Starting in her home kitchen and growing into a successful bistro, Melissa Shipp’s business journey exemplifies passion and perseverance.
For 15 years, she built a loyal clientele through home catering while raising three children.
To balance work and family, she started a cottage bakery, specializing in overload and drip cakes and cupcakes. Once her children were in school, she launched a food truck, operating a few days a week during lunch hours.
The food truck was a hit, and after a year, an ideal location on the bustling El Dorado square became available, paving the way for Barefoot Bistro.
Shipp launched her restaurant in September 2023.
The bistro is open five days a week for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. For dessert, cupcakes and other sweets are available from the bakery.
Guidance Helps Business Grow
The transition from food truck to brick-and-mortar restaurant had its challenges. For instance, navigating restaurant regulations was daunting.
Janell Reeves from the Southern Arkansas University office of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center made the process smoother and more manageable.
She helped Melissa stay on task, organize the steps needed to reach her goal, and provided continuous encouragement.
“The ASBTDC was extremely helpful in the entire process of opening my business. They thought of things I would have never thought about and helped me in ways I could not have imagined. They made the entire process so much easier,” said Shipp.
Owner Shares Advice for Budding Business Owners
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, she emphasized the importance of loving what you do. Her passion for cooking and creating unique menu options drives her success.
As a business owner, Shipp learned that delegation is crucial; having the right people by her side allows her to accomplish more.
She also discovered that quality and consistency are more important than perfection. By consistently delivering exceptional food, Melissa ensures her customers always know they can expect the best.
Barefoot Bistro’s successful launch is a testament to dedication, community support, and the right guidance.
Shipp expressed gratitude for Reeves and the SAU center, along with her loan officer, Carl Sivils of Southern Bancorp in El Dorado.
She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to reach out to the ASBTDC and spoke highly of the organization’s resources and guidance.
“I had great help from friends and family, a wonderful loan officer that walked me through every step of funding, and Janell with ASBTDC,” said Shipp.
“I always hear people say, and I myself even had the thought, ‘I just don’t know where to start.’ I am telling you right now, if you start with ASBTDC, your finish line is closer than you think!”
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: start with the ASBTDC. With the right support, the path to success may be shorter than you think.
Visit the bistro’s Facebook page to learn more about the business.
(Photo courtesy of Melissa Shipp)