"I haven’t had any formal training but I’ve always loved experimenting with food - mostly trying to make healthier versions or alternatives which still taste good. When I went off to University at 18, I got really into healthy living and fitness and food is of course a big part of this. My first food-based product was a recipe book called ‘Rye Not’ which I published about 6 months ago, and this then inspired me to go on and doing something a bit bigger - creating a food product of my own! Skip & Chick sausages basically stemmed from my love of seafood, wanting to cut down on meat, but not feeling like the meat alternative sausages out there were that healthy or tasty. Lots are made from soy-protein or filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce, so I wanted to put something out there that was wholesome, tasty, nutritious, and a stepping stone between meat sausages and veggie sausages."
What impact has Coronavirus had on your start-up?
"So it’s definitely had an effect on our progress with development and getting things off the ground. Just before lockdown, I managed to find some government-funded resources which included a bootcamp for start-up food brands and a food innovation lab to help you get to a finalised product. Unfortunately because of lockdown, I haven’t been able to progress with these opportunities and they may not be available a later date due to Brexit (European Union Funded). As well as this, many talks and events for start-ups/ food businesses have been canceled, which would have been invaluable. Some have been switched into online webinars which is super helpful, however, they don’t quite have the same networking benefits etc. One thing we are trying to focus on is social media as everyone is spending much more time online and it’s a good time to grow brand awareness. However unfortunately for us, as we’re still developing the product, it’s not an area we can utilise fully until we have our finalised product people can get their hands on."
For someone who doesn't have an office building, using coworking spaces/coffee shops can be a nice change of scenery but unfortunately they've been closed during this time, so how have you remained focused with living and developing your brand under the same roof during lockdown?
"Usually it’s great to be able to get out and work in coffee shops or co-working spaces occasionally as working from home by yourself can definitely give you serious cabin fever. Costs can add up though, and as a start-up you’re obviously trying to spend every penny wisely, so I usually try and split the time between the two to stay sane.
Now not having the option to work from anywhere else and not having a sense of routine definitely makes it harder to work from home. It’s much harder to focus, get your head down and not get distracted by daily life. To combat this, we’ve turned our spare room into a bright and relaxing office space and I’ve invested in whiteboard wall planner to try and stay on track with my to-do list! It’s made such a difference actually and I’d recommend doing this for anyone who’s struggling to focus. You need a space for work that’s separate from your chill space. And lots of plants, plants are key!"
"So it’s definitely had an effect on our progress with development and getting things off the ground. Just before lockdown, I managed to find some government-funded resources which included a bootcamp for start-up food brands and a food innovation lab to help you get to a finalised product. Unfortunately because of lockdown, I haven’t been able to progress with these opportunities and they may not be available a later date due to Brexit (European Union Funded). As well as this, many talks and events for start-ups/ food businesses have been canceled, which would have been invaluable. Some have been switched into online webinars which is super helpful, however, they don’t quite have the same networking benefits etc. One thing we are trying to focus on is social media as everyone is spending much more time online and it’s a good time to grow brand awareness. However unfortunately for us, as we’re still developing the product, it’s not an area we can utilise fully until we have our finalised product people can get their hands on."
For someone who doesn't have an office building, using coworking spaces/coffee shops can be a nice change of scenery but unfortunately they've been closed during this time, so how have you remained focused with living and developing your brand under the same roof during lockdown?
"Usually it’s great to be able to get out and work in coffee shops or co-working spaces occasionally as working from home by yourself can definitely give you serious cabin fever. Costs can add up though, and as a start-up you’re obviously trying to spend every penny wisely, so I usually try and split the time between the two to stay sane.
Now not having the option to work from anywhere else and not having a sense of routine definitely makes it harder to work from home. It’s much harder to focus, get your head down and not get distracted by daily life. To combat this, we’ve turned our spare room into a bright and relaxing office space and I’ve invested in whiteboard wall planner to try and stay on track with my to-do list! It’s made such a difference actually and I’d recommend doing this for anyone who’s struggling to focus. You need a space for work that’s separate from your chill space. And lots of plants, plants are key!"
What do you miss the most about ‘normal life’ and what is going to be the first thing you do once the lockdown is lifted?
"Seeing friends and family, definitely! I think you need to have a balance between social life and work-life to be able to do your best work and be productive. We’re social creatures and not designed to be solitary - socialising can fuel you with energy and motivation. Other than that, I’m really looking forward to going out for some amazing food, (maybe a London food market to get some inspo for Skip & Chick), as well as some outdoor adventures! I love the outdoors, it fills me with curiosity and wonder and makes me feel like anything is possible."
What three songs have improved your lockdown experience?
Anything Ludovico Einaudi - I love working to this, always makes me feel focused.
Are there any movies, series or shows that you’ve started during the lockdown?
"Normal People - so good. Beautiful storytelling, incredible acting, relatable, I was hooked. Unstoppable - really inspiring documentary. I love anything about surfing / the sea. I love a good doc that helps you reset your perspective."
Have you started reading any books while in lockdown?
"I’m terrible with reading, I never make time for it, although I love the books that I do dip in and out of. I mostly read non-fiction. Books I’m reading at the moment are ‘Tribe of Mentors’ by Tim Ferris, ‘Unlimited Power’ by Tony Robbins and ‘A Book About Innocent’ written by the guys behind Innocent Smoothies and how they started. So many books I want to read, I wish I could just ingest the knowledge in an instant."
What have you found to be the weirdest thing you’ve found yourself doing and/or seen during this time?
"I actually don’t know! I do weird things on a daily basis ha. Such as… the other morning I reached up to stretch forgetting I had a cup of coffee in my hand and not thinking what that would mean - and poured the coffee all over my head. It wasn’t the way I was intending to wake myself up with coffee.
Other than that, I think the most memorable thing… not the weirdest… is seeing everyone on our street do the NHS clap for the first time. Such an overwhelming feeling and I feel like you don’t often get moments of unity like that."
Is there anything you have discovered about yourself during this time?
"I have a much better day when I get up early in the morning and I need to sleep more (I feel like a whole different person since regularly getting 7-8 hours sleep during lockdown)"
Just for fun - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
"Definitely be able to fly! I love being in the sky (on a plane) looking down at the world, realising how small we are, gaining perspective. Day to day life it’s easy to forget we’re on this amazing planet, essentially a paradise in the scheme of things when you consider all else we know of in the Universe."
Finally, do you think life will ever return to normal or do you think this is going to change the way in which we interact forever?
"I mean lets get deep… what is normal. Normal is constantly changing. I don’t know if it will go back to exactly how it was before but times change so quickly anyway in ‘normal life’! So that’s ok. Look how quickly we’ve all adapted to lockdown. We’re very adaptable. However, I’m hoping we do get our freedom back. Freedom to be curious, to adventure, to create, to communicate, to socialise. I think that’s what we need to feel normal and hopefully we will get that in one way or another. I think these times will make us appreciate how much we need physical interaction with others and maybe further enforce the idea that communicating via our phones is not a substitute."
Thank you so much Cait for this honest and insightful look into your thoughts and experience throughout lockdown. If you'd like to follow Skip & Chick online then visit their Instagram page where they share food ideas as well as health & fitness suggestions; @SkipandChick. You can also pick up her Rye Not book from Amazon which makes a great gift for any ryvita lover!
- Bad (feat. Zak Abel) by Don Diablo - chart song (sorry not sorry) which I love running to - my power song.
- Heavy, California by Jungle - listened to this on repeat so much recently. Just feels so good.
- Safe by Bay Ledges - amazing Sunday vibes, always makes me feel happy, content and warm.
Anything Ludovico Einaudi - I love working to this, always makes me feel focused.
Are there any movies, series or shows that you’ve started during the lockdown?
"Normal People - so good. Beautiful storytelling, incredible acting, relatable, I was hooked. Unstoppable - really inspiring documentary. I love anything about surfing / the sea. I love a good doc that helps you reset your perspective."
Have you started reading any books while in lockdown?
"I’m terrible with reading, I never make time for it, although I love the books that I do dip in and out of. I mostly read non-fiction. Books I’m reading at the moment are ‘Tribe of Mentors’ by Tim Ferris, ‘Unlimited Power’ by Tony Robbins and ‘A Book About Innocent’ written by the guys behind Innocent Smoothies and how they started. So many books I want to read, I wish I could just ingest the knowledge in an instant."
What have you found to be the weirdest thing you’ve found yourself doing and/or seen during this time?
"I actually don’t know! I do weird things on a daily basis ha. Such as… the other morning I reached up to stretch forgetting I had a cup of coffee in my hand and not thinking what that would mean - and poured the coffee all over my head. It wasn’t the way I was intending to wake myself up with coffee.
Other than that, I think the most memorable thing… not the weirdest… is seeing everyone on our street do the NHS clap for the first time. Such an overwhelming feeling and I feel like you don’t often get moments of unity like that."
Is there anything you have discovered about yourself during this time?
"I have a much better day when I get up early in the morning and I need to sleep more (I feel like a whole different person since regularly getting 7-8 hours sleep during lockdown)"
Just for fun - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
"Definitely be able to fly! I love being in the sky (on a plane) looking down at the world, realising how small we are, gaining perspective. Day to day life it’s easy to forget we’re on this amazing planet, essentially a paradise in the scheme of things when you consider all else we know of in the Universe."
Finally, do you think life will ever return to normal or do you think this is going to change the way in which we interact forever?
"I mean lets get deep… what is normal. Normal is constantly changing. I don’t know if it will go back to exactly how it was before but times change so quickly anyway in ‘normal life’! So that’s ok. Look how quickly we’ve all adapted to lockdown. We’re very adaptable. However, I’m hoping we do get our freedom back. Freedom to be curious, to adventure, to create, to communicate, to socialise. I think that’s what we need to feel normal and hopefully we will get that in one way or another. I think these times will make us appreciate how much we need physical interaction with others and maybe further enforce the idea that communicating via our phones is not a substitute."
Thank you so much Cait for this honest and insightful look into your thoughts and experience throughout lockdown. If you'd like to follow Skip & Chick online then visit their Instagram page where they share food ideas as well as health & fitness suggestions; @SkipandChick. You can also pick up her Rye Not book from Amazon which makes a great gift for any ryvita lover!
massage chairs black friday deal
ReplyDeletepole saw black friday deal
Electric stove black friday deals
Framing nail black friday deals
Metal detector black friday deal
washer and dryer black friday deal
Air mattress black friday deals
Nice post. look delicious amazing recipe Thank you and keep up the good work. Assignment Writing Services
ReplyDeleteBorgata to reopen buffet at 100% capacity - DRMCD
ReplyDeleteBorgata Resort Casino announced Tuesday that 김해 출장마사지 it will reopen 군산 출장마사지 its buffet on April 20, with a 서울특별 출장마사지 total of 150 items in 출장안마 the 천안 출장샵 restaurant's non-gaming
This confirms that periods of crisis are not only a challenge, but also provide new opportunities for entrepreneurship, where start-ups can help address the constraints created by difficult health or economic conditions, and respond to changing preferences and needs. Relevant examples in the time of COVID-19 are outlined below.
ReplyDeleteStory of self-reflection and forewarning of what others who desire a successful business may encounter. The author gives a glimpse of the possible future for barber and barbershop owners while answering questions.
ReplyDeletePreparing aesthetic food is a form of art but while adding aestheticism; one must not forget about the taste. Once; I was having a fancy dinner at the hotel and even though, the food was quite aesthetic but it was bland. I was hardly left with enough money to buy dissertation writing UK-based services as the money on food went wasted.
ReplyDeleteBasically, I was looking for online dissertation helps U.K when I landed on your site. However, I know it is not useful to me for now, but honestly speaking, I have finished reading, and I really enjoyed it. However, I wish to try these dishes once in my life because they seem more delicious.
ReplyDeleteYou are right! You have totally changed the way I looked at assignment writing services. I used to think of it as an unethical act but it turned out to be very helpful. I will now take the dissertation help from the help with data analysis for dissertationas I have to complete my final year dissertation by the end of this month. This is something very important to me and I cannot be failing in the final year of my university.
ReplyDeleteMy friend who is selling iphone store in karachi zamzama, he likes chilli foods. Skip's Fish & Chicken in Sacramento, CA. Welcome to Skip's Fish & Chicken! Here at Skips, we take pride In providing love in our comfort meals.
ReplyDeleteSelf-reflective tale that serves as a caution to those who aspire to run great businesses. While responding to inquiries, the author offers a peek of the potential future for barbers and owners of barbershops.
ReplyDeleteIt is extremely informative content, Thanks for sharing with us. visa consultants in chandigarh
ReplyDeleteStarting a business during lockdown has been a difficult process for many entrepreneurs. Not only have they had to deal with the logistical challenges of setting up a business during a pandemic, but the lack of customer footfall and the financial strain of self-isolation has made running a start-up a daunting prospect. It's important that we do our best to support these brave entrepreneurs and help them succeed in their endeavours. We should also take the time to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into starting a business during such difficult times. It's no easy feat, and it deserves our appreciation and admiration.
ReplyDeleteI think the life of a start-up during lockdown has been incredibly difficult. It's difficult to scale a business without the ability to meet customers in person, with the lack of traditional networking opportunities. Start-up teams have had to get creative in order to survive and grow during this pandemic. It's been inspiring to see how they've adapted to the new environment and found ways to continue to create value. I'm sure there have been many lessons learned along the way that will continue to serve them well even after the pandemic is over.
ReplyDeleteThe Life of a Start-up during lockdown" offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by emerging businesses amidst the pandemic. The book's practical approach and real-life examples make it a must-read for entrepreneurs navigating uncertain times. The author's ability to capture the resilience and adaptability of start-ups is inspiring and motivating.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really innovative way to enjoy the flavor of sausages without the meat! I'm so impressed with the ingenuity behind this concept; it must have taken a lot of thought and development to come up with something like this. I'm looking forward to trying your meat-free sausages; it's a great healthy alternative to traditional sausages. Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteThis is looking really yummy and tasteful
ReplyDelete