In this episode of Self StartHER, we chat with Talya Pessolano, the owner of the Dirty Italian, a thriving delicatessen in South Boston. Discover how she transitioned from a successful career in software sales to becoming a successful female business owner, transforming a pandemic setback into a booming business. Learn about her journey from creating viral charcuterie boards on Instagram to opening her deli on July 22, 2023, and the strategic steps she took to make her dream a reality.
Show Highlights:
- Career Transition: How she left her 9 to 5 in software sales to start her own business.
- Pandemic Pivot: Using Instagram to share her passion for charcuterie, leading to a loyal following.
- Turning Point: Getting let go from her job and deciding to pursue her lifelong dream of owning a deli.
- Business Foundations: Utilizing a college business plan and personal blueprints to secure a loan and open the Dirty Italian.
- Building a Team: The importance of communication in hiring and training her team of 22 employees.
- Creative Solutions: Turning kitchen mistakes into opportunities, like creating cake pops from mishaps.
- Future Goals: Her vision for expanding the Dirty Italian to five more locations.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs:
- Resilience and Adaptability: Embrace setbacks as opportunities to pivot and pursue your true passions.
- Strategic Planning: Leverage past experiences and resources, such as old business plans, to build a solid foundation.
- Effective Team Building: Focus on communication skills when hiring and training to ensure smooth operations.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Turn mistakes into unique offerings to delight customers and enhance your brand.
Listen now to Talya’s inspiring story!
Learn more about and follow The Dirty Italian:
Go to the Dirty Italian’s website
