Ashanti Bentil-Dhue, Making Meaningful Connections

Ashanti Bentil-Dhue worked in finance for 5 years before becoming a food business consultant. She is now a Food Business Podcast host and Virgin Start Up Mentor.

Ashanti thoroughly enjoys connecting women in the food business by hosting networking events for food entrepreneurs and welcoming them into the global facebook community.You can can get food business tips by listening to Ashanti’s Women In Food Podcast show on itunes and soundcloud. You can connect with her on twitter, instagram and facebook @fem_foodpreneur.

RB: Tell us the why behind your business.

AB-D: I started this business because I wanted to support other women in the food and drink industry. I want to provide up-to-date resources which enable them to start and grow successful food businesses. I also wanted to learn as much as I could about the industry so I could start my own food business one day with confidence, skill and knowledge.

RB:What major challenges did you face when you were setting up your business and how did you overcome them?

AB-D: Technology and social media were and still are the biggest challenges I face. I had no personal social media before starting the business and no technology skills. I’ve found the technology and social media aspects of my business very frustrating and time consuming. To combat this, I only do what I can do and I learn as I go along. Done is better than perfect and my best has to be enough. Where possible and necessary I have engaged outside assistance.

RB: Who has been the greatest influence on you since starting your venture and why?

AB-D: No one person has had a dominating influence. But I am motivated and inspired by the online Women In Food community. This is why I believe making meaningful connections and contributing to community are so important. Without community, running a business can be very lonely at times. You need people to share the inevitable highs and lows with.

RB:What is the vision for your business and where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
AB-D: Big vision is that I want to be the go to platform for women in the food and drink industry in the UK for training, advice and community. Right now I only focus on life in 90 day cycles – its much better for my health and well-being! So I’m not sure where I will be in 5 years.

Ashanti Bentil-Dhue, Making Meaningful Connections

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