By Word of Mouth founder Karen Short discusses her journey to success

Founder of By Word of Mouth events management Karen Short discussed her road to success with Sandton Chronicle at food, drink and hospitality trade expo Hostex.

Short said she dreamed of working in catering since she was 13 years old.

“I worked for numerous restaurants and catering companies before starting my own. I knew that I would need experience as I began my venture in a City Golf with little cash in my pocket,” said Short.

The business which now employs more than 300 people in Sandton began with an innovative idea and no competitors in 1993.

“I created something new and kept reinventing as I went along,” said Short, who attributes her success to not only her innovation but collaboration with a strong team.

The business now includes events, catering, floral, hiring and a new Frozen for You section delivering home-cooked meals to your doorstep.

By Word of Mouth has won the Best Caterer Award for 20 years in a row in the Best of Joburg Readers Choice Awards competition among other awards.

Short has cooked for Nelson Mandela, at international award ceremonies and for the soccer World Cup in 2010. She’s all about the development of people and is proud of a security guard who the business took on who has now become a top chef.

The biggest low in her career was when she discovered that there was fraud in her business and she needed to bring in her husband, Adrian, to handle the business from a financial side to ensure its ultimate success.

Advising aspirant chefs and caterers, Short said, ” Follow your dream and passion and get work experience to see what you want.”

Looking to the next 20 years, Short said it was important to keep reinventing.

“We are a luxury item and in a country with a fluctuating economy, people are the first to cut back with our industry. It’s important to reinvent yourself to stay ahead.”

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/198772/not-short-of-word-of-mouth/