Taste & Live Mobile Food Truck
Taste of Success: Taste & Live Mobile Food Truck
Jerri Young, owner of Taste & Live, has made a name for herself in Southern Illinois with her vibrant mobile food truck offering nutritious, all-vegetarian meals. Jerri has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, having been part of other ventures before focusing on her passion for wellness and nutritious food. Her recent journey began with an idea and a drive to make a difference, but it started without a clear roadmap to bring her dream to life. When Jerri approached the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SIU, she was brimming with potential yet unsure of how to structure her new vision.
Recognizing Jerri’s drive and dedication, SBDC advisors Yemisi Anderson and Michael Jessup stepped in to guide her every step of the way. Together, they worked on key aspects of her business, including financial literacy, business strategy, website development, and pitching her ideas effectively. Jerri also participated in the Carbondale Accelerator Program (CAP), a 10-week course designed to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses. Through this program, she gained deeper insights into running a professional operation and developed the skills needed to build a sustainable business.
Upon completing CAP, Jerri received $1,200 in seed funding, which she invested in purchasing her food truck. With this pivotal step, Taste & Live went from concept to reality. Today, her truck is up and running, stationed at several popular locations around Carbondale. Jerri has already built a loyal following of customers who appreciate her commitment to wellness and flavorful, nutritious food. Her sales are thriving, and her reputation continues to grow within the community.
Jerri attributes much of her success to the SBDC’s unwavering support and practical guidance. "Working with the SBDC, I felt like I was as real as anyone else. Even though I didn’t already have a business plan, they didn’t discard me. I felt important," Jerri shared.
Taste & Live is not only a testament to Jerri’s passion for wellness and nutritious food but also a shining example of how the right support can transform a dream into a thriving business. Through personalized advising and community-focused programming, the SBDC played an instrumental role in helping Jerri share her talents and make a positive impact on her community.