Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Madison.
Veronica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After working for a major corporate company for 20 years, I decided to take a leap of faith and do something I loved. I’d always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. My desire was to retire by 30. However, 30 came and went. Though I was uncomfortable with the idea of someone else having control over my time and my income, I was comfortable with the convenience of a paycheck every week. I knew there was no long term guarantee, but for the time being, I knew what to expect. As time passed, discomfort set in I was no longer happy with my job. I needed something new. I needed something fresh. I needed something fulfilling. I wasn’t sure what that was, but in December 2018, I decided to seek it out.
For the first few month, I taught myself how to make t-shirts and hoodies using a heat press. It was fun, it was new, it was fulfilling but it wasn’t consistent enough to pay the bills. Then one day, about three mos after I quit my job, I stumbled across a food trailer. Years ago, I used to set up with just a pickup truck, a grill, and a table and serve food off Candler Rd in front of the flea market. I just did it to pass time and make a little extra money on the weekends. But it wasn’t something I could do full time with a full job already. However, I always said if I was ever terminated unexpectedly, I would sell food. It’s the one thing I knew I could do well if forced to figure something out impromptu.
Has it been a smooth road?
In the beginning, the challenge was determining the proper licensing and certifications needed to operate a food truck in Georgia. The rules vary by county. It took a lot of research to figure out what was needed to ensure I was In compliance. Another challenge was finding a balance for inventory. I would lose so much money because at the end of each night, I’d have to throw away lots of food that I anticipated to sell. I had to study my sales history so that I could project the right amount of inventory to bring out each night.
Sweet Heat Atl – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in smoked meats. All of our meat is slowly smoked over hickory oak and pecan woods. We’re known for the flavor and tenderness of our meats and satisfying sides. Our menu is so vast. It caters to every palate. We offer everything from beef, turkey, and pork options to vegan dishes. Our vegan dishes vary on availability. Most people don’t expect a BBQ truck to have as many options as we do. They’re always surprised by the menu. As a brand, I’m most proud of our organic growth. Every weekend we receive new customers coming for the first time based on a referral. It’s the most rewarding feeling. The thing that sets is apart is the operation is owned and operated by a woman. The day to operations is primarily ran by women when we’re open on the weekends. Most people are amazed to see me owning my own food truck. Most men are in denial that a woman can work the grill.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I’m an avid believer of being mentally and spiritually fed. Not only should you surround yourself with people and things that promote internal growth, but you should also read, listen to, and speak positive affirmations over your life. I follow people like David Meltzer and Dana Chanel on social media. Some of my favorite books are “The Four Agreements” and “The Five Levels id Attachment” by Don Miguel Ruiz. “Rise and Grind” by Daymond John. “The Mamba Mentality” by Kobe Bryant. “Crushing It” by Gary Vaynerchuk. “You are and Badass” by Jen Sincero And “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. I have plenty more but we’d be here all day. Of them all, “The Secret” is probably my most utilized tool. I have the book, video, app, and I follow them on social media. It’s important to constantly remind yourself to emit positive energy.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2531 Gresham Rd SE
Atlanta GA 30316 - Phone: 7706341917
- Email: sweetheatatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/sweetheat_atl
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/sweetheatatl
Image Credit:
@sweetheatatl IG
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