Business lessons from a kindergarten chili cook-off 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I won my kindergartener’s school chili cook-off last week, but not because I’m a master chef. I do fine.
What I did have was the insight to know that while I can cook, I didn’t yet have a winning recipe. So I crowdsourced my network and got pointed to a family friend who is a caterer and aspiring chef. Their chili had depth of flavor that could have stood on its own.
What set me apart was everything around it:
🍝 Served over chili-oiled spaghetti (a Cincinnati chili twist — the vehicle)
🧀 A self-serve toppings bar (the extras and choice)
✨ A catering-quality tray (the experience)
👕 Personally serving in my Red Hot Chili Peppers shirt (ownership + personality)
📦 A ballot box wrapped and named “Extra Credit Cincinnati Chili” (branding)
Best compliment of the day? A 2nd grader told me he wished I was his lunch lady. 🥹
It reminded me of business building:
✅ You need the backbone recipe (the product)
✅ You need the vehicle (delivery model)
✅ You need the extras and presentation (customer experience)
✅ You need ownership and brand personality (the human touch)
✅ You need adaptability (yes, we had spaghetti and cheese for kids who didn’t want chili)
✅ And you need to know when to seek expertise rather than trying to wing it alone
The best part was my kindergartener’s face when we won, and being able to credit my chef friend who shared the recipe.
💡When have you sought outside expertise that made all the difference?
That’s where I am now… seeking expertise on medspa ownership, and connecting with experienced medspa operators, clinicians, and advisors. 🙏
This piece was originally shared on LinkedIn and sparked thoughtful discussion among medical aesthetics practice owners. I’m sharing it here for those who prefer to read privately.
View the original LinkedIn discussion →
If this resonates, or if you’re thinking about the future of your practice, I’m always open to a confidential, owner-led conversation.
