Kitchen Member Spotlight – Avni Tilvawala
Kitchen Member Spotlight – Avni Tilvawala
Avni Tilvawala | Lakeland Entreprenur
September 14, 2020
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hi I am Avni Tilvawala. I have been described as a “truly international lady.” I was born in India, raised in Kenya, married a Colombian-American and have been happily living in sunny Florida for over a decade. I’m always proud and grateful for all the cultural influences in my life that have now brought me to Lakeland where I start my journey as an entrepreneur. Aside from travel, I enjoy gardening and various DIY projects.
WHAT’S YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH?

One Good Knife at its heart is about cooking healthy, nutritious home-cooked meals using spices to elevate flavors. Everyone and anyone can make and enjoy delicious wholesome meals.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

As a former chef, cooking is my first love. I started One Good Knife to share my passion for food along with all the cultural influences in my life. Spices can be intimidating for many but I want to show everyone how accessible and versatile they are in our everyday cooking. 

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

I used to watch a show on PBS about entreprenuers where they showcased their struggles and successes. One chef said something that really resonated with me, “you don’t eat a whole elephant at once, you eat it in bite-sizes.” Okay, so no one actually eats an elephant, but he meant breaking down the tasks into manageable ones rather than viewing the intimidating job in its entirety. Don’t try to eat the whole elephant!

 

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO RUN YOUR BUSINESS IN LAKELAND

Lakeland had been in the peripheries for a while but I really feel it has managed to take the spotlight when it comes to its investment potential and opportunities for small businesses. It is a vibrant up and coming city that has only begun to tap into its full potential.

WHERE AND WHEN CAN WE BUY YOUR FOOD?

Eventually, I hope to be at the local farmer’s market but for now, www.onegoodknifespices.com is where you can find the blends I personally craft.

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DISH?

While I don’t have a signature dish I do have a blend that is my personal favorite: the Mexican seasoning. I make soups, tacos, breakfast burritos with this blend all the time. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A BUSINESS OWNER?

I love making decisions that showcase the qualities of what I want my company to embody such as a love for food, spice and the planet.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS? SHARE YOUR FUTURE DREAMS AND PLANS WITH US!

Currently, the task is basic: to make One Good Knife a profitable business. Eventually I hope to grow into selling sauces, teas and salts.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD AS A CHILD?
My favorite food as a child was a snack called Bhajias. We had a Kenyan-Indian fusion version of the dish. Bhajias are fried potatoes covered in a spiced chickpea batter served with a tangy-hot tomato salsa – crispy-spicy on the outside and soft-sweet on the inside.

IS THERE A FOOD YOU WON’T EAT/DISLIKE?
Unless it is cooked down to oblivion with no residue of its flavor, I will not eat celery.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE CULINARY DESTINATION?

Japan. Even at the humble 7-11 the food is mind-blowingly good!

This blog was written by the team at Catapult Lakeland, an entrepreneur center in Lakeland Florida that exists to foster the growth of startups by providing education, resources, community and space.

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