another company in the financial industry. I had some trouble passing the series test so I took a break. The day I failed one of my tests I was determined more than ever to go forward with my dream of cooking for others. On March 30th I found a small trailer and was able to convince the owner to let me rent it. This trailer was so small but taught us the ins and outs of running a food business in the most challenging ways, it was gods plan to show us the way in that small trailer I felt, and it was not easy but necessary. The menu that I had dreamed of putting out one day finally came to fruition and we went forward, head first!!! Not to forget to mention, my husband was in shock but gave me his full support, and has gone through the food struggle business with me which would not have happen if it wasn’t for his help. We finally got over the hump and gained our communities support.
We knew if we could provide amazing food along with great customer service that my husband and I gained experience over the years we knew we would accomplish our dream. As soon as the community gave us a chance, word of mouth spread and our food won over the hearts of many people in the community and we took off and quickly realized we needed a bigger trailer. We purchased one and created the image we knew would allow us to stand out compared to the rest of the food trailers in the area, always put the customer first and make your food with love. We knew that our menu would be one that everyone could choose something no matter who was in your group. The menu was key and we knew it had to be versatile and one that would be great enough to serve and satisfy those taste buds. We gained traction through the love we put into our food and the experience we would give our customers, to treat them like family because I know how I would like to be treated when I visited the food business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the beginning, it wasn’t so easy because we were learning the business, and dealing with overcoming the bad reputation that the community voiced on how they felt about food trailers so we had to prove we were different and win over their hearts with great food and great customer service.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have always worked in sales/customer service in some very high-expectation environments as my husband has.
I learned that the customer is never mad at you, they are mad at the company and I represented the company so I had to make it right no matter what so that the customer felt that I took ownership of their issue and that I would resolve it and that the customer was completely satisfied.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In regards to networking what has worked for us is just talking to everyone and sharing ideas that benefit us all with the customers 1st in mind. Be open to suggestions and understand there is always room for improvement. My family is our “why”, which is why we will continue to work hard.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Justinesfood22
- Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/justinesfood/
