Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Dohner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I worked in Hollywood for more than 20 years and one day decided that I wanted to open my own business. I always loved cooking and I always loved kitchen gadgets so I decided to open my store PREP Kitchen Essentials where we offer cooking classes to the general public and sell high-quality, long-lasting kitchenwares. We have been in business since 2004 and have taught thousands of people, young and old, how to cook and how to improve their skills.
Has it been a smooth road?
Owning a small business is never a smooth road. There is a constant need for self-promotion, keeping ahead of the competition and keeping up with latest trends both in retail and in cooking. Of course the recession was not fun! But overall, being your own boss is a blast and highly rewarding and satisfying.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We offer cooking classes to the general public. We have classes for adults, for teens and for children. We have classes for all skill levels. We hold one class a day or more on average. We also sell kitchenwares, pots and pans, cutlery, aprons, utensils, etc. We rigorously test the kitchenwares that we sell out in our kitchen and classes so customers know that we carry only quality products that work and that last. We only want to sell items that will last a lifetime. This is contrary to big-box stores and grocery stores that sell what I might describe as disposable kitchenwares. Over the years we have taught thousands of people how to cook and how to cook better. We offer a lot of kids cooking classes, including Summer Cooking Camps that run June thru August. We start kids out with chef’s knives the first day and by the end of the week, they are cutting parsley like pepper flakes!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think this city is a great place for entrepreneurs, especially for small businesses with interesting concepts. For people who are starting a small business, I would recommend starting out in the more interesting and artsy neighborhoods, not in the neighborhoods that have a lot of big-box stores. I think the city would greatly improve limiting the amount of big box stores and encouraging and helping small businesses. By far, the most fantastic, interesting and now successful neighborhoods of this city and other cities around the nation are the ones who have independent shops and restaurants and walk streets. Most urban dwellers now want to live within walking distance of great coffee shops and restaurants and little boutique businesses. For me, big box stores and chain restaurants hold absolutely no appeal.
Pricing:
- Our cooking classes are generally $89 for a 2.5-3 hour class including professional instruction, hands-on experience and full servings of all recipes made in class.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12207 Seal Beach Blvd
Seal Beach CA 90740
405 and 605 Freeway close with ample parking - Website: www.prepkitchenessentials.com
- Phone: 562.430.1217
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @prepcookingclasses
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PREPKitchenEssentials
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/prep-kitchen-essentials-seal-beach-2
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