Urban Harvest in Arlington Heights serves array of gourmet foods

Q: Describe your business. What do you do? A: #8220;When it comes to food items, there is nothing ordinary about the number of gourmet sauces, condiments, cheeses and confections stocked at Urban Harvest. Cheeses from France, chocolates from Belgium, pastas from Italy, wines from Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Scrumptious treats from around the world are just #8216;around the corner' at Urban Harvest. Our store is brimming with a spectacular assortment of sensory treats and epicurean delights: 86 types of cheeses, over 150 varieties of candies and confections, 96 kinds of crackers and snacks and an infinite number of specialty gift baskets. Q: What made you start your business? A: #8220;After 15 years in the corporate world, I was ready to try something new. I had two young daughters and wanted to find a balance between work and home. This was at the time of the rejuvenation of downtown Arlington Heights. I thought it was the perfect time to share my passion for food and wine with others in the Arlington Heights community.#8221;Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business? A: #8220;The business becomes an extension of yourself. You never really escape it, even on evenings, weekends or vacations. It is always there! You may not be at the business, but it is always on your mind. But that is a small price to pay for a job that you love and the benefits self employment offers.#8221;Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business? A: #8220;I love the autonomy and the flexibility. I like being able to create a project and celebrate its successes and learn from its mistakes.#8221;Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?A: #8220;I would have never pictured myself working with food. As I child I was a very picky eater. I wanted to be an attorney or a diplomat.#8221;Q: What keeps you up at night? A: #8220;Not much! After a full day at work and time with my family I hit the pillow pretty hard! What worries me? The same things as most business owners #8212; making ends meet when cash flow is tight, taxes when cash flow is good!#8221;Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be? A: #8220;Be open minded, but don't loose your focus. People will always make suggestions on how to run your business. Listen, take the good advice and then stay true to what you know is best for your business.#8221;

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