Alejandra Chavez
President of Thyme Matters
What inspired you to start your business?
I have always had a heart for serving others. I was inspired to bring the best ingredients to my community, in an environment where they always felt welcome. I have had the pleasure to do this now for 18 years.
What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges was getting access to capital. When I applied for my first loan, the loan officer wanted to give me the money on the condition that I change the name of my business. Then when I needed to scale, I had to apply for a second loan and that was equally as challenging.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
Be your own best advocate. Believe in yourself and follow through with your word with conviction. You have to be able to stick to your word in order to gain respect from other business members and from your clients.
What three traits define you?
I am guided by my core values: Discipline, Accountability, Honesty, Integrity, Consistency and Respect. Keeping my goals aligned with my core values are what guides me both personally and professionally.
What do you love about being a business owner?
I love the challenge of always trying to resolve issues, and pushing forward to grow and do better. Being a business owner is not always doing what you want, but is doing what is best for your customers, your employees and your industry. You have to set the bar high so that others follow your lead.
How do you define success?
I define success by happiness. Ultimately, when you can be happy doing what you do and making others happy to come to work or by using your product, then you’ve succeeded.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would read more and listen to podcasts. I love to learn and am always hungry for the next piece of advice or challenge.
What’s the best way to start your day?
I love having a good cup of coffee, lighting a candle, and being clear on what my intention is for the day. Without intention you cannot find purpose, and without purpose you will not be productive.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a chef. My parents dissuaded me and asked me to go to college first, so I did. Now I love combining my business/communication degree with my culinary one. Knowledge is power, so I am grateful I went down that path.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I… feel excited.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… be bold and take more risks.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… my family.
By this time next year, I will be… more relaxed.
To get my creative juices flowing, I… take a vacation.
thyme matters
Thyme Matters began in 2004 as a catering business and, eventually grew into the now 140-seat restaurant. The unique international fusion cuisine is a mixture of tradition and modernity. Enjoy a delightful selection of paninis, pastas, salads, seafood and steaks. A carefully selected wine menu and hand muddled cocktails complement a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting you to sit back and relax.
