During Small Business Week we wanted to shine the spotlight on small business owners who are passionately living their dreams. Please meet Hipatia Lopez, Founder Empanada Fork who recently won the HSN Project America Dream contest.
About Hipatia Lopez, Founder Empanada Fork – I am a strong minded individual who strives for greatness in every aspect of my life!
Diva Foodies: How does your product reflect your passion for food?
Hipatia Lopez, Empanada Fork:
Empanada Fork utensil was born literally around the kitchen table where my family and I spend a good amount of time family bonding because we love food!
My sons and I are the food prep’s and my husband and daughter are the cooks. Empanadas are very popular at my parties and we were making 100 pastries.
Diva Foodies: What one tip would you give to a person who wants to start a food-product business? Why is this tip important to you?
Hipatia Lopez, Empanada Fork: One piece of advice I would tell a #Foodpreneur is to make sure you have passion and purpose. It is very important because this will fuel you to succeed!
You must believe in your product in order to expect others to do so as well.
Diva Foodies: The success of business is selling your product to people who will become repeat customers. Many factors go into the equation. A big one is marketing. Which social media channel works best for your brand and why?
Hipatia Lopez, Empanada Fork: Personally, my favorite to least order are: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
In any social media you have to “create conversation” instead of looking at it as “only advertising” for yourself.
Twitter is all about conversation in my opinion. Also, I have learned if you help promote others then they usually in return will promote you. Instagram is “picture friendly” which as a food product business -presentation is key so take the time to edit your pictures if needed. Facebook is my least favorite but try them all out and see which platforms work for you.
My last piece of advice would be to make it a daily or weekly routine but make it a ROUTINE! Post or even do giveaways depending on what your business is – give out incentives and make the customers come to you.
On a side note, a love of food does run in the Lopez family! Check out the Diva Foodies Kid Chef Interview with Hipatia’s talented daughter Alexa!
Connect with Empanda Fork!
