Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Hansen.
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I moved to St. Louis from Brooklyn back in 2010, when the market collapsed and nobody in NYC could get a job. My first job out of college was for Wells Fargo. I hated it and quit within a month. I went on to become a personal trainer, eventually opening my own studio. I turned 30 and realized I had only done one thing, which was train people, so I decided to switch up and go to culinary school. I moved back home to NY, enrolled in the culinary institute of America, the top culinary school in the country. After was going fantastic, then covid hit and they sent everyone home. I came back to STL, started private cheffing with a buddy, and started working in restaurants.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Starting a business is a lot harder than people think. Getting people to work out is even harder. You’re constantly told No, or given a laundry list of excuses by potential clients. It’s hard to find the energy and drive to keep pushing uphill. Sometimes it feels like you’re dragging an elephant across the room. During my time, I’ve learned you have to have thick skin, things will take way longer, and it will be way harder than you think. But what else are you going to do? Keep going. Keep good company, keep a positive outlook, and take in the wins as well as the losses. It’s all part of the journey. You want the road to be bumpy… rough seas make the best sailors.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I’m private chef and cook. I mostly work in a restaurant in Soulard and I do events on the weekends and work directly with clients. I also have an Airbnb, my own home, that I rent out.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Like I said, it’s going to be harder and take longer than you think. But it’s worth it. If you find yourself needing “motivation” to continue on, you’re on the wrong path. Anything worthwhile takes patience and hardworking but you should at least enjoy the ride.
Pricing:
- $110-150 a person for a 5-course dinner
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ryanpaulhansen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prymalcoach
